Poor Balance in Dogs: 5 Reasons That Can Explain Why it Happens

Discover the numerous reasons why your dog could be off-balance, complete with possible causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Jul 25, 2025byDonna Hobson

poor balance in dogs reasons that explain why it happens

 

There are several causes of poor balance or coordination in dogs. Among the most common are neurological disorders, such as vestibular disease, which would cause your dog to feel like they are spinning and fall over. Here, they would feel like the ground is moving beneath them, even when standing still.

 

Poor balance could also be due to an inner ear infection, usually caused by bacteria or yeast that has grown in the ear canal. Discover the most common causes of unbalanced dogs and the best ways to treat them.

 

1. Vestibular Syndrome: An Inner Ear Condition

puppy dog running through water
A Lab running through a puddle. – Credit: Image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians on Pixabay

 

Vestibular syndrome is a condition that results in a loss of balance. This condition is usually caused by injury to the inner ear. The vestibular system is responsible for balance and spatial orientation. It detects motion, fluid pressure, and gravity.

 

This condition can be caused by an underlying illness or injury, but it can also be isolated. Symptoms of vestibular syndrome in dogs may include tilting of the head, loss of balance, inability to properly turn the head to one side, walking in circles, nausea, vomiting, or nystagmus (flicking the eyes from side to side).

 

Various treatments are available to dogs with vestibular syndrome. Your dog’s individual needs will determine the best treatment option, but most dogs respond well to medication, physical therapy, and dietary changes.

 

2. Cerebellar Ataxia: A Neurological Disorder

puppy dog
A dog facing left. – Credit: Image by S. Hermann / F. Richter on Pixabay

 

Cerebellar ataxia is a neurological disorder in dogs that affects the cerebellum. The cerebellum is the part of the brain responsible for coordination. Cerebellar ataxia is characterized by staggering, lack of coordination, and difficulty walking. It can be caused by an injury to the cerebellum or as a result of a genetic mutation.

 

Signs of cerebellar ataxia include an exaggerated high-stepping gait, head and body tremors, and a wide stance in the rear legs; these symptoms typically progress over time but eventually resolve on their own without treatment, although some cases may require management medications.

 

3. Ear Infections: Both Preventable and Treatable

dog with big ears and tilted head
A mixed-breed dog with pointed ears. – Credit: Image by Luisella Planeta LOVE PEACE on Pixabay

 

Ear infections are a common problem in dogs, and sometimes, they can make dogs unstable on their feet.

 

Dogs may suffer from ear infections for many reasons. One is the accumulation of wax or other debris that has built up in the ear canal. This can be due to excessive hair around the ears, a lack of grooming, or an injury to the ear canal. Dogs may also have allergies, or they might have been exposed to water that is too cold or too hot.

 

Infections are more likely to occur if there is an underlying condition, such as diabetes mellitus, kidney failure, heart disease, or cancer. An infection can spread through the body and cause damage in other areas.

 

A dog’s ability to balance on its feet depends on its vestibular system, which is located in the inner ear and responds to gravity and motion changes. If there’s an infection in this network, it can cause problems with balance and stability.

 

There are several methods to treat your dog’s ear infection with varying levels of success. Their vet can explain more.

 

4. Having a Stroke Can Affect Coordination

dog lying on the ground

 

Strokes are caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain. The ischemic stroke is the most common type, which occurs when a clot blocks the arteries that supply blood to the brain. When this happens, oxygen-rich blood can’t reach the cells in the brain, and they die. While dog strokes are rare, they happen, so it’s essential to look out for the symptoms, including loss of balance, falling, circling, head tilt, and loss of vision.

 

A dog’s ability to walk is affected by a stroke because it affects the motor function of the hind legs. One of the most common canine stroke symptoms is weakness or paralysis on one side of their body. This means they will have trouble lifting their leg on that side to walk.

 

There are two main types of treatment for strokes: medications and surgery. Medical treatments, such as clot-busting drugs, can be given intravenously or through an infusion through an artery. Surgery can be used to remove clots from blocked arteries or repair problems with blood vessels that supply blood to the brain.

 

5. Tumors Can Affect Mobility

dog legs dog lay on ground
A dog’s legs. – Credit: Image by Alexa on Pixabay

 

Tumors are abnormal growths that can occur in any part of the body. In dogs, they can be found anywhere, but they are often found on the skin, nose, or foot pads.

 

Dogs with tumors can experience a variety of different symptoms, including:

  • Weight loss or no appetite
  • Anemia from blood loss
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or neck areas
  • Difficulty breathing due to a buildup of fluid in the chest cavity
  • Painful joints and muscle weakness
  • Swelling of the abdomen caused by a buildup of fluid
  • Lack of energy and lethargy

 

Many different treatments are available for dog tumors. The most common treatment is surgery, which can be used to remove the growth or an affected limb. Surgery can also be combined with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, both aimed at killing cancer cells in the body.

 

 

 

Donna Hobson
byDonna Hobson

Donna believes that keeping a pet is the key to a happy life. Over the years, many creatures have passed through her home - Sooty the cat, Millie the rabbit, Stuart (Little) the guinea pig, and Trixie the tortoise, alongside her pet goldfish, Zippy, who lived to the grand old age of 24 years! She currently resides with her black kitten Jinx and an aquarium full of fish and snails to entrance them both. When she is not looking after her pets, Donna enjoys researching and writing the answers to all your pet-related wonders.