Why Does Your Dog Need to Smell Everything on Walks?

From lush green lawns to other dogs’ rear ends, our canine companions seem to have an endless fascination with every scent around them.

This obsession with sniffing isn’t without reason. According to Joanne Fernandez, Director of Veterinary Affairs at ABCs Puppy Zs, our dogs possess up to 300 million scent receptors, compared to our mere 6 million. This gives them an olfactory capability far beyond our imagination.

Qiai Chong, a certified separation anxiety trainer (CSAT), animal behaviorist, and co-founder of Pet Coach, notes that dogs are particularly drawn to these scents during walks:

• Human scents
• Traces left by other animals
• Food and treat aromas
• Scent markings
• Strong-smelling objects

It’s no wonder that sniffing everything has become the favorite pastime for many dogs. Through this behavior, they can understand their surroundings, locate food, and even interpret information about other animals.

Let’s delve into why dogs love to sniff so much and how we can encourage healthy sniffing behaviors!

1. A Powerful Information Gathering Tool

When dogs go for walks, they can gather vast amounts of information through sniffing alone. Dr. Fernandez explains that they can determine whether another animal passed by five minutes or several hours ago—it’s like reading a precise “timestamp”!

Even more remarkably, dogs can sense emotions through scent. They can tell if other dogs were happy, frightened, or feeling threatened when they left their mark.

Amazingly, our dogs may also have the potential to detect illness. “Some dogs can smell certain cancers or infections in other animals before visible symptoms appear,” she explains. More incredibly, they can even detect when humans are ovulating, which explains why they might be particularly interested in sniffing human private areas during certain times of the month.

2. The Perfect Brain Exercise

Sniffing is a significant workout for a dog’s brain! Dr. Fernandez points out that 15 minutes of sniffing activity provides mental stimulation equivalent to an hour of physical running.

Allowing dogs to sniff freely during walks isn’t just enjoyable for them; it promotes brain health. She explains that this type of mental challenge is particularly beneficial for working dogs like police K9s, who often become calmer after scent training.

3. A Natural Mood Enhancer

Sniffing can actually make dogs happier! Dr. Fernandez explains that it triggers the release of dopamine, a “feel-good” hormone. “Anxious dogs typically show immediate signs of stress relief when allowed to sniff freely,” she adds.

You might notice their shoulders relax and tails wag! Watch your dog’s body language during sniffing, and you’ll see their confidence growing. Sniffing can even change how they respond to training.

4. A Method of Social Communication

Even if you don’t encounter other dogs during your walk, your dog can receive many “messages” left behind. For instance, Dr. Fernandez says that a fire hydrant acts like a scent bulletin board. These scents are so distinctive that dogs can recognize marks left by friends they haven’t seen in years.

During walks, dogs can also detect signals between mother dogs and their puppies, as well as mating interactions. Additionally, through scent marking, dogs can demonstrate their social hierarchy—some dogs will always mark over spots where others have previously marked.

5. Navigation Masters

Dogs excel at using scents to create mental maps. This explains why some dogs can find their way home even after being lost for years. Dr. Fernandez notes that sled dogs can navigate through snowstorms, and some dogs can find their way home from miles away using just their sense of smell.

This ability also explains why some dogs become excited blocks away from their favorite park, or adapt more quickly to a new home when they have their own bedding, as these familiar scents signal safety.

6. Fear and Anxiety Detectors

Many pet parents report that their dogs can detect their stress before they’re even aware of it themselves. This is thanks to their superior sense of smell. “The ability to read human emotional states through scent explains why therapy dogs often approach people who are silently struggling,” Dr. Fernandez adds.

This capability to detect fear or anxiety also explains why dogs sometimes react to things we cannot see or sense.

7. Their Way of Understanding the World

Dogs use their noses to perceive the world just as we use our eyes. “Dogs construct a complete picture of objects through smell,” she explains.

With this ability, dogs can quickly detect when any new object appears on their regular walking route—and naturally, they want to stop and investigate it!

Should You Stop Your Dog from Sniffing Everything?

While it might turn a quick walk around the block into an extended sniffing expedition, most of the time, a dog’s sniffing behavior isn’t problematic. “It’s a natural and necessary behavior that shouldn’t be prevented,” Chong says. However, in some cases, it can become an issue.

If you’re worried that your dog’s sniffing has become excessive, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

How to Encourage Healthy Sniffing for Your Dog

Ready to unlock your dog’s superpowers? Chong suggests guiding your dog’s sniffing in a balanced way. Here are some activities she recommends:

• Snuffle mats
• Puzzle toys
• Treat-dispensing toys
• Nosework classes

As Dr. Fernandez says, every sniff tells a story. “By understanding and supporting your dog’s need to explore through scent, you’re helping them live a more fulfilled and enriched life,” she adds. And what could be better than that?