Dog stride length linked to early signs of cognitive decline, study finds

Researchers at North Carolina State University have found that a dog's stride length can be an early indicator of cognitive decline. The study, published in "Frontiers in Veterinary Science," observed 88 older dogs, averaging 12 years old, over a period of time.

Scientists noted that a decline in cognitive function, particularly in older dogs, correlated with a shorter stride length, especially in their front limbs. This observation aligns with similar findings in humans, where changes in gait have been linked to cognitive impairments and dementia.

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We know that in humans, changes in stride length have been linked to cognitive impairment and dementia. This had not been explored in dogs, so we conducted this study to look into the issue.

Dogs in the study underwent regular physical, neurological, and orthopedic examinations. They also completed standardized cognitive function tests, and their owners filled out questionnaires assessing dementia and pain levels. Experts meticulously measured the stride length of both front and hind limbs.

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Our results show that cognitive decline has a subtle impact on stride length and may serve as an early indicator of functional decline in aging dogs.

The research indicated that higher scores on the Canine Dementia Scale (CADES) were associated with a reduced stride length. A 10-point increase in the CADES score corresponded to approximately a 1.2% decrease in front limb stride length. Interestingly, the stride length of the hind limbs did not show a correlation with cognitive function changes.

Dr. Natasha Olby, a co-author of the study, explained that the front limbs play a crucial role in braking and stabilizing posture, making their movement potentially more sensitive to cognitive changes originating in the cerebral cortex. While stride length alone is not sufficient for diagnosis, researchers suggest it can be a valuable component in a broader assessment of a dog's cognitive health, encouraging owners to observe this subtle change in their aging pets.

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The thoracic limbs play a key role in braking and postural stability, whereas the pelvic limbs primarily act as propulsion. The movement of the thoracic limbs is likely more influenced by the cerebral cortex than the movement of the pelvic limbs and may be more sensitive to visual or spatial awareness impairments.