My dog keeps going in circles. What could be causing this behavior?

Hello. Is the circling always in the same direction? Can you call her from the circling & stop the behavior? If not, this may be indicative of an inner ear infection, or more seriously, a brain lesion. You should have Snickers evaluated at your earliest convenience to diagnose the cause of this behavior. Once done, then the appropriate treatment can be initiated to help her to heal. Best to a speedy recovery & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Poor Bella! Repeated circling behavior can be a sign of focal seizure activity in some dogs, or could be due to a brain tumor or anxiety. After seizures some dogs experience a post-ictal phase, which can result in lethargy for a period of time. Regardless of the cause, Bella's behavior is not normal and should be evaluated by her veterinarian to try to get to the bottom of this issue so that proper treatment can be started, if needed. I hope that all goes well!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Since Macho Man is walking in circles, I would be worried about a possible neurological issue. Especially if he is having urinary and fecal accidents in the house, I'm worried he either cannot control his bowel movement, or is unaware that they are happening. Circling (walking in circles) could be a sign of forebrain disease, meaning something is wrong in the front part of Macho Man's brain. Since he is older, there is a chance his signs could be due to something like a brain tumor. I recommend having Macho Man evaluated by either your veterinarian or a neurologist, if your veterinarian is not comfortable with neurologic exams. I hope this is helpful.

I'm a little concerned that these symptoms you report may be mild seizure activity. Especially if she does not really respond to you during the event. Circling can also be a symptom of something going on with the head (seizure or otherwise). If this has occurred more than once I would recommend a visit to your vet for a baseline neurologic exam and some blood work to rule out anything wrong with her blood sugar, electrolytes, or organ function. If you can catch an episode on video this can be really helpful so that your vet can determine if this is neurologic in origin. If determined to be neurologic in origin, then there are many things that can cause this, and further testing and/or anti-seizure medication may be needed. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

You have described an obsessive compulsive disorder (aka: stereotypy). You are not likely to change this behavior but you could always consult with a professional dog trainer if you wan to attempt to redirect the behavior which may help to minimize it. ( https://www.sfspca.org/sites/default/files/dog_behavior_repetitive-behavior.pdf )

The symptoms you have described are concerning for a neurologic disease. In dogs, neurologic symptoms can be seen secondary to diseases of the liver or brain. In a puppy, the distemper virus may cause symptoms similar to what you described. Your veterinarian can test him for this disease by submitting a urine sample to a lab. The other option would be to have him evaluated by a veterinarian that specializes neurology. In the meantime, discuss with your veterinarian treating him for infectious diseases such as parasites.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Bundy! I am very worried about a sudden behavior changed and circling in an older dog. I am concerned about a central nervous system (brain) problem like a stroke, brain tumor, dementia/cognitive dysfunction, sudden blindness, or vestibular disease. I highly recommend an exam by your Vet. I wish you and Bundy the very best!