In most cases, dehydration, ataxia, or vestibular syndrome are responsible for sudden swaying or falling over in dogs.
But there are also 6 other possible causes. Under certain circumstances, it may even be a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. [1]
For this reason, you will find the symptoms listed below for each cause as well as the typical course of treatment.
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#1 Ataxia
Ataxia is also known as “Wobbler Syndrome” in English-speaking countries. The fact that these diseases cause dogs to sway is already stated in the name.
Because the English “wobbling” means “to sway”. It is triggered by nerve damage in the cervical vertebrae area. Large and male dogs are more commonly affected. [2]
The most common symptoms here include:
- Loss of coordination ability
- Pain in the cervical spine area
- Staggering and slow gait
- Listlessness and feeling weak [3]
So far there are only theories about the causes of this disease. However, according to research, Dobermans, Dalmatians and Great Danes are said to suffer from it most often.
Treatment here depends primarily on the severity of the disease. In some cases, medication is enough. In most cases, however, surgery is preferred. [4]
By definition, dogs with ataxia almost always have a swaying walking style. This type of nerve damage can usually be repaired with surgery. The veterinarian should be consulted for both diagnosis and treatment.
#2 Lack of fluids
Drinking too little, losing too much water or a lack of electrolytes can cause the dog to become dehydrated.
Typical symptoms here are:
- Dizziness and swaying
- Problems with balance
- Urine stinks
- Heavy panting
- Unusually dark urine
- Lack of skin elasticity [5]
You can check skin elasticity by squeezing some of the skin on the dog's back and then releasing it.
In a healthy dog, the skin should suddenly return to its original position. If it happens more slowly, then it is due to a lack of dehydration.
For mild dehydration, encouraging drinking is often enough. However, if there are illnesses behind it, then a visit to the vet makes sense.
If dogs suddenly start to sway after prolonged activity in the sun, a lack of fluids may be to blame. Skin elasticity is usually checked for diagnosis. However, if the problems are severe or chronic, you should see a veterinarian.
#3 Vestibular syndrome
Vestibular syndrome is a neurological disease that results in a disorder of the dog's balance system.
If the cause is an inflammation or other disease of the ear, then we are talking about “peripheral vestibular syndrome”. This is relatively common.
Much rarer, however, is a “central vestibular syndrome,” in which the problem lies in the central nervous system itself. The most common signs here are:
- Dog falls over
- Problems with balance
- Unusual eye tremors
- Swaying and staggering
- Loss of orientation [6]
In most cases, an ear infection is responsible. Antibiotics and professional ear cleaning are usually sufficient for treatment here.
Central vestibular syndrome can also be caused by tumors or injuries in the brain. You should therefore urgently visit the vet here. [7]
Sudden swaying combined with eye tremors and falling over can indicate vestibular syndrome. In order to prevent permanent brain damage, you should definitely consult your veterinarian.
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#4 Musculoskeletal problems
All joints, muscles and bones that are responsible for movements are summarized under the collective term “musculoskeletal system”.
Even the smallest injuries or malfunctions can cause dogs to begin to sway when running. Possible causes here are:
- Hip dysplasia: Developmental malformation of the hip joint socket
- Patella dislocation: Dislocation of the kneecap
- Osteochondrosis Dissecans: Hereditary lameness of the musculoskeletal system
- Cruciate ligament rupture: tear of the primary ligaments in the knee [8]
Young dogs usually suffer from developmental problems, while older dogs usually struggle with degenerative problems. Typical symptoms here are:
- Stiff or slanting gait
- Difficulty with coordination
- Sudden stagger
- Problems climbing stairs
- Aversion to jumping [9]
An ultrasound examination is usually carried out for diagnosis. In mild cases, physiotherapy is sufficient; in severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Sudden swaying combined with a limp or problems climbing stairs can indicate problems with the musculoskeletal system. This is often the case, especially after accidents or in old age. The veterinarian should be consulted for treatment.
#5 Brain problems
Walking begins in the mind. From there, the corresponding signals are transported to the muscles via the nerve pathways.
However, if problems arise there, this can also cause affected dogs to sway. Typical causes here are:
- concussion
- dementia
- Brain tumor
- stroke
- Other inflammations
Concussions are the most common cause here. In most cases, they are caused by car accidents or falls from heights. [10]
In older dogs, however, dementia also often occurs. According to studies, up to 68% of all dogs suffer from it as they age. [11]
The most common symptoms of brain problems are:
- Loss of coordination
- Swaying and falling over
- Lateral head position
- Tremors and convulsions
- Spin in circles
- Sudden aggressiveness [12]
If you suspect neurological problems, I advise you to see the vet immediately. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Concussions, strokes and other brain problems can cause dogs to suddenly start staggering. In most cases, however, there are other symptoms. To prevent permanent damage, you should consult a veterinarian immediately.
#6 Back problems
Nerve fibers run along the spine and connect the brain to the muscles. If these sensitive nerves are disrupted, problems with walking can also occur.
The most common causes in dogs are:
- Inflammation and injuries
- Herniated disc
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Tumor diseases [13]
Dogs with back problems not only sway more often, but are also very sensitive to touch. Other typical symptoms include:
In order to diagnose the cause, veterinarians usually take an x-ray. The treatment is then based on the relevant cause.
A pathological impairment of the nerve fibers in the back can affect the entire musculoskeletal system. In addition to an unusual running style and swaying, affected dogs often behave restlessly. In the event of acute problems, the veterinarian should be consulted immediately.
#7 Anemia
Anemia or anemia occurs when the proportion of red blood cells in the blood is less than 35%.
Typical triggers here are injuries, tumors and internal bleeding. However, anemia can also be congenital.
Since red blood cells are responsible, among other things, for supplying oxygen to the brain and muscles, it can also affect your running style.
Typical signs of anemia are:
- Tumbling and swaying
- Unusually low stamina
- Increased pulse
- Lack of appetite
- Pale colored gums [15]
The diagnosis is made using a blood sample. The proportion of white and red blood cells can then be determined in the laboratory. [16]
In the case of acute and severe problems, an immediate blood transfusion may be necessary. In milder cases with mild symptoms, medication is sometimes sufficient.
A lack of red blood cells affects the transport of oxygen to the brain and muscles. Affected dogs therefore often become out of breath more quickly than average or even begin to sway. A visit to the vet is essential for diagnosis and treatment.
#8 Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune neurological disease. More specifically, it disrupts the transmission of signals between muscles and nerves.
The result? Extreme muscle weakness and severe fatigue. In addition to an unstable running style, there are other symptoms:
- Unusually rapid exhaustion
- Dog falls over
- Change in voice pitch
- Problems closing your eyes
- Excessive drooling
- Breathing problems [17]
This type of muscle weakness is said to occur particularly frequently in terrier species, the Newfoundland, the Great Dane, the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever.
With the help of certain medications, signal transmission can be improved and symptoms alleviated. The treatment here depends on the degree of severity. [18]
Dogs suffering from myasthenia gravis often suffer from severe muscle weakness, causing them to sway when running. This occurs most often in terriers and retrievers. A combination of different medications is usually used for treatment.
#9 Other causes
In rare cases, the staggering can also be caused by other causes. Other options are here:
- Alcohol poisoning
- Contact with drugs
- Diabetes
- Other poisonings
- Medication [19]
A visit to the vet is particularly recommended if the fluctuation occurs permanently or if other pathological symptoms appear.
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