Vestibular Syndrome in Dogs

Sudden balance problems, often in older dogs.

At a glance

What is it?: A disorder of the balance system; a symptom with various possible causes.
Typical signs: A sudden head tilt, staggering, circling, flickering eye movements, vomiting.
Commonly affected: Mostly older dogs, but in principle any age.
Forms: Peripheral (inner ear, more common) and central (brain, less common).

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When should you see a vet?

The signs usually appear suddenly and look alarming. Have your dog examined promptly, and straight away if:

they can no longer stand or keep falling over,
they seem very listless or confused, or have seizures,
they vomit several times and stop eating or drinking.

In vestibular syndrome, the sense of balance is disturbed. It appears suddenly with a head tilt, staggering and flickering eyes. This looks alarming and often improves within days to weeks. Even so, your dog should see the vet promptly, because different causes can be behind it.

What is vestibular syndrome?

The balance system is located in the inner ear and in parts of the brain. If it is disturbed, the dog loses its sense of orientation in space. Vestibular syndrome is therefore not a disease in its own right, but a sign that can have various causes. It mainly affects older dogs, but it can occur at any age.

How do you recognize it?

sudden head tilt
staggering, circling, falling to one side
rapid, involuntary eye movements (nystagmus)
nausea, vomiting and little appetite

Which forms and causes are there?

Peripheral form: The disturbance is in the inner ear. This is the more common form, for example after an ear infection, an injury or with an underactive thyroid. In older dogs there is often no identifiable cause.
Central form: The disturbance is in the brain, for example due to inflammation, tumors or circulatory problems. It is rarer, but more serious.

How does the vet find the cause?

The vet examines the ears and the nervous system. Depending on the findings, blood tests and imaging such as MRI or CT follow to distinguish between the peripheral and the central form.

What happens next?

Treatment depends on the cause. In many dogs the signs clearly subside within a few days to weeks; older dogs often need a little longer. A slight head tilt can sometimes remain.

What you can do in everyday life

Provide a calm, dimly lit environment.
Secure stairs and slippery floors.
Help your dog eat and drink if it is unsteady.
Carry or support your dog on walks if needed.

Frequently asked questions about Vestibular syndrome

Is it a stroke?

The signs can look similar, but a stroke is only one of several possible causes. Your vet will find out what is behind it.

Will my dog get better?

In many dogs the symptoms improve significantly within a few days to weeks; older dogs often need a little longer. The outlook depends on the cause.

What causes vestibular syndrome?

Possible causes are ear infections, injuries, tumours, an underactive thyroid or changes in the brain. In older dogs the cause sometimes remains unclear.

How can I help my dog at home?

Create a calm environment, secure stairs and slippery floors, and help them eat and drink if needed.

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Veterinary expertise at the heart of our team

Dr. med. vet. Sibylle Ott has been part of our team at DOG FIT by PreThis^® from the very beginning. As an experienced vet, she supports our work professionally and contributes her knowledge of dog health. Her experience and her deep understanding of dogs’ needs are an important guide for us. She is a valuable treasure for our team and for the well-being of many dogs.

This content is for information only and does not replace advice from a vet. Our products are complementary feed for dogs. They do not replace a veterinary examination or treatment. If your dog has any health problems, please contact your vet.