Can Dogs Get Vertigo?
It looks alarming, with a head tilt and stumbling, but many dogs improve within days.
Yes, dogs can get vertigo, usually from vestibular disease, which disturbs the balance system. It comes on suddenly with a head tilt, unsteady walking, circling and flicking eyes, and it can be alarming to see. In older dogs it is often idiopathic and improves on its own within days, but because an ear infection can also be behind it, a vet should always check the cause.
Symptoms to Watch For
Because circling and disorientation can also appear with dementia in older dogs, a vet exam helps tell the two apart.
| Sign | What you might notice |
|---|---|
| Head tilt | The head held to one side |
| Loss of balance | Stumbling, falling or leaning |
| Circling | Walking in circles to one side |
| Flicking eyes | Rapid, repeated eye movements |
| Nausea | Drooling or vomiting from the dizziness |
What to Do
- See your vet. An exam identifies the cause and rules out anything serious.
- Keep your dog safe. Block stairs and slippery floors while balance is off.
- Help with meals. Hand-feed and hold the water bowl if standing is hard.
- Support recovery. Give anti-nausea or other medicines as prescribed.
- Be patient. Many dogs steadily improve over one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is vestibular disease in dogs?
The vestibular system controls balance. When it is disturbed, a dog experiences vertigo, a sudden loss of balance and spinning sensation. In older dogs it often appears out of the blue with no clear cause, called idiopathic vestibular disease, and can look frightening even though many dogs recover well.
What are the signs of vertigo in a dog?
Typical signs come on suddenly and include a head tilt, stumbling, falling or circling to one side, rapid flicking eye movements, and nausea or vomiting from the dizziness. A dog may be reluctant to stand or eat. These signs warrant a prompt vet visit to find the cause.
Will my dog recover from vestibular disease?
Often, yes. Idiopathic vestibular disease usually improves within a few days and resolves over a couple of weeks, though a slight head tilt can remain. Recovery depends on the underlying cause, so cases linked to an ear infection or other illness need that treated too.
What can cause vertigo in dogs besides old age?
Other causes include middle or inner ear infections, certain medications, an underactive thyroid, injury, and less commonly a problem in the brain. Because the causes range from mild to serious, a vet should examine any dog with sudden balance problems to identify and treat the reason.
⚠️ Emergency? If your dog may have swallowed something toxic or is seriously unwell, contact your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately (in the US, the Pet Poison Helpline is 855-764-7661).
Sources: American Kennel Club (akc.org), VCA Animal Hospitals (vcahospitals.com) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org). This guide is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own veterinarian. See our editorial & review policy.
