It could be a sign of a neurological disorder, inner ear infection, or vestibular disease.
If your dog is displaying other symptoms, such as vomiting or loss of balance, it’s best to take them to the vet for a check-up.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s behavior, consider these tips for finding out if there is an underlying cause:
Examine your dog for signs of pain or discomfort in different areas of their body.
Observe their posture. Is their head lowered, or are they standing up straight? Do they look like they’re trying to hide behind you when you walk past?
Does your dog appear confused or disoriented? Are they unable to focus on one thing at a time?
Are they losing interest in activities that used to give them pleasure?
Is your dog showing any aggression towards other animals or people?
Your vet should be able to perform a physical examination to determine what’s causing your dog’s behavior.
Swaying: A Normal Part Of Dog Behavior
Like humans, dogs can become dizzy when they look up too high or down too low.
This is called vertigo and is an imbalance in their inner ear that causes nausea and dizziness.
Dogs are prone to this condition since they have no neck muscles to support their head, so any movement of their heads can cause dizziness.
The good news is that most dogs recover from this quickly with proper rest.
However, if your dog has been experiencing dizziness for more than a day, you should bring him to the veterinarian for a complete examination.
Here are several reasons why your dog might be swaying:
Reasons For Excessive Swaying
The most common reason for excessive swaying is a vestibular problem.
This is a condition where the inner ear is not functioning properly.
The inner ear detects motion in space and sends messages to the brain about changes in head position.
When these signals are faulty, the dog will move back and forth.
Some dogs have a genetic predisposition towards this type of behavior.
They may also exhibit it due to an inner ear infection or damage from another medical condition.
Dogs with a vestibular disorder often sway excessively when they are awake but can fall asleep and stop moving completely.
Other causes include a neurological disorder that affects the cerebellum and/or the vestibular system, including the nerves that transmit information from the inner ear to the brain.
These disorders can cause the dog to display abnormal movement patterns, including swaying.
In some cases, the dog may appear to be drunk or even falling asleep while walking.
If you observe your dog swaying back and forth, there are certain behaviors that should raise concern.
Your dog should not be able to stand without support.
He or she should also not fall over or fail to respond to commands.
If your dog displays any other signs of illness, such as vomiting, lethargy, or loss of coordination, seek veterinary care immediately.
When To Worry About Your Dog’s Swaying
If you notice your dog is swaying excessively when they stand up, or if they’re just constantly moving their body from side to side, then this could indicate that there is something wrong with their spine, which can cause problems with their legs and hips.
This can lead to a condition called hip dysplasia, which means that the leg bones are out of alignment.
This is usually caused by overfeeding, but it can also be caused by genetics.
It is important to note that dogs who have hip dysplasia may not always display excessive swaying, so don’t get worried about it.
However, if you do see some sort of movement in your dog’s legs, or if they seem like they’re constantly moving their body from side to side, it’s time to bring them to the vet.
How To Help A Dog Who Is Swaying
The most common source of the problem is an inner ear infection.
This can cause the dog to tilt their head from side to side, while they are standing still.
The condition can also cause the dog to fall over when walking on firm ground.
They may also show other symptoms, like vomiting or diarrhea.
When these things happen, it’s best to bring your dog to the veterinarian right away.
The next time you notice your dog swaying, don’t ignore it.
Instead, try to figure out what the cause might be.
There are several different types of disorders that can cause this symptom, so it’s important to find out what yours is before it becomes more serious.
Here are some possible causes:
Vestibular Disease – Vestibular disease affects the balance system in your pet’s brain. Your dog may not know where he is or how to move around properly because his inner ear isn’t working correctly. He may appear unsteady on his feet but still walk normally. However, he may fall over if he bumps into something.
Neurological Disorder – Sometimes, dogs develop neurological diseases, like epilepsy or Parkinson’s disease. These conditions can lead to your dog becoming dizzy or falling over. Signs of this include excessive drooling and frequent urination. If these behaviors continue, it’s best to contact your vet immediately.
Inner Ear Infection – Sometimes, your dog will experience an inner ear infection that manifests itself as swaying back and forth. This is caused by bacteria or viruses entering the ear canal and causing swelling or inflammation. Often, this happens after your dog has had surgery or been exposed to certain chemicals. Signs of this include extreme sensitivity to light, noise, and touch. Your dog may also exhibit vomiting or diarrhea.
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
