Is your furry friend suddenly tilting their head in an adorable but concerning way? Are they stumbling around like they’ve had one too many trips to the water bowl? Your pup might be experiencing vestibular disease, commonly known as dog vertigo. As a pet parent, it’s scary to see your four-legged companion suddenly losing their balance, but understanding the signs can help you get them the care they need.
What Exactly Is Vertigo in Dogs?
Vertigo in dogs refers to a disturbance in your dog’s vestibular system – the complex network that helps your pet maintain balance coordination and proper orientation. Just like when humans experience dizziness, dogs with vertigo feel like the world is spinning around them, making even simple movements challenging.
The vestibular system consists of two main parts:
- Peripheral vestibular system: Includes the inner ear and nerves traveling from the ear to the brain
- Central vestibular system: Made up of the brain stem (connecting brain to spinal cord) and cerebellum (coordinates movement)
Understanding which part is affected is crucial because central vestibular problems are generally more serious than peripheral ones
5 Clear Signs Your Dog Has Vertigo
If you’re wondering whether your dog has vertigo, look for these telltale symptoms:
1. Vestibular Quality Ataxia (Loss of Balance)
The most obvious sign is your dog suddenly walking like they’re drunk. You might notice:
- Leaning or falling to one side
- Difficulty standing up straight
- Stumbling or staggering when walking
- In severe cases, rolling repeatedly to one side like an alligator
My neighbor’s Labrador, Buddy, developed vertigo last summer, and his owner described it as “watching a sailor who just got off a month-long sea voyage try to walk on land.”
2. Constant Head Tilt
This symptom is often the most noticeable. Your dog’s head will be cocked persistently to one side, with one ear or eye lower than the other. This head tilt happens because your dog is trying to adjust to their sense that the world is tilting or spinning.
3. Nystagmus (Abnormal Eye Movements)
Look closely at your dog’s eyes. Dogs with vertigo often experience involuntary eye movements characterized by:
- Slow movement in one direction
- Rapid movement in the opposite direction
- Eyes that appear to be darting back and forth or up and down
These movements happen because the vestibular system helps control eye positioning, and when it’s not working properly, the eyes can’t stabilize.
4. Strabismus (Unusual Eye Position)
Some dogs with vertigo develop strabismus, where the eyes appear misaligned. Your dog may not be able to direct both eyes at the same object simultaneously.
5. Secondary Symptoms
Beyond the primary signs, dogs with vertigo may also show:
- Reluctance to move
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Circling in one direction
- Anxiety or confusion
- Drooling more than usual
What Causes Vertigo in Dogs?
Understanding what’s causing your dog’s vertigo is critical for proper treatment. The causes fall into two main categories:
Peripheral Vestibular Disease Causes
These affect the inner ear and connecting nerves:
- Ear infections (most common cause)
- Tumors of the inner ear
- Hypothyroidism
- Head or ear injury
- Idiopathic vestibular disease (also called “old dog vestibular disease”)
Idiopathic vestibular disease deserves special mention because it’s fairly common, especially in older dogs. It comes on suddenly with no known cause, but the good news is that symptoms often improve significantly within a few days without specific treatment.
Central Vestibular Disease Causes
These affect the brain stem or cerebellum and are typically more serious:
- Strokes in the brainstem
- Inflammation or infection in the brainstem
- Brain tumors
- Bleeding in the brain
- Severe ear infections that have spread to the brain
Is Vertigo in Dogs Dangerous?
The answer depends on what’s causing it.
Peripheral vestibular issues like idiopathic vestibular disease or minor ear infections aren’t typically life-threatening, though they can be quite distressing for both you and your pet.
Central vestibular problems are generally more serious and may indicate a life-threatening condition like a brain tumor or stroke. That’s why it’s so important to have your dog evaluated by a vet if they show any signs of vertigo.
How Is Dog Vertigo Diagnosed?
When you take your pup to the vet with suspected vertigo, they’ll likely:
- Perform a thorough neurological examination
- Run blood and urine tests
- Check blood pressure
- Take chest X-rays
- Possibly take ear cultures
- May recommend an MRI of the brain
- Possibly perform cerebrospinal fluid analysis
A veterinary neurologist is often best equipped to differentiate between peripheral and central vestibular issues and determine the underlying cause.
5 Natural Remedies for Dog Vertigo
While veterinary care is essential, there are some natural approaches that may help support your dog’s recovery from vertigo:
1. Ginkgo Biloba for Better Circulation
This Chinese herb improves blood flow to the brain, potentially helping relieve vertigo symptoms.
How to Use:
- Dosage: 1 mg per pound of body weight, twice daily
- Duration: Use for 10 days to 2 weeks
- Example: A 20-pound dog would get about one-third of a 60 mg tablet twice daily
2. Ginger Tea as an Anti-Nausea Agent
Ginger is excellent for settling nausea and has been shown to help with vertigo symptoms.
How to Use:
- Simmer 1 tablespoon of diced fresh ginger root in water for 5-10 minutes
- Give your dog about 1 tablespoon per 20 pounds of body weight, 2-3 times daily
- Ginger helps reduce both nausea and inflammation
3. Peppermint Oil for Calming Nausea
The soothing aroma of peppermint may help ease vertigo symptoms.
How to Use:
- Add 10 drops of peppermint oil per cup of water in a diffuser or humidifier
- Let your dog breathe in the vapor to help calm nausea and dizziness
4. Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar Combination
This mixture may improve blood flow to the brain and has antibacterial properties.
How to Use:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- Give your dog 1 teaspoon of this mixture twice daily
5. Acupressure for Non-Invasive Relief
Stimulating specific pressure points may provide relief from vertigo symptoms.
How to Use:
- P6 point: Apply gentle pressure between the two tendons below your dog’s wrist for 30-60 seconds
- Baihui point: Apply gentle pressure at the top of the head where the spine meets the skull
- Repeat 2-3 times daily
Conventional Treatment for Dog Vertigo
If your dog is diagnosed with vertigo, treatment will depend on the underlying cause:
- Idiopathic vestibular disease: Supportive care until it resolves (usually within 2-3 weeks)
- Ear infections: Antibiotics or antifungal medications
- Hypothyroidism: Thyroid supplementation
- Tumors: Surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy depending on location and type
- Brain inflammation: Anti-inflammatory medications
- Stroke: Supportive care and management of underlying conditions
When to See a Vet Immediately
While some cases of vertigo resolve on their own, you should seek immediate veterinary care if:
- Your dog can’t stand at all
- Symptoms are severe or getting worse
- Your dog is showing signs of pain
- Symptoms haven’t improved after 48-72 hours
- Your dog has other neurological symptoms like seizures
- Your dog can’t eat or drink
Living with a Dog Recovering from Vertigo
During recovery, your dog needs special care:
- Create a safe environment: Remove obstacles, block stairs, and provide soft bedding
- Help with mobility: Use harnesses or slings to support your dog when walking
- Prevent dehydration: Bring water to your dog if they’re reluctant to move
- Minimize stress: Keep the environment calm and quiet
- Follow medication schedules: Administer all prescribed treatments consistently
Final Thoughts
Finding out your dog has vertigo can be scary, but understanding the signs and possible causes can help you respond appropriately. Many cases, especially idiopathic vestibular disease, improve significantly within a few days to weeks.
The good news is that even dogs with persistent head tilts can adapt well and live happy lives. I’ve seen many dogs return to their playful selves after an episode of vertigo, even if they keep a slight tilt to their head as a permanent reminder of their dizzy days.
Remember, your vet is your best resource for diagnosing and treating your dog’s vertigo. The combination of proper veterinary care and supportive home treatments gives your furry friend the best chance at a quick recovery.
Has your dog experienced vertigo? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
How is vestibular disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on medical history, clinical signs, and the results of blood and urine tests. An ear exam with an otoscope will be done to assess the external ear canals and ear drums. A ruptured or bulging ear drum can be a sign of a middle and inner ear infection.
In some cases, other diagnostic testing might include blood pressure measurement or X-rays (radiographs) of the head to assess the skull and the tympanic bullae. Occasionally, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans will be performed to look for tumors or other brain abnormalities. Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) testing may also be performed in some patients to assess hearing.
The criteria for diagnosing canine idiopathic vestibular syndrome are:
- older dog
- sudden onset of peripheral vestibular signs
- no detectable cause (i.e., no signs of external or middle ear infection, ototoxicity, head trauma, hypothyroidism, infectious disease, etc.)
- signs resolve on their own over several weeks
What is the vestibular system?
The vestibular system is responsible for maintaining normal balance. The vestibular system has central components located in the brain and peripheral components located in the inner and middle ear.
Signs of Vestibular Disease in Dogs
FAQ
Can dogs get vertigo?
Dogs can get vertigo, and it is more common in old dogs than in young ones. The symptoms, which often come on suddenly, include their eyes darting back and forth or up and down, walking in circles, vomiting, and falling down.
How is vertigo in dogs treated?
Vertigo in dogs is usually treated with anti-nausea medication and rest. Symptoms may improve in hours or days, but in some cases can last for weeks. Although I would always try acupuncture, there is no definitive treatment to stop it in these cases, and living with it may not be acceptable for you or your dog.
Does my dog have vestibular disease?
It’s quite likely that your dog’s vestibular system — responsible for helping maintain balance — is not working properly. As Dr. Buzby explained in her first blog post, Old Dog Vestibular Disease, canine vestibular disease is very similar to vertigo in humans. A head tilt to one side can be a sign your dog may have vestibular disease.
Can a dog get nausea & vomiting if he has vestibular disease?
The disorientation and dizziness caused by vestibular disease frequently lead to nausea and vomiting in affected dogs. Think of it as similar to motion sickness in humans. Managing this nausea is a priority for improving your dog’s comfort and preventing dehydration. Common anti-nausea medications include:
How long does idiopathic vestibular disease last in dogs?
Most dogs, especially those with idiopathic vestibular disease, show significant improvement within days to weeks, though some may retain a slight head tilt permanently. What is Canine Vestibular Disease? 1. Anti-Nausea Medications 2. Anti-Vertigo/Motion Sickness Drugs 3. Anti-Inflammatory Medications 4. Antibiotics 5.
How can you tell if a dog is having a seizure?
The symptoms of a seizure in dogs can come on suddenly and include their eyes darting back and forth or up and down, walking in circles, vomiting, and falling down. If you have never seen it before, you might think that your dog is having a seizure or dying. However, seizures are usually not fatal for dogs and they do recover.
How do you treat a dog with vertigo?
How to test for vertigo in dogs?
- Physical Examination: The first step will be a thorough physical examination. …
- Diagnostic Testing: To rule out other potential causes of the symptoms, your vet may recommend diagnostic tests such as blood work, ear exams, or advanced imaging techniques like an MRI or CT scan.
Does vertigo go away on its own in dogs?
They will also try to pinpoint what, if anything, is causing your pet’s vertigo. But in most cases of old dog vestibular disease, test results will come back normal and the problem will go away on its own in a matter of days or weeks, Meeks says.
How did my dog get vertigo?