Dementia can affect dogs as much as humans, bringing distress to pet owners. It is called cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) in dogs and may impact up to 60% of dogs over 11 years old.
Recognising CDS is hard, as it often looks like normal aging. Symptoms include changes in sleep, social behaviour, and getting confused in familiar areas.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that a shorter stride length in a dog’s front legs might indicate doggy dementia. This doesn’t diagnose CDS alone, since stride changes can also come from pain. However, it might help monitor older dogs when used with cognitive tests and vet exams.
Veterinary neurologist Natasha Olby explained that cognitive decline affects stride more than age. This conclusion came from studying 88 older dogs of various breeds and genders.
The study looked at many factors, with dogs walking a 5-metre path every six months. A link was found between shorter front-leg strides and lower cognitive scores, even considering age and chronic issues.
Understanding walking patterns could signal dementia in dogs. The cerebral cortex, a brain area, helps coordinate movement, so changes might suggest cognitive decline. Watching a dog’s stride at home might indicate the need for a vet check-up.
The findings might also aid human dementia research, as humans with advanced Alzheimer’s often have shorter strides too.
If dog owners see shorter strides, they should visit the vet, as there could be treatable causes like arthritis. If CDS is diagnosed, lifestyle changes can help, although no cure exists yet.
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