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Why is my dog off balance, head tilted, circling, and falling down?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | neutered | 15 years and 1 month old | 4 lbs

My chihuahua is acting strange. He is very off balance and walking sideways. His head is pulling to the side and at times he is walking in circles. He’s even fallen a few times. Any idea what could be wrong with him?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 30th, 2018

It sounds like your Toby is suffering from a brain condition, This could be so-called vestibular syndrome, a brain bleed or similar lesion. Vestibular syndrome is a condition affecting old dogs. We do not know what causes it, however most of the time the dogs recover from it within about 4-6 weeks. Sometimes a head tilt remains,, but does not bother them. You need to take Toby to a vet to rule out other brain conditions, possibly for some iv fluids and medicine to combat nausea and fear, if indicated. Here is some really good information: http://vestibular.org/sites/default/files/page_files/Vestibular%20disease%20in%20dogs%20and%20cats.pdf

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    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 24th, 2018

    There are a few diseases that could cause a head tilt and trouble walking including inner ear disease or vestibular syndrome, but since it sounds like Bitzy’s symptoms are intermittent a neurologic problem is more likely. I’m wondering if Bitzy is potentially having seizures. Low blood sugar or liver disease could cause similar symptoms as well. I would recommend seeing a veterinarian as soon as you are able - it may help to video one of these episodes to show the vet.

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