It is relatively easy for you to treat Vertigo in dogs with antibiotics, hospitalization, and support therapy. Furthermore, you can give your pet sedatives to make sure it doesn’t hurt itself when it has this illness.

For a lot of dog owners, this is a terrifying and alarming experience. However, canine vertigo is more common in older medium-sized to giant dogs. Although it is a benign illness, it can be dangerous if it affects the central nervous system.

Dog vertigo is more commonly referred to medically as vestibular illness. It often results from illnesses and conditions that impact the inner structure of the ear or the brain. Most of the time, this illness is moderate and does not last for long periods.

When your pet has a compromised vestibular system, your dog loses coordination and showcases a recognizable head tilt.

Types of Vertigo in Dogs

Maintaining balance is one of the core functions of your dog’s vestibular system. The peripheral system and central system make up the vestibular system. If either of these systems malfunctions, they result in the types of vertigo most dogs experience.

Peripheral Vertigo

The animal’s ear contains the majority of this vestibular system component. Infections, tumors, or drug reactions might cause it to weaken. This is the most common cause of vertigo in dogs.

Peripheral vertigo occurs when your pet’s brain misreads the signals it receives from the inner ear. Inflammation of the nerves that carry information from the ear to the brain is the main cause of this disease. This inflammation is often due to recurrent or long-lasting ear infections.

Central Vertigo

Loss of balance and coordination due to central vertigo is very uncommon in dogs. Furthermore, it can also be more severe and difficult to manage. The involvement of the central nervous system indicates the presence of other dangerous disorders.

Your dog’s head tilt, loss of balance, or dizziness may be due to brain tumors, cerebral hemorrhage, and inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system.

Symptoms of a Dog That Has Vertigo

Shaky or unsteady gait and fast eye movements are some of the more noticeable symptoms of vertigo in a dog. Additionally, your pet may exhibit severe head tilt and clumsiness and stand with their legs apart.

It is not uncommon to see a dog with vestibular disease circling in one direction. In other cases, they also lack appetite for food or drink and prefer sleeping on hard surfaces. Stumbling, wobbling, and vomiting are among other symptoms.

Both peripheral and central vertigo present the same symptoms, regardless of the type of vertigo. However, symptoms such as eye movements and loss of coordination are more profound in the case of central vertigo.

Causes of Vertigo in Dogs

A head injury, an ear infection, polyps, an inflammatory reaction to certain drugs, or an infection of the cranial nerve can all cause peripheral vestibular disease.

On the other hand, central vestibular illness is often the result of a brain tumor, cerebral hemorrhage, inflammatory diseases, infections, or problems with the brain stem.

Idiopathic vertigo, often known as old dog vertigo, is a syndrome that occasionally affects elderly dogs without any obvious underlying cause.

Attacks can be strong and unplanned; however, they normally go away in a few days with minimal help or therapy needed.

Although their symptoms may be the same, however, peripheral and central vestibular disease do not arise from the same causes.

My Dog Has Vertigo – Care and Prevention.

Keeping your dog clean and free of infections is the easiest way to care for your dog and prevent a recurrence of this disease.

Furthermore, regular physical examinations and medical care, including diagnostic testing, can identify any underlying conditions that may eventually lead to vestibular dysfunction.

Additionally, you may help your dog receive care based on its condition. Your pet will gradually get better until its equilibrium finally returns.

It is unlikely that your pet may experience pain from this illness; however, it is uncomfortable for them. When your pet is recovering, its surroundings should be quiet, peaceful, and free of distractions.

For dogs with vertigo, the recovery period varies from a few days to several weeks. To help your pet heal, offer a comfortable space with easy access to food and water.

Furthermore, it’s also a good idea to keep the floor clear of obstacles and discourage your dog from using the stairs because vestibular illness impairs balance.

Treating Vertigo in Dogs

The diagnosis of any underlying ailment, like an ear infection, will dictate the treatment plan. In the event that your veterinarian is unable to determine the cause, they will treat your dizzy dog with supportive care until she heals.

It’s critical to keep a careful eye on your dog and note any signs for 48 hours. In the event your puppy’s condition deteriorates, it would be best to take your pet to the veterinarian for examination and to determine the main cause of the illness.

Treating vertigo in dogs is dependent on the underlying cause of the disease. Suppose your dog’s vestibular issue is causing him to feel sick or throw up. In that instance, your veterinarian may recommend an anti-nausea medication.

Similarly, in the case of idiopathic vertigo, waiting it out while your dog heals is the best course of treatment for your pet.

Additionally, in severe situations, supportive therapy—which includes hospital care and intravenous fluids—may be necessary until the dog is able to eat and walk on its own.

In the event that your dog suffers from extreme disorientation, it would be best to administer sedatives to your sick pet.

Conclusion

Typically, vestibular disease symptoms peak within the first two days of the illness. Many pets start to feel better in less than 72 hours.

Vestibular dysfunction is not painful, but it can make your dog less coordinated, feel motion sickness, and experience mild discomfort. Without therapy, the illness will eventually go away.

The head tilts, and the tripping gets better over a period of seven to ten days. Fortunately, most dogs heal completely in two to three weeks. Dogs may still occasionally exhibit slight head tilting.