Vertigo in Dogs

You may not be familiar with the vestibular system that lies in the inner ear of most mammals, but it performs essential tasks when it comes to balance and spatial awareness.

Like humans, your dog also relies on this intricate system and they suffer when it goes wrong, too — the main disorder relating to this part of the body is vertigo, often referred to as vestibular disease.

In this one-stop summary of vertigo in dogs, you’ll learn:

• The difference between peripheral and central vertigo
• Symptoms of vestibular disease in dogs include depression, head tilting and falling
• Ear infections can cause vertigo
• Treatment for vertigo includes antibiotics – and even surgery in serious cases of central vertigo

What is Vertigo in Dogs?

The vestibular system is responsible for a dog’s sense of balance and when this is disrupted, you’ll notice your pet acting in a disorientated manner. Diseases affecting either the brain or the inner structure of the ear can be responsible for the development of the disorder.

The good news is vertigo is short-lived and relatively benign in most cases. However, if the central nervous system is affected, it can be a lot worse.

Although often easily treatable, vertigo can also be a symptom of a more life-threatening condition — having a comprehensive pet insurance policy will keep you and your dog covered in the worst-case scenario.

“My dog is acting drunk and wobbly suddenly” — this is a complaint that many vets will have heard before and they might lean towards a diagnosis of vertigo in dogs.

Not only can dogs get vertigo, but many of the symptoms observed are similar to those of humans with the condition. These include:

• Depression (more likely to be central vertigo)
• Disorientation
• Head tilting to one side
• Lack of muscle control, often asymmetric (not equal on both sides)
• Leaning or falling in the same direction as the head tilt    
• Nausea and vomiting similar to that of motion sickness
• Rapid involuntary eye movements (Spontaneous nystagmus)
• Reluctance to walk or stand
• Squinting or misalignment of the eyes
• Tight circling, falling or rolling

Different Types of Vertigo in Dogs

There are two different parts of the vestibular system and the type of vertigo depends on which is affected:

• Peripheral — The peripheral portion of the vestibular system is located in a dog’s ear and can become compromised by infections, abnormal growths or adverse reactions to certain medications. This is the most common kind of vertigo and the one that’s more easily curable.
• Central — Vertigo can also be caused by a compromised central nervous system and it can be a symptom of brain tumors, bleeding in the brain or inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system. Compared to the peripheral variety, central vertigo can be harder to both treat and prevent from arising in the first place.

There are many potential causes of vertigo in dogs, but one of the most commonly observed is ear infections, either in the inner or middle ear. Not only are these quite easily treatable, but there are preventative measures parents can carry out to prevent them from happening in the first place.

In addition to ear infections, peripheral vestibular disease can be caused by:

• Adverse reaction to antibiotics
• Eardrum puncture
• Infection or inflammation of a cranial nerve
• Polyps
• Trauma or injury to the ear or head

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The causes of central vertigo are usually different and are often more severe in nature:

• Bleeding in the brain
• Brain tumor
• Fungal infections of the brain stem
• Infection or inflammatory disease

Another factor that can’t be discounted is age — older dogs are more likely to suffer from vertigo, which is why it’s sometimes referred to as ‘old dog vestibular disease’. 

Sometimes, this is due to the weakened immune system, which makes infections, bleeds and tumors more likely to develop. On other occasions, old dog vertigo will appear for seemingly no reason at all.

How to Prevent Vertigo in Dogs

Nobody wants a dizzy dog, so fortunately there are some things pet parents can do to lower the likelihood of vertigo.

The first step is regularly checking your dog’s ears, looking out for discharge and swelling, as well as keeping a nose out for any peculiar odors. If all looks OK, this should be followed by cleaning — to do this, dab and wash them with a damp cloth.

It’s also important to dry your dog’s ears after a bath or swimming session. Bacteria and fungi thrive in wet environments, so taking a towel to them and gently dabbing away at any liquid can really help to prevent ear infections from developing.

Although it’s impossible to completely prevent injuries from happening, parents can at least make the home environment safer where possible. Look out for sharp objects, such as table edges, at your dog’s head level and consider moving them out of harm’s way or covering them with soft padding.

Likewise, It could also be worth keeping your dog on an extendable lead when on walks to prevent them from running into potentially harmful objects, such as barbed wire.

Lastly, a healthy lifestyle can keep your dog’s immune system strong, healthy and a lot more capable of fending off potential infections and illnesses. This means regular exercise and a diet packed full of protein and nutrients — our partner Dog Food Advisor has plenty of options when it comes to meals that do a dog’s body good.

If you spot any of the symptoms listed above in your dog, you should contact your vet for an appointment. While vertigo is often largely harmless, it can also sometimes be an indicator of a more worrying medical condition.

Your visit to the vet is likely to start with a general physical examination with a particular focus on the ear. They will also likely carry out neurological tests to try and clarify the origin of the disorder.

A complete history of your dog will also be requested as certain medications and some allergic reactions can mimic the symptoms of vestibular disease.

If the condition is suspected to have central nervous system involvement, an MRI or CT scan may be performed. X-rays can also help to determine if there are any issues with the bony structures in the ear that may be affecting the animal.

Standard blood tests, such as a biochemical profile and complete blood count, can also help to expose any infections or imbalances that may be contributing to the problem.

Effective dog vertigo treatment depends on the underlying cause. An ear infection can usually be cured with a course of antibiotics, but a more serious reason, such as a tumor or abnormal growths, might require surgical intervention.

In the meantime, vets should give medication to treat the worst symptoms of vertigo, such as anti-nausea drugs or intravenous fluids.

They will also give advice on how to comfort a dog with vertigo at home — this includes creating a peaceful environment in which they can recover and ensuring food and water are within easy reach.

Can vestibular disease kill a dog? It’s extremely unlikely. Most dogs with vertigo make a full recovery, but the prognosis ultimately depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.

If an ear infection is the reason behind the condition, your dog could be back to their normal self in just a couple of weeks once the antibiotics have worked their magic. If an operation is required, your dog may need many months before they’re fully recovered.

It’s important to regularly check dogs for signs of illness or infection — a wellness plan ensures this is done by the capable hands of a vet who will be able to offer professional guidance on the next steps necessary