In human medicine, gait speed is a well-known marker of aging and cognitive health. Now, veterinary researchers have found a similar link in dogs. A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science reports that slower off-leash walking speed in older dogs is closely tied to cognitive decline, making it a promising tool for early screening of canine dementia.
The research, led by A. Mondino and colleagues, examined 95 dogs—46 adults and 49 seniors—by measuring both their on-leash and off-leash gait speed while they were motivated by food rewards. In parallel, the researchers assessed cognitive function in senior dogs using the Canine Dementia Scale and a battery of behavioral tests focused on attention and working memory.
The results showed that food-motivated off-leash speed was more strongly correlated with both the dogs’ cognitive scores and their fractional lifespan than traditional on-leash gait speed. This means that a senior dog that moves slowly toward food may also be struggling with cognitive processes such as attention focus and short-term memory.
The authors suggest that this simple test can serve as a practical and accessible way for clinicians and pet owners to identify early signs of age-related cognitive deterioration. Because the method requires minimal equipment and can be done in familiar settings, it could become a valuable tool in geriatric veterinary care.
Source: A. Mondino, M. Z. Khan, B. Case, G. Fefer, W. K. Panek, M. Gruen, and N. Olby. 2023-06-15. “Winning the race with aging: age-related changes in gait speed and its association with cognitive performance in dogs.” Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Volume 10.
