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?
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
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
5Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on May 20th, 2017
Oh dear, I'm sorry that Ruby is going through this. Her head tilt and loss of balance typically indicate a problem with the vestibular system, which controls balance near the middle/inner ear. Vestibular problems can be either peripheral or central in origin, and a thorough neurologic exam by you vet will be able to differentiate between the two. This differentiation is important because different conditions can be related to peripheral vs. central vestibular issues, which helps to guide both diagnostic testing, treatment and prognosis. Peripheral vestibular lesions can occur due to inner/middle ear infections, hypothyroidism, geriatric dog idiopathic vestibular syndrome, head injury or use of aminoglycoside therapy. In general, these lesions have a better overall prognosis. Central vestibular lesions can be caused by brain tumors, viruses (distemper or rabies), fungal infections, blood clots or hemorrhage into the brain. If possible, consider taking Ruby to a veterinary neurologist specialist for evaluation and to discuss if an MRI is necessary. I hope this helps to clarify some of your concerns about Ruby. I hope that all goes well for her!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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