It was sometime during the slow last months of my 17-year-old terrier mix, Frankie's life. She was pretty much bedridden, and our daily walks around the block were now memories. One afternoon, my son brought in a few leaves and sticks from our usual neighborhood walking route and placed them on her bed. My first instinct was to worry about the mess and the bugs, but then I saw Frankie’s nose begin to twitch. Her tail started to wag. In that moment, the "mess" didn't matter. We continued to bring the neighborhood to her, refreshing her bed with new scents until she passed.
I recently came across an article that discussed the importance of allowing your dog to smell everything on their walks - a "Sniffari" so to speak and remembered the leaves and sticks sitting next to Frankie's bed. I'm glad to be sharing a modified version of the "Sniffari" with you. - k. bush
The "Indoor Sniffari" and "Scent Souvenirs"
On your own walks, collect "Scent Souvenirs". These are natural items your dog hasn't smelled in a while and provides stationary enrichment that keeps them connected to the outside world.
Suggested souvenirs:
Rock or stone
Pinecones, a piece of tree bark, sticks
A bunch of tall field grass or just grass from the lawn.
Neighborhood "News": A leaf from a neighbor's yard where other dogs frequent
A shell or river stone if you live near water
Add a Reward: Hide a few soft or freeze dried treats among the items to encourage them to keep exploring. If your pup has no teeth, soft treats are the way to go. Consult with your vet on ingredients.
The Senior Safety Protocol
Avoid High-Traffic Areas: Don't pick up items from parks that use heavy chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
No "Sampling": This is a sniffing activity, not a chewing one. If your senior is a "shredder," keep the items inside a small mesh bag (like one for vegetables) so they can smell but not swallow.
Check for Toxins: Always cross-reference your finds with a Safety Guide to Toxic Plants and Woods.
The Outdoor Senior Sniffari: Slow & Steady
If your dog can still walk short distances, an outdoor Sniffari is about quality, not quantity.
By shifting your focus from physical distance to mental stimulation, you can improve your senior dog's quality of life, combat "doggie dementia," and keep them tired and happy without straining their joints.
Essential Gear for the Aging Explorer:
Orthopedic Support Harness: Skip the collar. A Supportive Lift Harness allows you to help them over curbs or stabilize them if they stumble while sniffing.
There are lots of types of harnesses and my advice is to confer with your vet but the one I have linked is one that is very simple to use and doesn't have a lot of buckles or clasps which should be a consideration if you struggle with these types of things.
Why "Nose Work" is Vital for Senior Dog Wellness
For an aging dog, 15 minutes of sniffing is often more exhausting—and more rewarding—than a 45-minute walk.
Low-Impact Exercise: Sniffing is the ultimate "gentle gym." It burns mental energy without causing inflammation in arthritic joints.
Fighting Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD): Just like humans doing crosswords, dogs need "brain games" to stay sharp. Engaging the olfactory bulb helps maintain neural pathways.
Anxiety & Boredom Relief: Senior dogs who can't move much often get "cabin fever." A Sniffari provides the sensory input they crave.
The "Senior Sniffari" is such a simple but meaningful activity to enrich your senior dog's life, and I sincerely hope it brings joy to you and your family as you share the golden years with your beloved furry family member.
-k. bush