Our 14 year old lab is showing signs that he may have had a stroke. Is there anything we can do? Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered | 18 years and 9 months old | 100 lbs

These are signs of a possible involvement of the vestibular system, which is that part of the central nervous system in charge of the balance. Strokes can have underlying predisposing factors like high blood pressure, kidney dysfunction, presence of clotting disorders. I would recommend a full check up at your local veterinarian as neurological examination, blood tests and urine analysis, blood pressure measurement are required to investigate further the problem and possibly find valid treatment options. Differential diagnosis could include seizure episodes. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Hello! I hope that Denzel is doing better today. As Dr. Brodie mentioned, idiopathic vestibular disease would be high on the list of possible causes for his symptoms. if he is not improving, or if he seems to continue to decline, it could be something more serious, such as a brain tumor, or cancer elsewhere in his body. Depending on what access you have to veterinary specialists in your area, a consult with a neurologist, and even an MRI could be considered. I just wanted to let you know that those services do exist for pets, if you are so inclined to seek them out. My best to both you and Denzel, have a good evening.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Sandy! The most common cause for her symptoms is Vestibular disease! Your Vestibular system is involved in balance. It is like Vertigo in people. It comes on suddenly and owners are very worried because they think their dog has had a stroke. The dogs are always older. There are 2 types of Vestibular disease: Central (in the brain: tumors, low thyroid, stroke) and Peripheral (most common!) Peripheral is caused by ear infections, tumors in the ear, low thyroid, or idiopathic (meaning we don't know why). I recommend you take her to the Vet today to have an exam done to be sure. Dogs with vestibular disease are usually nauseous and sometimes vomit. If she has an ear infection they may prescribe medications to treat it, antinausea pills, and antibiotics. It can take a few weeks for Sandy to get better and sometimes they have a permanent head tilt afterwards I wish you the best of luck and a speedy recovery for Sandy!

My senior dog is stumbling and falling. Could it be a stroke or something else?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Our 14 year old lab is showing signs that he may have had a stroke. Is there anything we can do?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ana M, DVM 217

Veterinarian

Published on March 21st, 2020

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Hunter. I recommend seeking emergency veterinary care for him. Strokes are actually very rare in dogs, but can happen. More commonly, dogs will experience vestibular disease. This is a problem with balance that will result in nystagmus (eyes twitching back and forth), a head tilt, walking in circles, stumbling and falling down. This can be caused by an inner ear infection, hormonal disease or a brain tumor, but is usually idiopathic meaning there is not identifiable cause. This is referred to as Old Dog Vestibular disease. This is usually a condition that can be treated and the dog will do well. If this is not the case, he could be experiencing a toxin exposure, trauma or an infection. It is important to have him evaluated so that treatment can be started. I hope this information helps!

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My senior dog is stumbling and falling. Could it be a stroke or something else?

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