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My dog won't hold her head up and keeps falling. Is it serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 11 years and 2 months old | 100 lbs

Why wont my dog hold her head up and why does she keep falling down? She is a crossbreed Labrador/whippet

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 16th, 2018

There could be a couple of reasons why Megan can't hold her heat up and keeps falling down. It could be that she has injured her neck or spine, and now she is very painful causing the behavior you are seeing. It could be something else such as cancer. A tumor that has spread to the brain or found on her spine could interrupt the nerve signals to her legs, leading to her being unable to hold her head up or walk properly. Of course, without seeing her in person I can't say this for certain, but her symptoms are concerning enough that I would call your vet now to set up an appointment to have her seen as soon as possible. Please call your vet now, best of luck.

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