Why Walkies Still Matter: Walking Dogs with Dementia: A guide to supporting senior dogs with cognitive decline

Canine dementia, also known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), is more common than most people realise. Just like humans, dogs can experience memory loss, disorientation, anxiety, and changes in behaviour as they age — and while it's heartbreaking, there are ways to help them feel safe, engaged, and connected.

At Ewor House, supporting older dogs is close to our hearts. Our own beautiful girl, Alli, a blue cattle cross, developed dementia around age 12. In her final two years, she taught us so much about what helps and what doesn't. Even when her arthritis made walking difficult, we bundled her into a dog pram and set off on our daily sniffing adventures. It became part of her routine, helped ease her sundowning symptoms, and gave her moments of calm and curiosity.

Our beautiful Alli

Here's why walking (even with a pram!) is one of the most powerful tools for supporting dogs with dementia:

1. Routine = Reassurance

Dogs with dementia often become anxious or confused by changes in their environment. Regular walks provide a predictable routine, which has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing in dogs with CCD (Landsberg et al., 2012). Familiar sights, smells, and even walking routes can act as anchors in a foggy mind.

2. Sniffing is Mental Stimulation

We learned firsthand how powerful a sniff could be. Even in her pram, Alli’s nose would twitch with excitement at new scents. Sniffing is a form of environmental enrichment — it engages the brain and provides sensory input that helps calm anxiety and promote mental clarity. One study even found that nose work can reduce heart rate and stress in dogs (Horowitz, 2016).

3. Movement Supports Mind and Body

Physical activity helps maintain blood flow to the brain, which can slow the progression of cognitive decline (Kane et al., 2018). For dogs like Alli who struggle with arthritis or mobility issues, pram walks or very short strolls still provide the sensory and social benefits without physical strain.

4. Reduces Sundowning Symptoms

Sundowning — increased confusion and anxiety in the late afternoon or evening — is common in dogs with dementia. We found that a gentle walk in the late afternoon gave Alli just enough stimulation to reduce pacing and restlessness later in the evening. Many pet owners report similar effects, and it’s a strategy also used in human dementia care.

5. Strengthens Emotional Bonds

Perhaps the most important benefit? Connection. Dogs with dementia may forget commands or even get disoriented around family members, but they still feel love, comfort, and trust. Going for a walk together — even just a few blocks or a sniff in the front yard — helps maintain that bond and offers them a moment of joy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re caring for a dog with dementia, know that you’re not alone. It’s a journey full of small victories, hard days, and deep love. Daily walks — in any form — can be a lifeline. Whether it’s a slow shuffle, a snuggly pram ride, or a gentle wander to sniff a few trees, you’re giving them something that matters: safety, familiarity, stimulation, and connection.

And if you ever need help, our team at Ewor House is here. We’re trained in senior dog care and offer gentle, understanding walking services tailored to your dog’s needs. Because every dog — no matter their age or ability — deserves to keep exploring the world in their own way.

References:

• Landsberg, G. M., Nichol, J., & Araujo, J. A. (2012). Cognitive dysfunction syndrome: A disease of canine and feline brain aging. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 42(4), 749-768.

• Horowitz, A. (2016). Smelling more or less: Investigating the olfactory experience of the domestic dog. Learning and Motivation, 44(4), 207-217.

• Kane, L. A., et al. (2018). The impact of lifestyle on the aging canine brain. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 25, 62–69.