Potential causes include inner/middle ear infections, intoxication, strokes, tumors, infectious or inflammatory diseases (meningitis), idiopathic vestibular disease (also called “old dog” vestibular syndrome), or other less likely causes.

What does it mean when your dog walks like he's drunk?

Vestibular ataxia is the result of an issue with the inner ear or brainstem. Other signs of Ataxia along with staggering, stumbling and falling over could include head tilt, walking in circles, vomiting, nausea, and flicking of the eyes from side to side.

Why is my dog suddenly walking off balance?

Is your dog staggering, stumbling, or falling over? Loss of balance can result from a number of serious underlying medical issues, including poisoning, stroke, injury, or an infection.

Why is my dog staggering all of a sudden?

If your dog is staggering, stumbling, or falling over, it may be the result of a variety of medical issues, including injury, stroke, poisoning, or an infection.

What are the signs of a stroke in a dog?

Signs of a stroke are variable depending on the region or regions of the brain affected, and the degree and duration of blood and oxygen deprivation. There may be sudden collapse, a head tilt, blindness, circling, stumbling, rapidly moving pupils, or simply disorientation.

Why is My Dog Staggering and Walking Like Drunk (Stumbling)

What does a mini stroke look like in a dog?

In the case of a stroke, your pet's brain sends incorrect signals to their body. For example, your pet may not be able to respond to your spoken directions. Instead, he may move in a directionless fashion and seem to be walking in circles. He may appear as though he is drunk and be unable to walk in a straight line.

Why is my dog suddenly lethargic and wobbly?

When to See a Vet. Things that can make your dog lethargic and weak can range from infection and disease to pain and medication. And because weakness and lethargy can indicate anything from a chronic condition to a life-threatening illness, you should always talk to your vetwhen you notice either symptom.

Why is my dog walking sideways and stumbling?

My dog is walking sideways and falling over; what's going on? A few reasons your dog may be walking sideways are injury, hip dysplasia, and vestibular disease. If your dog has started to walk sideways, it's best to have him evaluated by a veterinarian for an underlying condition.

How do I know if my dog is poisoned?

"Most common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and seizures," Wismer says. "In severe cases, ingestion of poisonous plants can lead to liver failure, kidney failure, and cardiovascular problems.

What causes wobbly dog syndrome?

The etiology of wobbler syndrome is not fully understood and it appears to have many contributing factors. Several factors thought to be influential in the development of wobblers in dogs include genetic predisposition and nutritional problems, such as a high protein diet.

Why is my dog wobbly and off balance all of a sudden and shaking?

Injury, stroke, poisoning, and infections can all cause your dog to lose its balance. Because these things can be dangerous or even life threatening, call your vet immediately if your dog is falling down.

What does ataxia look like in dogs?

Dogs that have ataxia may fall, have difficulty walking, walk in circles, or tilt their heads. You may notice that your dog's eyes flutter side to side or up and down. Vestibular ataxia can make your dog feel dizzy and nauseated and may cause vomiting.

Why is my dog walking wobbly back legs?

If he is having a hard time walking, or he is staggering and wobbling on his feet, this back leg weakness may be a result of muscle atrophy, pain, or nerve damage. Other signs that can alert you to this condition are a reluctance or inability to stand, lameness, or paralysis in the legs.

Why is my dog dizzy and off balance?

While alarming to watch, vestibular disease is a common condition in dogs and cats (and rabbits and ferrets, too), and is very similar to vertigo in humans. An inner ear imbalance can cause incoordination, turning, leaning, or even falling and rolling.

How do you treat a drunk dog?

Alcohol Poisoning Treatment

Your vet may induce vomiting to rid their body of the toxins. Adjusting your dog's body temperature, ventilation, and keeping them hydrated can help them recover. Intravenous fluids aid in the elimination of alcohol. If the dog's symptoms are severe, intubation may be needed.

What are signs of parvo?

Some of the signs of parvovirus include lethargy; loss of appetite; abdominal pain and bloating; fever or low body temperature (hypothermia); vomiting; and severe, often bloody, diarrhea.

What are the signs of kidney failure in a dog?

How do you flush poison out of a dog's system?

If the animal is unconscious, the stomach may be flushed with a stomach tube, or surgery on the stomach may be needed. Laxatives and medications used to empty the bowels may be recommended in some instances to help remove the poison from the gastrointestinal tract.

Why is my dog acting weird and walking weird?

Potential causes include inner/middle ear infections, intoxication, strokes, tumors, infectious or inflammatory diseases (meningitis), idiopathic vestibular disease (also called “old dog” vestibular syndrome), or other less likely causes.

Why is my dog acting weird and stumbling?

If your dog is staggering, stumbling, or falling over, it could be the result of a number of medical issues, including injury, stroke, poisoning, or an infection. In today's post, our Tucson Emergency Vets explain some of the reasons why your dog may not be able to stand or move normally.

What disease affects a dog's balance?

Canine idiopathic vestibular disease often referred to as 'old dog vestibular syndrome', is a sudden and non-progressive disturbance of balance. This disorder stems from issues affecting the dog's vestibular system within the brain, located in the inner ear, and middle ear.

What are the first signs of heartworms in dogs?

Signs of heartworm disease may include a mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, fatigue after moderate activity, decreased appetite, and weight loss. As heartworm disease progresses, pets may develop heart failure and the appearance of a swollen belly due to excess fluid in the abdomen.

What is Addison's disease in dogs?

Hypoadrenocorticism is an uncommon disease in dogs, and it is caused by a deficiency of essential hormones that are made by the adrenal glands. Also known as Addison's disease, the clinical signs may appear as vague signs of illness that come and go.

What is the life expectancy of a dog with wobblers syndrome?

Again, it depends on how severe are the spinal lesions, how much neurological impairment is present and the type of treatment. Typically, based on our studies, the mean survival time of dogs with wobblers is approximately 4 years. This survival is the same whether the dogs is treated medically or surgically.

How do you tell if a dog had a stroke or vestibular disease?

With the latter, especially, a dog may leap after a tennis ball, yelp with pain and immediately have difficulty walking. This can occur in dogs of all ages. Signs of a stroke can be subtle but may also include head tilt, circling, weakness, paralysis of one or more limbs, loss of urine or bowel control and collapse.

---