Could low thyroid be causing my senior dog's spinning and dizziness?

I'm sorry to hear Badger is having issues. There could be multiple causes for the dizzy-like spells you are seeing, including an orthopedic issue, an underlying medical issue, or a neurologic issue. Neurologically older dogs can get something called vestibular disease, which affects the inner ear and controls balance. When affected, this leads to vertigo like symptoms. Vestibular disease can be seen in older dogs with no apparent underlying cause, or can be secondary to an inner ear infection or growth in the inner ear. I would recommend he be evaluated by his regular veterinarian to determine the underlying causes for the issue he is having, have any necessary testing done (X-ray, bloodwork) and start any treatment that he may need. Good luck!

Since it has been happening for some time and she has recently developed new symptoms, Emma should be examined by your veterinarian. A physical exam and bloodwork (CBC, chemistry/thyroid panels, urinalysis) may diagnose metabolic or neurologic issues, especially in a senior pet. Severe, chronic ear infections may also affect balance.

There is something called Old Dog Vestibular Disease, that causes dogs to suddenly appear to be totally unable to balance, be nauseous, spine in circles, or even be unable to stand. This happens for no particular reason, and usually improves over a few weeks with patience and supportive care (anti-nausea medication and fluid/nutritional support as needed). It is important to check for middle ear infections (which requires the otoscope at the vet clinic), general blood work and thyroid levels, and do an exam to make sure she doesn't have signs of other neurologic issues that would suggest a brain tumor. So, I'd advise keeping her safe tonight by blocking stairs, removing water boils, etc and taking her to the vet tomorrow to be checked out.

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.

I would recommend that you have Sweety examined by a vet. Unspayed older dogs are at risk for developing a life-threatening infection in the uterus. Other possible causes for ataxia (walking drunk) are vestibular syndrome, ear infection, body infection, kidney or liver disease, etc. The vet will do a thorough physical and neurologic exam and may recommend blood work to see what could be going on.

She does need to see a vet as soon as you can as this sounds like a neurological problem. It may be a stroke, an inner ear infection, or vestibular disease. Your vet will examine her and start her on medicine to help with the dizziness and off balance so she can rest. Most regain normal function with time and treatment.

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!