Dizziness

What is dizziness?

Dizziness is the feeling that your surroundings or your own body is spinning or swaying. Dizziness can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, loss of balance or ringing in the ears. Dizziness is not a disease in its own right, but a sign of a disorder in the inner ear, brain or nervous system.

What are the causes of dizziness in dogs?

Dizziness in dogs can have various causes, which must be treated differently depending on their severity and duration. The most common causes include

• Vestibular syndrome: the vestibular system is responsible for orientation and balance. It consists of the inner ear, the brain stem and the cerebellum. A disorder in one of these areas can lead to dizziness. Vestibular syndrome can be congenital or acquired. Congenital forms are usually genetic and occur mainly in certain breeds such as the German Shepherd. Acquired forms can be triggered by infections, inflammation, tumors, trauma or poisoning. Vestibular syndrome manifests itself in head tilting, nystagmus (involuntary eye movements), ataxia (unsteady gait) or a tendency to fall.
• Ear infection: An inflammation of the outer, middle or inner ear can also lead to dizziness. Ear infections are often bacterial or fungal and can be caused by foreign bodies, allergies, parasites or injuries. Ear infections are usually painful and are accompanied by itching, redness, swelling, discharge or odor.
• Age: As dogs get older, they can become more prone to dizziness. This is because the structures of the inner ear and brain change and wear out. In addition, age-related diseases such as osteoarthritis, diabetes or renal insufficiency can contribute to dizziness.
• Other causes: In addition to the causes mentioned, other factors can also lead to dizziness in dogs. These include, for example, motion sickness, high blood pressure, heart problems, stroke, epilepsy or medication.

How do you recognize dizziness in dogs?

Dizziness in dogs is not always easy to recognize as the symptoms can vary depending on the cause. Some signs of dizziness are

• Head tilting
• nystagmus
• ataxia
• tendency to fall
• nausea
• vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• restlessness
• anxiety

If you notice one or more of these signs in your dog, you should take him to the vet to find out the exact cause.

What can be done to treat dizziness in dogs?

The treatment for dizziness in dogs depends on the underlying cause. In some cases the dizziness may disappear on its own, in other cases medical or surgical treatment is necessary. Possible treatment methods include:

• Antibiotics: If the dizziness is caused by a bacterial ear infection, antibiotic therapy can help fight the infection and relieve symptoms.
• Antifungals: If the dizziness is caused by a fungal infection in the ear, antifungal therapy can help kill the fungi and relieve symptoms.
• Antiparasitics: If the dizziness is caused by parasites in the ear, antiparasitic therapy can help eliminate the parasites and relieve symptoms.
• Ear cleaning: If the dizziness is caused by foreign objects, dirt or wax in the ear, an ear cleaning can help to clean out the ears and relieve symptoms.
• Ear irrigation: If the dizziness is caused by a build-up of fluid in the middle ear, ear irrigation can help to drain the fluid and relieve the symptoms.
• Surgery: If the vertigo is caused by a tumor or trauma to the inner ear or brain, surgery can help remove the tumor or trauma and relieve symptoms.
• Medication: If the vertigo is caused by a disorder in the vestibular system, medication can help regulate nerve impulses and relieve symptoms. Possible medications include antihistamines, antivertiginosa or corticosteroids.
• Physiotherapy: If the dizziness is caused by weakness or injury to the muscles or joints, physiotherapy can help to improve mobility and balance and relieve symptoms.
• Home remedies: If the dizziness is mild or caused by motion sickness, home remedies can help calm the dog and relieve symptoms. Possible home remedies include ginger, chamomile or peppermint.

How can you prevent dizziness in dogs?

Dizziness in dogs is not always preventable, but there are some measures you can take to reduce the risk. These include:

• Regular check-ups at the vet
• Good ear hygiene
• Avoiding loud noises or sudden movements
• Avoiding stress or anxiety
• A healthy diet and sufficient water
• Sufficient exercise and play
• Avoiding medication that can trigger dizziness