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Swaying Back and Forth in Dogs
Written By Darlene Stott
Published: 07/24/2017Updated: 07/14/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What is Swaying Back and Forth?
Whenever the connection between the brain and the inner ears are interrupted, the balance is affected. The system that controls balance is called the vestibular system, which has its central components located in the brain and the peripheral components within the ear. If this system is damaged in any way, vestibular disease can occur. Typically seen in older dogs, the definition of this disease is a sudden and non-progressive disturbance of balance. While there are quite a few reasons why vestibular disease can occur, here are some of the most common ones:
- Middle or inner ear infections
- Trauma or injury
- Tumors
- Stroke
- Tick-borne Illness
- Idiopathic (no known reason; typically occurring in geriatrics)
To address the issue, we must treat the underlying problem e.g. an ear infection or polyp.
If your dog has idiopathic vestibular disease, remember that this type of vestibular disease typically isn’t harmful and usually will go away on its own. There is no actual cure for vestibular disease, yet steps can be taken in order to help the healing process go smoothly; such as nausea medication and a medicine called propentofylline, which can help hasten the brain’s ability of restoring itself after damage. Just like the disease can occur quickly, it can also leave quickly on its own with little to no medical assistance.
If you notice that your dog is swaying back and forth for a prolonged period of time, along with any of the other vestibular disease symptoms listed below, you may want to visit your vet in order to determine the underlying issue. If none is detected, such as an ear infection, the best thing you can do it to make your dog comfortable while he heals.
Why Swaying Back and Forth Occurs in Dogs
Vestibular disease affects the nerves that send messages back and forth from the dog’s eyes, inner ears, and body. In doing so, it alters the dog’s ability to balance thus causing him to sway back and forth either while standing or walking. Other symptoms of vestibular disease are:
- Head tilt
- Eye movement from side to side (nystagmus)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tumbling or falling in the direction of the head tilt
- Reduced appetite
- Reluctance to move
There are quite a few reasons why vestibular disease can occur such as ear infections, trauma or injury, tumors, stroke, or even a tick-borne illness like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Although it can be unnerving to see your pet lose balance and control of some normal functions, vestibular disease is often treatable.
Middle or Inner Ear Infections
As a common cause of irritation in dogs at all ages, it may come as no surprise to discover that an ear infection can cause your dog to become unbalanced. If this is the case, your vet can prescribe medication to help take away the infection.
Trauma or Injury
In severe cases of trauma or injury, the imbalance from vestibular disease may not fully recover. However, if it is a minor injury, using the “wait and see” approach may allow enough time for the problem to fully dissipate on its own. If you wait a few days after a minor injury and the problem still persists, take your dog to the vet in order to determine what the underlying issue may be.
Tumors
Tumors on the brain can be a cause for vestibular disease. This growth can interrupt the connection between the central and peripheral components of the vestibular system, making it difficult for the dog to find his bearings. If you notice that your dog is showing signs of vestibular disease, such as swaying back and forth as he walks, holding his head at a tilt, and rapid eye movement, you may want to take your dog to the vet immediately in order to run tests.
Stroke
While vestibular disease can be mistaken for stroke, there is a very possible chance that your dog may be experiencing a stroke. Strokes are less common than most owners assume. If you see that your dog is walking with a head tilt, swaying, and has a loss of appetite you may want to check in with the vet as to any underlying issues, such as stroke. Idiopathic vestibular disease often leaves just as quickly as it appears, with little to no medical assistance. However, if the reason for your dog’s swaying back and forth is a stroke, the symptoms will linger and you will want to speak with your vet about treatment for your pet.
Tick-Borne Illness
Ticks are nasty little bugs that can carry diseases such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, which is transmitted by the American dog tick and the lone star tick. In dogs, this fever starts suddenly and can result in sickness that lasts for a couple of weeks. The symptoms are:
- Neurological abnormalities (loss of balance, confusion, lethargy)
- Stiffness when walking
This fever can be deadly if not treated promptly enough. If you notice that your dog has been bitten by a tick and he begins to show symptoms of RMSF, then you will want to get your dog to the vet immediately for treatment. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is located all throughout the United States and Canada.
What to do if your Dog is Swaying Back and Forth
If your dog is swaying back and forth, the first thing you should do is have them examined by their vet. Often times, problems such as Idiopathic Vestibular disease will resolve in a few days, without any assistance from medication. However, many will need supportive care during this time.
After determining what may be causing your dog’s swaying back and forth, you will need to determine how best to handle the situation. If the problem will resolve itself over time, make your dog comfortable until he is better. You can do this by giving him medication for nausea, providing a quiet place for him to lay, and assisting when he needs to go out and relieve himself. Sometimes the symptoms of serious underlying issues like tumors are more permanent. If that is the case, you will need to constantly help your dog do things such as get upstairs and outside for the restroom. Other lingering effects may be a slight head tilt, which should not lessen your dog’s quality of life in any way. While this may be difficult, with help and care your dog can still live a full and happy life.
Prevention of Swaying Back and Forth
In order to prevent swaying back and forth due to ear infections, the best thing that you can do is perform frequent ear cleanings for your dog. Doing this will help to decrease the chance of an infection setting in due to any foreign bodies or bugs creating damage to the ear. You can perform ear checks and cleanings at home, but always remember to use a gentle cleanser and cotton balls to clean the ear, never alcohol or Q-tips as they can harm the eardrum.
Other, more serious, underlying issues are a bit more difficult to prevent. Problems such as tumors and stroke tend to come with age and can be caught early with frequent vet checkups. To prevent a tick-borne illness, be sure to check your dog for ticks after playing around outside. Use tick prevention medicine. Comb through the hair around and inside the ears, as well as around the groin. If you notice that you dog has been bitten by a tick monitor him carefully. If any symptoms such as fever, vomiting, lethargy, difficulty breathing, and loss of balance occur take him to the vet immediately for treatment.
Cost of Swaying Back and Forth
Treatment cost will vary depending on the cause of your dog’s swaying. For instance, if your dog is diagnosed with an ear infection, the average cost of treatment is $300. If your dog is diagnosed with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, the cost of treatment can range from $1,500 to $8,000 depending on the cost of living and the severity.
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Swaying Back and Forth Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
chihuahua mix
9 weeks
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swaying
Hi, I got my puppers a week ago. She’s perfect! Except last night when I got home. She was sleeping. She slept from 10pm til 8:00am this morning. I’ve attempted to try and get her to eat. She just wants to sleep. When she sits there she just sways back and forth. She pooped today but it seems to be a bit of a struggle and then she rubbed her butt on the floor for a sec.
March 11, 2021
Answered by Dr. Maureen M. DVM
1 Recommendations
Hi
Pull it tend to sleep longer hours than adult dogs since they are growing at a fast rate. It's at this time that most growth sprouts occur which can also take a toll on their energy levels, therefore longer sleeping hours.
That said, I would still advise you have a vet take a look at her in case she may be incubating any infections. Vaccinations and deworming are also important at this stage.
March 20, 2021
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Dachshund
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
My puppy looks she is very sleepy and she keeps swaying side to side when she is sitting or standing still.
Feb. 11, 2021
Answered by Dr. Maureen M. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hi,
Sorry about that.
She could be wanting to take a nap thus swaying as she drifts in and out of sleep. Puppies tend to sleep for more hours compared to adult dogs.
However, if the symptoms persist especially when she is not sleepy please have her checked out by a vet.
Good luck
Feb. 11, 2021
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Airedale Terrier
One Week
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
The dog doesn't really have an appetite, and he sways from side to side when standing. It looks as if he's about to fall over.
Jan. 4, 2021
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
6 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. From your description, it would be best to have your dog seen by a veterinarian. Puppies are prone to parasites, and infectious diseases like parvovirus. Your dog may need medical treatment.
Jan. 4, 2021
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Shiba Inu
9 months
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Head Bobbing And When Peeing Outside He Almost Tilts Over
So about 2 hours ago, Orion jumped on the couch and laid with me. While laying with me his head bobs. And seems like he is restless. After laying with me for 2 hours; he jumps from the couch to the floor and pees on his bed. He is potty trained and has never done this before. After that I take him outside for a walk. He is somewhat unsteady on his feet. When he pews; he almost tilts or falls over. His gums are pink.
Dec. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It sounds like he may have gotten into something, a drug or medication of some kind. It would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian at this continues.
Dec. 28, 2020
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Corgi
Five Months
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
My corgi recently started throwing up and now he’s just moving back and forth and doesn’t really want to do much.
Sept. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
4 Recommendations
Thank you for your question, I'm sorry that your puppy is not feeling well. I do worry in puppies about things like parasites and infectious diseases such as parvovirus. If he is not eating, and is vomiting, then he should be seen by a veterinarian right away, as they can examine him and see what is causing this problem. Once they know more, they will be able to let you know what is going on, and how to treat him. I hope that all goes well and he feels better soon.
Sept. 30, 2020
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Shih Tzu
Dali
15 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Loss Of Balance
Loss Of Appetite
Swaying
Eyes Moving Back And Forth
Last Thursday we thought we were losing our sweet Dali. He was shaking, vomiting, couldnt walk without swaying, trouble with back legs, and his eyes were moving back and forth out of his control. He's 15. I was afraid to take him in as I feared he'd be put down, so I made him comfortable and did my research. I found this article and wondered if this was his problem. He had all the symptoms.
That was Thursday. Friday seemed to be the worst of it. He slept most of the day. I fed him broth with a dropper because he would not eat. I took him out periodically to potty and had to carry him and hold him up so he could go. I gave him CBD for pets for pain. Saturday was a bit better. He tried to walk some but would fall over on his left or bump into things. But he was trying. His eyes stopped rocking on Saturday. Gradually at first, they'd stop then start...then they stopped completely and he seemed to have full control of them. Regaining his eyes helped with walking and he started to get interested in things I was eating. He still only would eat a little bit on Saturday. I also had to hand feed him. I found he could only really grab food off the right side of his mouth and if I held it to the left he couldnt quite aim to grab it. Oh. He was vomiting on Thursday night and Friday morning. .. Once I realized this could be inner ear, I carried him most all of Friday and that helped keep him from swaying and stopped the vomiting as he wasn't swaying around. Anyway...Sunday morning he was looking more like himself. Still had his head cocked to the side and wouldnt eat in the morning. Its Sunday night now. And hes doing MUCH better. Hes walking around some and is regaining his balance. Hes also starting to beg for food. Hes always been spoilt and waits for the better offer...so he wont eat dog food but chicken nuggets and whatever I'm eating hes wanting again which is a good sign. Still hand feeding him. He wont eat out of his bowl or the floor, probably hard to put his head down then lift it up. And I want him to keep down anything he eats.
So that's my update. I wanted to share because I know there might be someone like me out there who might benefit. I will say I did not end up taking my dog to the vet, yet. If he had worsened we 100% would have. As I stated he's 15, I know our time is numbered and every day is a blessing. ❤
I will also add that through all of this, even Thursday night... my dog seemed to understand his distress. I think that's important because if your pet is going through this, watch closely for his/her cues. It really helped me know how to help mine. I will also say, he hasn't barked since Thursday. So I'm hoping to hear him again. ❤ Hes normally pretty chatty. Good luck... and bless you and your pet.
Bull Terrier
Buddy
Seven Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swaying
Leaning
Sudden Energy
Face Sensitivity
Buddy is leaning to one side when standing, not responding to his name, pulls head away when I get close to him, will randomly jump up from laying down and run around the house ending with him standing in one position swaying. Have noticed this behavior before. Happens out of the blue, one minute he'll be fine the next he'll be like this overnight.
