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

My dog stares, circles, and struggles to walk. Is it a seizure?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 12 years and 6 months old | 6.9 lbs

My dog will look up and stare like she is seeing things and then she brings one of her front legs up and she has a very hard time waking. Sometimes she will slowly go in a circle. She seems to come out of it quickly, usually lasts about five minutes.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. B. DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)

Veterinarian

Published on July 17th, 2018

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!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 3rd, 2017
The circling and seizures indicates that there is a disease process in the brain causing these problems. I'm sorry to say, but these are usually due to a severe problem (like infection or cancer) that can be life-threatening. I recommend you take Sissy to the vet as soon as you possibly can, because she really needs help fast.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 20th, 2020
Hi Diana. I'm very sorry this is happening to your dog. It is very concerning that his seizures are getting worse, and I think the best thing to do is take him into a vet immediately. He may need an adjustment of his medication, but it may be time to let him go. Please take him into a vet now.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on January 23rd, 2019
It can be the sign of a seizure type activity within the brain. It can also be a sign of a brain tumor, hepatic encephalopathy or an inner ear infection. All of these require treatment and can only be accurately diagnosed with a physical exam and lab work.
I recommend to get Brownie into see the veterinarian today as waiting can make it worse.
Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Why is my senior dog walking in circles for hours, what's wrong?

Hello, I am so sorry for your concerns about Doofy. This may not be a classic seizure, but this is definitely an indication of abnormal neurological behavior. She is an extremely old dog, so this would not be totally unexpected. It is very important to have Doofy seen as quickly as possible. She needs immediate care, otherwise she will literally walk herself to death. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach, & I am very sorry that Doofy is not well. I hope you can help her as soon as you can. Take care.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 8-year-old Chihuahua circled, now she won't move. What's wrong?

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog fell and seemed confused. Could it be a seizure or heart issue?

Yes, this sounds like seizure activity. Unfortunately at her age if she is just now starting to have seizures that is not a good thing. Seizures starting at her age are usually indicative of an underlying brain lesion. I would recommend you take her in to your vet for an examination and some bloodwork. In the meantime, monitor her closely and if it happens again I would video tape the episode so you can show it to your vet. I hope this helps. Best wishes to you and Lily.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's head tilts, paws stiffen, and panics. Are these seizures?

I would be concerned about a seizure from this description. Try to get a video to show your vet. It's common for blood work to be normal after seizures. He could have epilepsy, or a congenital issue, or it could be something else entirely. There are many different seizure medications that can help, if your vet thinks it was a seizure after watch the video (and reviewing their exam and bloodwork results).

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 2-month puppy walks funny and has seizure-like episodes. Help!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I recommend you observe him and see if the episode occurs again, and if it does, get a video of it. It could have been just Milo acting funny, or could have been a focal seizure, or something else. I also recommend having Milo checked for signs of heart disease, liver disease (shunts) and signs of congenital brain malformations. Best of luck with Milo!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My senior dog is falling, lethargic, disoriented. Is it a seizure?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The falling/lethargy episode you described may have been a seizure. This may be due to toxin ingestion or epilepsy, which does occur occasionally in older dogs. Head shaking may be related or unrelated as an ear infection. I recommend having Sami seen by her vet who can perform bloodwork and x-rays and prescribe anticonvulsant medications if the seizures continue. I recommend bringing a video of the episode if you are able to, as his will be really helpful in determining if the episode was truly a seizure. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any other questions you may have!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why did my dog suddenly struggle to walk and bob her head? Seizure?

Bonnie's abnormalities walking and head bobbing this morning sound as though they may have occurred due to a seizure. I'm glad that it only lasted 1-2 minutes, but seizures can have a "post-ictal" period afterwards where the animal can be a bit stressed for another few minutes to hours. Seizures can occur due to a number of reasons, including epilepsy for unknown reasons, toxin exposure, liver shunts (abnormal blood flow and toxin filtration) and brain tumors. For a first time possible seizure, there are generally no necessary treatments or diagnostics. However, closely monitor Bonnie for a recurrent episode. If one occurs, try to video record her actions so that her vet will be able to watch it. Also keep a log of any future episodes with the date, time, duration of possible seizure and any changes in behavior or lifestyle beforehand. If Bonnie ever has 2 or more seizures in a 24 hour period, or has a seizure that lasts for much longer than 5 minutes, she should go to an ER immediately, as this would indicate a "cluster" of seizures and require immediate medication.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share