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My dog is dizzy and throwing up after a bath. Is it water in his ears?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Pinscher | Male | unneutered | 11 years and 4 months old | 11 lbs

My dog is susceptible to mild seizures. Tonight he acted as if he was going into one (looked dizzy/disoriented). He did not go stiff or urinate like normal. He threw up and then was better. He ate a little and has wagged his tail but he's very clingy. My vet said not to bring him in for a seizure unless he has grand mal seizures. I don't want to assume this is what happened (since it was not like his typical seizures)and pass it off. Also, he had a bath shortly before. Maybe water in his ears?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Jeffrey Milner

Answered By Jeffrey Milner

Veterinarian

Published on June 23rd, 2017

Water in the ear canal can certainly cause a dog to be disoriented and off-balance. This feeling can result in nausea as well. You can massage at the base of the ear and see if you hear any gurgly or swishing noising indicating that some was caught down there. What you have described definitely does not sound like a gran mal episode or something necessarily worth a trip to vet for at this time. I would continue to monitor Bruce closely for any changes or repeated episodes.
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