Scent work can tire dogs as much as extra walking

Summarised from Glasgow Live's report · Updated 10 Oct, 07:25 · Archive

A veterinary surgeon says ten minutes of scent work can be as tiring for dogs as additional physical exercise.

Winter weather and reduced daylight make it harder for pet owners to maintain dogs' usual walking routines. The RSPCA says that taking dogs out for walks is essential for their physical and mental wellbeing, but many owners struggle with shorter days and harsher conditions.

Dr Sarah Page-Jones, head veterinary surgeon at Pet Drugs Online, says that mental stimulation can compensate for shorter walks. Allowing dogs time to stop and sniff activates their brains through scent work, which she describes as being 'just as tiring for dogs as additional physical exercise'. She recommends that owners stick to regular exercise routines even in winter, making walks slightly shorter if necessary and supplementing them with scent-based activities. This approach can help prevent reduced activity levels and weight gain during the colder months.

Read the report

• Vet's '10-minute' activity that tires dogs more than an extra mileDr Sarah Page-Jones, head veterinary surgeon, said the 'stimulation' can be 'just as tiring for dogs as additional physical exercise'Glasgow Live · 10 Oct, 06:51

In this story: Dr Sarah Page-Jones · Pet Drugs Online · RSPCA

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