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Why is my senior dog suddenly wobbly and won't eat or drink?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 71 lbs

This morning, Lucy suddenly has started having problems standing up, walking, etc. She walks like she is dizzy/drunk, and seems to have no balance whatsoever. She is going on 14 years old. She isn’t showing much interest in food or water either right now.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on October 25th, 2017

Poor Lucy! This could be a few different things. The most common things would be geriatric vestibular disease, an inner ear infection, a cerebral vascular accident (stroke), or a brain tumor. A lot of times it is geriatric vestibular disease which is a disorder they get when they get older that causes imbalance, but it improves with time. Unfortunately, they usually need supportive care to prevent dehydration. If she were mine, I would take her to your vet for an exam. Your vet may want to run some blood work to ensure her organs look okay and there is no toxins involved. Your vet will likely recommend supportive care and possibly antibiotics or steroids to cover all the possible problems. They may want to keep her there to watch her closely. I would give her a few days to see if she improves. I hope this helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 11th, 2017

    Based on the symptoms you are describing I would be concerned about a condition called idiopathic vestibular disease. This condition typically affects older dogs. We are unsure of what the exact cause of the disease is but it has been found to be more common in dogs with ear infections or hypothyroidism. With this disease dogs become acutely weak, dizzy and sometimes are unable to stand. They often have a head tilt and nystagmus as well (twitching eyes). Other things to consider that may be going on are a type of seizure occurring, neurological disease like a brain tumor or possibly severe pain/arthritis that is causing Barney to be unable to walk. I would recommend taking Barney in to your vet to be examined. They may recommend lab work and x-rays to determine what is going on. If it is idiopathic vestibular disease, the symptoms typically resolve on their own in 3-5 days. Some dogs need supportive care during this time and nausea medication to get them eating again. I hope your vet can determine what is going on with Barney. Best of luck!

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 14th, 2018

    This can be due to many things. Senior dogs get a balance syndrome called idiopathic vestibular disease. Usually the dogs have a head tilt and they often can’t stand or circle to one side. Often they are nauseous too and have difficulty eating and drinking. Luckily with nursing care and time, usually several days to a week or more they improve and can walk and feel better. It also could be due to a heart problem, brain issue, or a severe arthritis flare up. I recommend a veterinary exam so they can distinguish between the many thing that could cause this and get a diagnosis. Once they know the reason then they can start appropriate treatment. Even though she is elderly she may bounce back with the proper care. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Sassy.

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