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Why is my dog flinching and swaying? Could she have eaten something?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My Chihuahua dog is 2 her name is pink. She just started acting very weird. She flinches when we come near or try to pet her. When she moves she sways back an forth. Is it possiblr she got into any meds?

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on February 26th, 2018

Yes, this certainly sounds suspicious for some type of toxicity. It's common for dogs to act like this with marijuana toxicity, in my experience, but ingestion of certain medications or other drugs could also cause symptoms like this. I would recommend taking your pup to an emergency clinic tonight for an exam, as this could be a serious problem depending on exactly what she might have gotten into, and how much. The vet there can do blood work or urine testing if needed to help diagnose the problem and get her started on appropriate treatment.

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