Overview
- A peer‑reviewed study led by North Carolina State University and published June 25, 2026 found that front‑leg (thoracic) stride length falls as dogs’ cognitive scores worsen, and that this effect is larger than the effect of age alone.
- Researchers followed 88 senior and geriatric dogs enrolled at about 75% of expected lifespan, testing them every six months with filmed five‑meter gait trials and owner questionnaires for cognition (CADES) and chronic pain (CBPI).
- Hind‑leg stride length did not change with age or cognitive decline, a difference the authors link to front limbs’ greater need for sensorimotor integration to steer and brake.
- Higher chronic pain scores were also tied to shorter front‑leg strides, so authors advise owners who notice reduced front‑leg step length to seek veterinary evaluation to rule out treatable causes like arthritis or neck problems.
- The team says thoracic limb stride could become a scalable clinical and research tool to detect and monitor canine cognitive dysfunction, though they note limits including modest sample size, observational design, and possible breed and orthopedic confounders.