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Why is my dog off balance, head tilted, circling, and falling down?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | neutered | 15 years and 1 month old | 4 lbs

My chihuahua is acting strange. He is very off balance and walking sideways. His head is pulling to the side and at times he is walking in circles. He’s even fallen a few times. Any idea what could be wrong with him?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 30th, 2018

It sounds like your Toby is suffering from a brain condition, This could be so-called vestibular syndrome, a brain bleed or similar lesion. Vestibular syndrome is a condition affecting old dogs. We do not know what causes it, however most of the time the dogs recover from it within about 4-6 weeks. Sometimes a head tilt remains,, but does not bother them. You need to take Toby to a vet to rule out other brain conditions, possibly for some iv fluids and medicine to combat nausea and fear, if indicated. Here is some really good information: http://vestibular.org/sites/default/files/page_files/Vestibular%20disease%20in%20dogs%20and%20cats.pdf

5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 24th, 2018
There are a few diseases that could cause a head tilt and trouble walking including inner ear disease or vestibular syndrome, but since it sounds like Bitzy’s symptoms are intermittent a neurologic problem is more likely. I’m wondering if Bitzy is potentially having seizures. Low blood sugar or liver disease could cause similar symptoms as well. I would recommend seeing a veterinarian as soon as you are able - it may help to video one of these episodes to show the vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lauren Jones VMD
Veterinarian
Published on May 20th, 2017
Oh dear, I'm sorry that Ruby is going through this. Her head tilt and loss of balance typically indicate a problem with the vestibular system, which controls balance near the middle/inner ear. Vestibular problems can be either peripheral or central in origin, and a thorough neurologic exam by you vet will be able to differentiate between the two. This differentiation is important because different conditions can be related to peripheral vs. central vestibular issues, which helps to guide both diagnostic testing, treatment and prognosis.

Peripheral vestibular lesions can occur due to inner/middle ear infections, hypothyroidism, geriatric dog idiopathic vestibular syndrome, head injury or use of aminoglycoside therapy. In general, these lesions have a better overall prognosis. Central vestibular lesions can be caused by brain tumors, viruses (distemper or rabies), fungal infections, blood clots or hemorrhage into the brain. If possible, consider taking Ruby to a veterinary neurologist specialist for evaluation and to discuss if an MRI is necessary. I hope this helps to clarify some of your concerns about Ruby. I hope that all goes well for her!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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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.

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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!

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Why is my dog's head tilted if ears are clean and balance is good?

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Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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