Why is my dog suddenly acting restless, whining, and circling?

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!

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!

Hi! Winston could have a couple of things going on, but it sounds like he may have an ear infection which is affecting his balance. There is a nerve that runs inside the ear called the vestibular nerve, and with large ear infections it can affect this nerve and their balance. This causes circling, incoordination and discomfort. I would recommend having your vet check him for an ear infection and then go from there. Good luck!

Hi there. Yes, this definitely sounds concerning. Sudden behavior changes are often due to an underlying medication problem - Wanda may be in pain or not feeling well, or may have ingested something toxic that is causing neurologic symptoms. I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam right away. He/she can do blood work or other testing if needed to help diagnose the problem and get her started on appropriate treatment.

There are an umber of possibilities but I would be concerned she may have ear or dental issues causing pain, discomfort and disorientation. Older dogs can also develop cognitive dysfunction (similar to dementia) which can cause similar signs - a full check up by your local vet would be recommended as soon as possible as early medication can help relieve many of these symptoms

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.

That is unusual behavior. I recommend to have Sandy examined by her veterinarian today. Also try to record the behavior before your visit so that the veterinarian can see it as well. The most common causes for a pet to exhibit this abnormal movement are inner ear infections, damage to ear drum or a foreign object stuck in the ear. Other potential causes that would be less common would be meningitis, an infection in the nervous system, a brain tumor, toxin ingestion or canine vestibular disease. The doctor will perform a thorough physical exam. They will try to determine if there is any signs of neurologic involvement and check the ear canals very well. From there they may recommend further diagnostics depending upon the physical exam findings. I hope she gets back to her regular self quickly and please feel free to post any additional questions.