why dogs sniff more in autumn
Have you noticed your dog stopping more often to sniff when the leaves start falling? It’s not your imagination - autumn is a sniffing season! Here’s why:
1) Cooler, damper air holds scent better
Moist ground and fallen leaves trap smells instead of letting them fade away quickly. Rain also helps wash out scents so they linger longer at nose level, making it easier and more exciting for dogs to investigate.
2) Leaf litter = a scent explosion
When leaves fall and start to break down, they release all sorts of earthy and woody smells. Add in mushrooms, damp soil, and that ‘after-rain’ scent we humans love (called petrichor) and you’ve got a rich environment that dogs find irresistible.
3) Calm autumn mornings make scents stronger
On still, cool mornings, smells don’t blow away as fast. Instead, they sit closer to the ground - right where your dog’s nose can catch them.
4) Wildlife leaves more messages
Autumn is an active time for wildlife. Deer, foxes marking and lots of other animals are leaving strong scent trails. For dogs, it’s like checking the local news - every tree and path carries an update.
How dogs make the most of it
Dogs are built to sniff. Their noses contain hundreds of millions of scent receptors (compared to our few million), and the way they breathe pulls odors deep into special scent chambers. Every sniff gathers layers of detail, like who passed by, how long ago, what they ate and even their emotional state.
What this means for your walks
Expect more sniffing stops. There’s genuinely more to smell, so letting your dog take their time is a form of mental enrichment.
After-rain walks are extra rewarding. Damp conditions bring out even more scent.
Try a “sniffari.” Instead of rushing, let your dog choose the pace and explore piles of leaves, grassy patches, and woodland edges.
Autumn turns the world into a scent-filled playground for dogs. By allowing them the freedom to sniff, you’re meeting their natural needs and giving them the canine equivalent of reading a really good book.
