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Why is my senior dog tilting his head and not walking or eating?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Belgian Malinois | Male | neutered | 14 years and 11 months old | 80 lbs

my dog is tilting head to one side and wont walk or eat. he did drink a little just now and eyes are the same . at first i thought stroke but he just drank and he will stand but not walk. any idea what this could be

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 30th, 2017

There are various conditions that can manifest with those signs. The most common on would be vestibular syndrome, which is quite common in geriatric dogs. Another cause could be an inner ear infection or meningitis, a brain tumor or similar. Vestibular syndrome has a sudden onset, the dog (or cat) shows a head tilt, sometimes circles, and is nauseous or even afraid, as it cannot figure out why it feels strange. We do not know what causes this, however in most cases this will go away by itself within a few weeks. Sometimes the head tilt remains. I suggest you take Rex to your veterinarian for an exam and possibly some medication to take any anxiety caused by the condition, if needed. Your vet will also be able to rule out all the other conditions.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    With a head tilt to one side, vestibular disease is a possibility for Rex's current signs. Other possible conditions include middler or inner ear infections, blood clots and brain tumors. Vestibular disease can cause nausea (similar to vertigo in humans), which can make dogs less likely to eat. Rex should see his vet for an exam to evaluate his ears and neurologic condition. Vestibular disease typically improves significantly over time (usually within 2-3 weeks), but some supportive medications can be helpful with nausea.

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    Answered By Mirissa Duncil, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 5th, 2017

    Hi there. A few possibilities for what you're describing include an ear infection, stroke, vestibular disease (an issue with how the brain processes balance), or a seizure. All of these issues warrant a trip to your local veterinarian to fully work up and make a definitive diagnosis to come up with your specific treatment plan. Poor Tank. Often patients with these illnesses seem a bit confused-try reassuring him in a soothing voice and perhaps putting him in his kennel (if you have one) to allow him to feel more safe and supported with less space to navigate. I hope this helps, and I wish him the very best!

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 3rd, 2019

    This is either caused by a condition called "Vestibular disease (old dog disease), a brain tumor or a middle ear infection. you need to take him to the vet ASAP in order to get it checked and treated.

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 26th, 2017

    Older dogs can develop a vestibular or balance issue sometimes, for no known reason. They have a head tilt and are often nauseous and have trouble waking. This could also be from a brain or spinal cord problem which is much more serious. I recommend a veterinary exam right away. They can check his neurological function and develop a treatment plan. With vestibular disease the dogs usually improve in a few days or weeks. If it’s a neurological problem such as a brain tumor, spinal injury or infection then the outcome with out treatment may not be as good. Once you get a specific diagnosis then you’ll know more of what to expect. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your dog.

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