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

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!

That sounds concerning for a neurological issue with Mollie although in an older pet, arthritis can also affect how a pet walks. Neurological disease can be an issue by it's self but can also be caused by liver disease, toxins or electrolyte imbalances. I would recommend to take Mollie into a vet as soon as you can for an exam and likely bloodwork. Sometimes it can can be vestibular disease which resolves on it's own. Best to get her checked out. Best of luck!

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!

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 there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The clinical symptoms you describe are concerning for something serious going on with Daisy. She could be acting like that from perhaps severe dehydration and hypovolemia (lack of volume in her circulatory system) from so much diarrhea and recent history of anorexia and not drinking water. She could have also being exposed to some toxin that is affecting both her gastrointestinal and neurologic systems. I highly recommend you take her to a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment as soon as possible. Good luck!

Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry to hear Sammy has been declining. From your description, I sounds like Sammy may have several medical issues going on. It is hard to get a good idea of what all the issues may be without examining Sammy first and I would encourage that an exam be done on Sammy with his veterinarian soon to fully discuss and evaluate Sammy's conditions. Perhaps he has osteoarthritis, other degenerative joint or neurological dysfunction of his hind limbs making walking difficult and painful for him. It also sounds like he may have some vision loss or visual deficits making navigating around challenging. Lastly, the walking around in circles and defecating in the house may be related to canine cognitive dysfunction (canine dementia). He may also be experiencing some incontinence as well. Aside from the incontinence he may have from older age, there are medications and other holistic treatments that can help with the possible dementia as well as joint pain that may help make him feel a bit better and improve his quality of life. I think a good evaluation and discuss with Sammy's veterinarian would be a very good idea at this point. I hope this helps and I wish you and Sammy the best.

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.