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My Chihuahua is stumbling, falling, and dazed. Is it an emergency?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | neutered

I was talking to my husband in the kitchen and I heard scratching on my living room wall. I walked in there and my Chihuahua was clawing at the wall trying to get behind the couch. When I asked him what he was doing, he started to run to me but couldn't stand up and kept falling over. He would not let me or my husband touch him. When we tried, he would try to run from us but continued to stagger and fall over until he made his way behind the couch. He is currently laying there dazed. Please help

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 1st, 2017

This is rather concerning and indicates that he is having some disturbance within the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). This could also be a problem within his inner ear and vestibular system. These disturbances can happen with drug or poison ingestion, infections, or a physical abnormality within the brain or spinal cord due to trauma, or a tumor.

Jake is behaving this way because he is either confused, or in a great amount of pain and distress. Given the possibility of a life-threatening complication, I recommend you take Jake to the emergency vet as soon as you can. They can help find the cause of this and provide the necessary treatment.

I hope that helps and Jake gets better soon.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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