Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why is my dog losing balance and falling over without other symptoms?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Shepherd - miniature | Male | unneutered | 20 lbs

My dog keeps falling over. Doesn’t act much different, just can’t keep balance.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 24th, 2017

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It sounds like Snoop is having an issue keeping his balance. This can be due to an issue with his vestibular system, or the part of the nervous system responsible for compensating for changes in location (for example, in a human, getting dizzy on a merry go round is a result of your vestibular system getting "confused"). This is especially likely if he is falling to one side consistently. Vestibular issues can come from the nervous system itself or from the inner ear. Snoop can also have a generalized weakness causing him to fall over, which can be due to a toxin, dehydration, low blood sugar, and many other causes. Snoop should definitely be seen by a vet as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause of his loss of balance and initiate the appropriate treatment.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog is tilting head, losing balance, and falling. Is he sick?

That is very unusual. There are several things that come to mind that could cause the signs. Ingesting toxins, an inner ear infection, stroke or viral infections are all possible. Anytime a pet appears off-balance you should be concerned and I recommend to take Nigel in to see a veterinarian right away. The doctor will need to perform a few basic tests to try to figure out the cause of the imbalance. Treatment will depend on the cause. Best of luck and I hope this is helpful. Please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog is suddenly wobbly, falling, and drinking a lot. Is he sick?

Hello Aim. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Sorry that Cooper is not well. This is definitely not normal. Dogs do get something called vestibular disease (a king of vertigo) that can throw their balance off but it usually happens in older dogs. I have never seen it in a 4 year old dog. I would be very worried that he may have ingested something toxic. I really think you should get him examined by a vet as soon as possible.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Dog losing balance, hind legs caving, acting absent. Is it a stroke?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. With these symptoms, this could be due to a primary neurological disease or heart condition. I would recommend having Scooter examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I would recommend having his blood tested and chest x-rays taken. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my dog tripping, losing balance, and falling when shaking head?

Hello, It sounds like Taisie is experiencing some neurologic abnormalities. It is hard to say without physically examining her what the problem is, but some possibilities are spinal pain, a herniated disc, vestibular (inner ear) infection or disease, or a brain tumor. Any of these issues could cause drastic changes in balance and falling, but the treatment for each one would be very different. I would recommend taking Taisie into her veterinarian to be examined. They can offer you the best diagnostic and treatment plan based on their physical exam. I hope this is helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My 9-year-old dog lost balance and was sluggish. Should I see a vet?

Hello. It sounds like she may have had a mild episode of a condition called Vestibular Syndrome, an imbalance in the inner ear(s). If it has been a while since she saw a vet, it would not be a good idea to have her checked out. At this age, 2chainz is considered a senior citizen & things can begin to change. A good wellness exam & geriatric bloodwork is highly recommended to make sure she is as healthy as possible going into her "golden" years. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My dog shook, head tilted, limped, then recovered. What caused it?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Peter! How old is Peter? The most common condition that causes trouble walking, falling over, head tilt and trembling is Vestibular disease. This is a problem with the balance center in either the brain or the inner ear. Possible causes are an ear infection, stroke, low thyroid, a brain tumor or if he is just old it can be idiopathic (meaning we don't know why). I have seen dogs become Vestibular and then be normal that quickly, though usually the signs can persist for up to 2 weeks. I am not sure about the relation to the food you are feeding. If he shows the symptoms again I would immediately take him to your Vet for an exam. Consider video taping it so you can show them in case it goes away quickly again. I hope this helps and I wish you and Peter the best!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my 6-month-old beagle puppy dizzy, unbalanced, and vomiting?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Dixie! Since she is so young I really worry about her eating a toxin. Another possibility though it is not common in such a young dog is vestibular disease. This is when the balance center is off and they feel like they are spinning. Their eyes tend to be moving abnormally, they have a head tilt, fall to one direction, walk drunk and vomit. I would take her to an open emergency hospital to be evaluated. I wish you the best!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share