Dogs, just like people, can lose their balance when walking at some point, even falling to the ground. The first time something like this happens to your dog, it is normal to be scared and not understand what is happening . Therefore, it is important to know what the reasons may be that cause this behavior, know its causes, know how to act and determine when it is appropriate to go to the vet.
Below, we’ll look at some of the reasons why your dog may lose balance when walking and what some of the possible solutions are. Want to know more about your dog’s loss of balance? Keep reading!
My dog staggers and falls, why?
There may be several reasons why your dog may lose balance when walking and fall to the ground. Balance depends mainly on the so-called labyrinth or vestibular apparatus , located in the inner ear. This apparatus is one of the centers that regulates and distributes information to maintain balance. Another part that also influences stability is the cerebellum , located at the back of the skull.
Changes or problems in any of these parts can lead to loss of balance in your dog. Since this instability can be caused by different reasons, it is good to know other symptoms that may appear, which will help you differentiate between the possible causes.
Loss of balance in dogs generally occurs for the following reasons:
My dog loses balance because he has vertigo
Vertigo in dogs is related to problems in their balance system, specifically in the area known as the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and areas of the brain . When this system is not working well, your dog may feel disoriented, often resulting in loss of balance. Imagine feeling like everything is spinning around you; this is how your dog might feel.
This discomfort may be accompanied by symptoms such as tilting the head, difficulty moving properly, and even nausea or vomiting.
| Causes can range from reactions to medications to more serious conditions such as inflammation or infection . It can also occur due to physical injuries that affect one of the areas involved in balance. |
Another type of vertigo that can be experienced is what is called false vertigo . In this case, the system composed of the labyrinth and cerebellum of the animal is not affected. The causes of false vertigo can be due to various disorders such as medications, poisoning, hypoglycemia, anemia or pulmonary embolism.
My dog loses balance because he suffers from vestibular syndrome
This syndrome appears when there is some damage or alteration in any of the points of the vestibular system, responsible for maintaining balance. There can be two types of damage to this system:
- Peripheral vestibular syndrome : This occurs when the damage is located in the inner ear. In this situation, there are no mobility problems in the animal’s legs.
- Centralized vestibular syndrome : This occurs when the disorder is located in one of the parts of the brain involved in balance. In this case, more serious symptoms may appear, such as alterations in consciousness or neurological coordination.
My dog staggers and falls because he has ataxia
Ataxia is another condition that could be behind your dog’s unsteadiness. It manifests as a lack of coordination between different parts of the body , which can cause your dog to walk unevenly, tilt his head, or even experience seizures .
| The causes are varied and can range from neurological problems to poisoning or diseases that affect blood circulation. |
General weakness or fatigue
General weakness is a less specific but significant reason why a dog may show unsteadiness. This weakness can be due to multiple factors:
- Lack of exercise : Just like in humans, lack of physical activity can lead to a decrease in muscle strength and coordination, making your dog more prone to losing balance.
- Illness : A variety of illnesses can contribute to a general feeling of weakness, from heart conditions to metabolic diseases.
- Old Age : Old age brings with it a natural decline in strength and agility. Older dogs may have difficulty maintaining balance due to loss of muscle mass, decreased sensory acuity, and other age-related health conditions. If you want to learn more, check out our article on geriatric dog care and what to consider at this stage .
In all of these cases, it is critical to identify and treat the root cause of the weakness. A comprehensive approach that includes a proper diet, an appropriate exercise regimen, and veterinary care can help improve your dog’s strength and balance.
Musculoskeletal problems
Disorders affecting your dog’s musculoskeletal system can have a direct impact on his ability to remain stable:
- Arthritis : This is one of the most common causes of pain and loss of mobility in dogs, especially older ones. Joint inflammation can make walking painful and difficult, affecting your pet’s balance.
- Injuries : Injuries such as sprains, fractures, or muscle tears can make it difficult for your dog to move normally, which could result in a loss of balance.
- Chronic Pain : Any persistent source of pain can alter the way your dog moves and holds himself, leading to noticeable instability when walking or trying to stand.
Solutions to loss of balance in dogs
If your dog becomes dizzy and loses balance when walking, do not give him water or food. Place him in a quiet, dimly lit place and contact your veterinarian for an examination.
As you have seen, the causes of loss of balance in dogs can be diverse, so your veterinarian will identify the reason to provide the most appropriate treatment or solution in each case.
Some of the treatments for loss of balance are:
- Antibiotics: if the cause is due to the presence of an infection.
- Surgical intervention : when the condition is more serious and there is damage to internal areas.
- Rest : In some situations, symptoms may subside on their own over time.
- Medications : to reduce the presence of vertigo and some symptoms such as vomiting.
If your dog has musculoskeletal problems or suffers from general weakness and this affects his balance, you can help him by following these steps:
- For musculoskeletal problems : Consider using pain medications, physical therapy, supplements such as canine chondroprotectors , maintaining a healthy weight, and adapting your home for comfort.
- For general weakness or fatigue : Ensure adequate nutrition, moderate exercise adapted to ability, provide plenty of rest, and perform regular veterinary checkups.
