Vertigo Symptoms in Dogs

Vertigo, in simple terms, means a feeling of dizziness or giddiness. It can also be defined as the feeling experienced by a person as if he is about to fall. Intense vertigo in dogs is known as dog vestibular disease or vestibular syndrome. It is a rare dog health problem. However, if you have a pet dog, you should be aware of this condition, and also about its signs and symptoms.

The dog vestibular disease is an idiopathic condition, i.e., the underlying or the exact cause of it is unknown. However, there are several possible causes for vertigo found in dogs; for e.g., inner ear diseases, liver problems, indigestion or even undernourishment, etc. If the dog is constantly exposed to hazardous chemicals, it may suffer from vertigo. In rare cases, overexertion or extreme stress, severe health concerns like neurological disorders, tumor or stroke can also result in vertigo. On the other hand, an overly tight collar can also reduce the dog's air supply, causing dizziness.

As mentioned above, dog vertigo symptoms are more or less similar to vertigo symptoms in humans. They are mostly observed in older or aged dogs. These symptoms in case of dogs are categorized as mild and intense. The mild symptoms are quite minor, and most of the time, may go unnoticed. But, you need to look out for the intense vertigo signs and symptoms in dogs as they appear only when the dog is suffering from some serious disease mentioned above.

Symptoms of Mild Vertigo

• Difficulty in walking
• Stumbling walk
• Tilting of head

Symptoms of Intense Vertigo

• Complete inability to stand
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Circling
• Abnormal eye movement
• Inability to eat and drink
• Difficulty in excretion

Although vertigo is uncommon and rare, you should not ignore it. If your pet dog shows any symptoms of vertigo, you must take it immediately to the vet. The vet will ask you to note down the changes in the dog's behavior, food intake and the overall health. The vet may also undertake physical examination of the dog. Once the cause of vertigo is determined, the vet can prescribe medications or further treatment options. If it is caused due to stress, the vet may prescribe a sedative.

As mentioned before, some of the causes of vertigo are minor and can be avoided. It is equally important for dogs to have a balanced diet and properly planned meal to avoid undernourishment or overeating. Dogs should be kept in clean and hygienic environment; and exposure to chemicals should be avoided. Similarly, regular visit to the vet for checkup is also very important. This is the best thing you can do in order to prevent vertigo in dogs. Prevention of several dog illnesses is possible. You should consult the vet for detailed information about the same.

You should note that vertigo can be a preliminary symptom of a serious disorder. If your pet shows any of the aforementioned dog vertigo symptoms, do not ignore them. Rather, try to get the condition treated as soon as possible. Take care!