What say you?
For dogs, there is generally a minimal separation between physical activity and mental stimulation. Under ideal circumstances, these two things come hand in hand. Playing, running, sporting, hiking, chasing things ... all these things engage the both body and the mind. Moreover, physical activity is the best way to challenge the brain as well.
There are circumstances when physical activity needs to be restricted, such as post-surgery, post-injury, or when your dog is seriously ill.
In general, though, finding ways to keep your dog physically active is ideal.
That takes care of the body and the mind all in one.
Even when Jasmine was in such poor shape that all she could do was to lay around, laying around outdoors provided so much more mental stimulation than doing the same at home. There are smells and sounds, there is the air playing with the fur ... being outside was always Jasmine's preference no matter what.
When your dog absolutely has to stay put indoors or in their crate, there are games and puzzles they can engage with, there are tricks you can teach.
How much is the importance of mental stimulation simply about the will to live in the first place?
I think that will to live, in other words, having something to live for plays a significant role. I've seen people literally wither away and die after they lost the motivation to go on for one reason or another. Social interaction and mental stimulation have a lot to do with that.
In a way, the brain is like a muscle in a sense that it responds to challenges. With the absence of challenge, it too will atrophy.
Doing things and social interaction makes dogs happy.
Happiness goes a long way to extend lifespan. A dog who doesn't get to do anything is heading for depression. And depression can certainly shorten one's life whether it's a dog or a person.
Related articles:
Dog Longevity Survey Part I
Dog Longevity Survey Part II
Dog Longevity Survey Part I Results
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