Games with treats shed light on cognitive decline in dogs
A new assessment can detect subtle cognitive impairment in dogs well before the overt signs of dementia appear.
New research sheds light on cognitive decline in dogs through a series of treat-based games. As dogs age, subtle signs of dementia can emerge years before overt symptoms appear. To detect these hidden declines earlier, University of Arizona researchers developed the CANID assessment, a 40-minute evaluation measuring memory and behavioral flexibility.
The study, led by PhD student Stephanie Hargrave, involved 239 dogs in Tucson and California, with many subjects retested six months and a year later. The tests, which include games where dogs resist pulling a treat from a tube or remember where a treat was hidden, produce a single score. The results showed that small dog breeds, which live longer, were more likely to experience cognitive decline, similar to humans with Alzheimer's disease.
While the CANID test is not suitable for home use, it offers valuable insights into canine cognitive health and could inform preventative and therapeutic strategies for pet owners.
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