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Wobbling in Dogs
Written By Grace Park
Published: 05/11/2017Updated: 07/02/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What is Wobbling?
A loss of coordination can cause wobbling in your dog. You may see your dog sway, drift, or stagger, or use a wide stance to keep upright. There are many reasons why your dog could lose his balance and wobble, including:
- Disorientation
- Spinal cord problems
- Muscle weakness
- Gait problems
- Inner ear problems
- Brain condition
- Canine distemper
- Dehydration
- Anemia
- Toxin ingestion
- Idiopathic Vestibular Disease
- Liver or kidney failure
Why Wobbling Occurs in Dogs
Why your dog may be wobbling has to do with the cause of the incoordination he is experiencing.
Disorientation
Disorientation is an altered state where your dog’s direction is lost. It can occur as a result of many conditions that affect the central nervous system or inner ear. Age related dementia can also affect your dog, causing him to become confused even in familiar places.
Spinal Cord Problems
Many conditions that can occur to the spinal cord can affect your dog’s balance and coordination. These can include bulging disks, tumors, infections, inflammation, trauma, and diseases such as degenerative myelopathy that can result in paralysis. Wobbler syndrome affects the spine in the neck area, and causes a wobbly gait that is especially seen when the affected dog walks slowly, or on slippery floors.
Muscle Weakness
Muscle weakness and atrophy can result from many conditions, and can cause dogs to be wobbly and unbalanced. Myasthenia gravis causes a disruption in electrical signals from the nerves to the muscles, while myositis is an inflammation of muscle tissue that can result in an inability to walk.
Gait Problems
Many injuries and malfunctions in the nerves and muscles of the limbs and feet can result in a loss of balance and incoordination, or ataxia. Such conditions as a ruptured cruciate ligament, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, or osteochondritis dissecans can cause pain that can influence your dog’s ability to walk.
Inner Ear Problems
The inner ear is where the sense of balance originates, and when it is damaged, that balance can be lost. Infections, inflammation, tumors, and trauma to this sensitive area can cause your dog to be shaky and uncoordinated. When the inner ear is functioning abnormally, or a disruption is caused by the brainstem, it is often referred to as a vestibular syndrome.
Brain Condition
Brain tumors, infections, and inflammation can affect your dog’s ability to balance and walk properly, as well as affect nerve function. Abnormalities in the cerebellum and degenerative changes that can occur due to disease and old age can also affect nerve function.
Canine Distemper
Distemper is a highly contagious viral infection that your dog can catch from contact with infected animals. The virus affects the nervous system, resulting in twitches, seizures, and eventually, paralysis.
Dehydration
When the body loses too much water, it can cause water levels to become dangerously low. As the body compensates by drawing water from individual cells, essential electrolytes are lost. This can severely affect muscle function. Dehydration can also occur from high levels of sugar, as the body increases urination in an attempt to balance those levels.
Anemia
Anemia is a condition where the amount of circulating red blood cells are significantly reduced. Red blood cells transport oxygen to all the cells of the body, including those in the muscles. If there aren’t enough red blood cells to take the oxygen to the muscles, then those cells become starved and weaken. Anemia can also affect the brain and cause disorientation and dizziness.
Toxin ingestionThe ingestion of certain toxins such as alcohol, anti-freeze or rat bait can cause a range of affects and may affect the gait. If you suspect your dog has eaten something that they shouldn't have, the sooner they are seen by a vet the better. The vet may induce vomiting and start supportive care such as intravenous fluids.
Idiopathic Vestibular Disease
This condition tends to come on suddenly in senior dogs. Many owners fear they have had a stroke as they walk about like a 'drunken sailor'. Other signs can include nausea and a flickering of the eyes. Thankfully, the prognosis is very good with most dogs making a full recovery in a matter of days.
Liver or kidney failure
When toxins build up in the body secondary to organ failure, one of the possible signs your dog will experience is a wobbly and uncoordinated gait. They may also act confused. A blood test should diagnose these disorders with ease.
What to do if your Dog is Wobbling
If your dog is wobbling, you will need to monitor him. He may be suffering from a serious condition and a vet visit is advised.
Your veterinarian will need to know about any other symptoms you may have noticed besides the incoordination, and may ask you questions about your dog’s feeding and elimination habits, exposure to sick animals, or if he has had any injuries. A complete physical, orthopaedic and neurological exam will be performed, along with blood and urine tests, imaging techniques such as MRIs, X-rays, and CT scans. Muscle and nerve biopsies, and cerebrospinal fluid, may be taken and analyzed.
Diagnostic testing should reveal the cause of your dog’s instability, and treatment should follow accordingly. Dehydration and electrolyte loss often only need fluid therapy to replace what is missing. Inner ear infections can be cleared up through the use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. Many muscle, nerve, and brain conditions may need supportive care and hospitalisation, depending on the severity. Tumors can sometimes be treated through surgical removal, chemotherapy, or radiation. If canine distemper is found to be affecting your dog, medications to control digestive and neurological symptoms can be administered, as well as other supportive therapies. Pain medications are also given as needed for many conditions.
A dog affected by a chronic wobbling or instability can benefit from small environmental changes that can help him stay balanced, such as non-slippery surfaces and the removal of obstacles. Some will require a sling to help them go to the toilet.
Prevention of Wobbling
Many of the conditions that can lead to a loss of balance are not predictable. Routine check-ups can help you to catch any conditions before they progress beyond the point of treatment. To ensure your dog does not become dehydrated, always have water available for him to drink, and report an excessive increase in urination to your veterinarian. Getting your dog vaccinated for canine distemper is the best way to protect him from this fatal virus. Treat any outer ear infections promptly to ensure they do not worsen. Keep your dog well away from any toxins.
Cost of Wobbling
A wobbling dog who is suffering from a loss of coordination may need treatment that will vary depending on the cause. Treatment for canine distemper for example, could cost as much as $1800 while costs for Wobbler syndrome could be approximately $4000. Generally, most treatments can range from $100 to $3000.
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Wobbling Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
doxie/ chiwawa mix
Two Years
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sudden Wobbley, Sleepy
My dog was fine, we cleaned a room that had been occupied by someone that has bi polar medications, smoke pot, has benadryl. Although We did not see him eat anything.
He was fine then in 15 min. Not fine. Tired eyes, resting. Breathing slightly elevated but about 25 a min. While resting a little twitch in front shoulder every 3 min . Doesn't want water but still eat. He can get up and walk but not quick. He is kinda in slow motion.
Nov. 30, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
6 Recommendations
I'm sorry to hear this. I echo your concerns that he may well have ingested something toxic. As we simply can't know what he ate and at what dose, he needs to see an emergency vet right away. They will check him over and may well make him sick. He might also benefit from blood tests to assess his liver and kidney function. Depending on what he has eaten, further care such as oxygen, fluids and activated charcoal meals may be appropriate.
Nov. 30, 2020
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Boxer
3 1/2 months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Wobbly
Puppy came in after 15 minutes in the yard & is now wobbly
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
I would be very concerned that your pup ate something they weren't supposed to in the yard, especially if he was unattended. I hope that you were able to get veterinary care for him, and that he is okay.
Oct. 9, 2020
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Huskey lab coon
Three Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swaying Head While Head Is Lifted. Walking Slowly And Shakey Kinda Looks Like He’Ll Fall
Why is he swaying? And why does it look like he’s going to fall when he walks? He has never done this before
Sept. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay in my reply, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 19, 2020
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Bichon poodle mix
Two Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy Wobbly Swaying A Bit
3 weeks ago adopted 2 year old rescue, Marvin. He’s a playful little guy And had his first groomer appt today. He’s very wobbly tonight and seems to be exhausted but I’m concerned it’s something else. This is NOT like his behavior at all.
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
I hope that your pet is feeling better. If they are still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 23, 2020
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Irish Wolfhound
One Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Wobbly
My dog was fine this morning and all of a sudden started to get wobbly as if he was dehydrated and going to pass out. But he isn’t drinking water, barely eating and can barely stand. He’s eating his food laying down.
Aug. 5, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It is difficult to say what would cause that in such a young dog, but he may have an electrolyte or nerve or muscle abnormality. Is is possible that he got into a toxin of some kind? It would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine him and see what might be causing this problem, and get treatment for him.
I hope that he is back to his normal self soon.
Aug. 5, 2020
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local
SAW
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Wabbeling And Having Sever Pain
MY DOG WAS WELL THE OTHER DAY BUT SUDDENTLY SHE WAS LIMPING ON ONE SIDE OF THE LEG AND AS I WENT NEAR HER TO LOOK AT HE MATTER SHE FEELS PAIN EVERY WHERE AS I TOUCH HER BODY. PLZ SUGGEST WHAT I SHOULD DO AS I AM SO WORRIED AND LIVE 50KM AWAY FROM THE VET.
Bugg
Lady
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Wobbly
Rocking
It had happened a few times before, where our dog would go against walls and start rocking. I sent the video to my family and we decided it was best if we took her to the animal hospital because she has been rocking for hours. We got there and she was slowly becoming herself again but I had the videos to show. They called it wobbly doggy syndrome, and told us to have her take a nap, and no matter what make sure she has a crate that she is comfortable in so she can go in and sleep it off.
Beagle
Kaci
9 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Wobbly
Falling Over
Wobbly Shaking
My 9 year old beagle that I adopted a weeks ago has been great until Monday night she went outside and came back like she was drunk. Extremely wobbly on all 4 legs and kept falling over. Took her to 2 different vets and had extensive blood work on her and the lab results came back okay. Both vets are totally baffled and have know idea why this happened within minutes. She is still eating good and drinking water and is urinately and pooping okay. Don't know what to do at this point.
She was heartworm positive and completed treatments about a month ago when I was fostering her.
Yorkshire Terrier
Tobee Taylor
3 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Wobbly
My 3 months yorkie is experiencing wobbling....all of a sudden after driving around with me....gave him honey and took him to the vet they said everything was fine...came home he will jump and play and run but he still wobbles A little....please help me, what’s wrong with my baby?
German Shepherd
Luga
9 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Uncoordination
Drooling
Limping
Panting
Dizzy
Hard Tummy
Not Standing
Hello! My name is Dorina, I have your number from Maliha Vayid in Moka. Since i am at work i cannot really call. I am contacting you regarding my German Shepherd Luga. She's 9 years and not neutered. On Wednesday (1 week ago) we noticed that she was limping. We took to a vet close to us on Saturday (we live in Roches Brunes). While we were waiting we noticed that the half of her face was a bit swollen, has a head tilt and she is not coordinated. We took blood tests and her white and red cells were elevated. He told us that it's related to toxins in her body. He gave her some shots:one of it was a neuroblocker and have us some pills. An orange one, yellow one and white one. We asked him what would be the cause of the poisoning and he told us he cannot know, then we told him that we have an avocado tree where she is. He told us that avocado is dangerous for dogs so we moved her with us on Tuesday night (she was staying with our parents) When we came home she was really weak and tired. She was eating normally, pooping and drinking water.
On Sunday she was ok, a bit of a limiping but could actually walk.
On Monday night we noticed that she was really really bad. Not able to get up, really dizzy, drooling a lot and panting and her tummy huge and hard. Even her eyes seemed to bulge. We called the vet and he told us to give her Paraffin Oil and Gaviscon. On Tuesday morning she was fine, walking around but still a bit dizzy. On Tuesday night she was even worse than previously and our vet was closed. We went to another vet and after the car ride she was extremly bad. He looked in her ears and said she had a mild infection and gave us a gel. She had 39 fever. He reached the same conclusion as being poisoned as the previous vet. Gave her an anal insert to lower her fever, a painkiller shot, an antibiotic and a syrup antibiotic (Gemil?) and told us to continue with the prescription the first doctor gave us. When we reached home we thought we were going to lose her. Barely holding her head and breathing heavily. Since the second doctor is further, we went the next day to the first one. Told him about the conclusion and asked for more checkups since her situation is worsening by the day. During morning she is a bit better, after 18.00 she gets really bad. He gave her other sets of shots, put her on IV on DNS and NS, took other blood tests and the white cells were normal and fever went down. He gave us neurorubin, electrolites and predinesole. Yesterday morning she was a bit better, but last night she was barely able to move. Vomited twice and refusing water. Her tumny big again and no passing stool. Her treatment finished but she is progressively worse. She can barely stand. We asked if it can be related to vestibular disease, but they both said no. We don't know what to do anymore and we are afraid that another car ride will kill her in her condition. Thanks a lot
