June 25, 2026, 10:46 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Many dogs change their gait as they age. This is usually considered a normal part of getting older. However, researchers have now discovered a previously overlooked trait that could be linked to the onset of dementia or age-related cognitive decline. Why a dog’s gait plays an important role in this.
What Happens in the Brain of Aging Dogs?
Older dogs often walk a bit slower or appear less steady on their feet. Many owners consider this a normal part of aging. However, a new study suggests that there might be more to a changed gait: A shorter stride length of the front legs could be linked to age-related cognitive decline.1
Similar to humans, dogs can also experience mental decline as they age. This so-called Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CCDS) is considered the animal equivalent of Alzheimer’s disease. Affected animals often appear disoriented, forget familiar things, sleep more restlessly, or change their social behavior.
Researchers had already observed in 2023 that age-related changes can also manifest in gait. A study by the same research group showed that older dogs with cognitive impairments often walk slower than their mentally fit counterparts. The current study builds on this and takes it a step further: Instead of focusing on walking speed, this time the stride length was the focus. The scientists wanted to find out if it also provides insights into the brain health of older dogs.2
A Look at the Gait of Older Dogs
For the study, scientists accompanied 88 older family dogs as part of a long-term study at North Carolina State University. All the animals had already reached at least 75 percent of their statistically expected lifespan and were thoroughly examined about every six months.
To measure stride length, the dogs walked on a loose leash at their normal pace over a five-meter test track. Video recordings were then evaluated to calculate the stride length. To better compare small and large dogs, it was adjusted to the withers height, or shoulder height, of the dog.
The researchers assessed the dogs’ mental fitness using the Canine Dementia Scale (CADES)–a scientifically validated questionnaire filled out by the owners. Additionally, pain was recorded so that the scientists could determine whether changes in gait were more likely due to pain or age-related cognitive decline.
These Are the Key Findings
The study involved 88 older dogs with an average age of about 13 years. The key finding: As age increased, the front leg strides became shorter, while this correlation was not observed in the hind legs.
Additionally, dogs with more pronounced signs of cognitive decline had, on average, a shorter stride length of the front legs. This correlation persisted even after accounting for age and pain. Thus, the shortened stride length cannot be explained solely by aging or painful joints.
Moreover, stride length proved to be more indicative of the dogs’ cognitive state than mere walking speed.
What Do the Results Mean?
The study suggests that the stride length of the front legs could be an additional indicator of age-related cognitive decline in dogs. Particularly interesting: The correlation persisted even after considering age and pain. The shorter strides cannot be explained solely by aging or joint issues.
According to the authors, measuring stride length could help veterinarians better observe age-related changes in the future. However, the observed effect was relatively small overall. Therefore, stride length is not suitable as a diagnostic method but rather as an additional tool to track a dog’s development over a longer period.
Can Exercise Prevent Dementia in Dogs?
This factor has the greatest influence on a dog’s lifespan
How Conclusive Is the Study?
The dogs were examined multiple times over an extended period, and stride length was measured using a standardized method. This makes the results quite comprehensible.
However, there are also limitations. The mental performance and possible pain were assessed using questionnaires filled out by the owners and not confirmed by a clinical diagnosis. Additionally, this is an observational study. It can show a correlation between shorter stride length and cognitive decline but cannot prove that one causes the other.
What a Dog’s Gait Reveals About Dementia
The study shows: A dog’s gait could reveal more about its health than previously thought. Older dogs with more pronounced signs of dementia or age-related cognitive decline took shorter steps with their front legs on average.
The researchers see this as a potential additional indicator of dementia in dogs. However, stride length alone is not sufficient for a diagnosis. Whether the method will prove useful in veterinary practice in the future will need to be shown by further studies.