What Are the Causes of Your Old Dog Walking in Circles?

There are a lot of causes of your old dog walking in circles. This can be an ear infection or something else in his body that is causing him to have problems with balance and coordination. Seeing a veterinarian can help you determine the exact cause of your dog’s behavior. If your dog is walking in circles for long periods of time, it is important to get him tested by a veterinarian to rule out other medical conditions.

Contents

1 Obsessive-compulsive disorder

2 Pain

3 Anxiety

4 Concussions

5 Vestibular disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

While the repetitive walking and circling of an old dog may be completely normal, it may also signal something more serious. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a neurological disorder where the dog is unable to stop its behavior. The dog may even forget basic training, causing him to exhibit unexplained aggression. The best way to determine whether your old dog is suffering from OCD is to consult a veterinarian.

Pain

If your old dog walks in circles and pants a lot, this could be a sign that he or she is suffering from an underlying health condition. While the condition may seem common, there are more serious conditions causing decreased stamina in older dogs, including heart disease and metabolic diseases. Your veterinarian can help you determine the underlying cause of your dog’s lack of energy and stamina. In some cases, pain in an older dog could be a result of a neurological disease, such as canine distemper.

Anxiety

The first step in determining if your old dog is suffering from anxiety is to visit your vet. The vet will run tests and ask you about other symptoms your dog is experiencing. If your dog seems to be staring into space or walking in circles all the time, he may have some sort of neurological problem. Besides anxiety, you should also look for other symptoms, such as excessive barking, house soiling, aggression, or even breathing too shallowly.

Concussions

A canine walking in circles is a symptom of concussion, a serious medical condition that can result in life-threatening injuries. Concussions can be caused by various factors, including a fall or traumatic brain injury. Dogs that experience concussions usually get better with enough rest. But in some cases, it can be fatal. Here’s what to watch for.

Vestibular disorder

If your dog has begun to walk in circles or exhibit other abnormal behaviors, the signs of vestibular disease may be a cause for concern. The symptoms usually improve on their own within 72 hours, but some pets have a long course of disease and may require advanced diagnostic testing to identify the underlying cause. If your dog has not shown any improvement after two weeks, you should seek treatment as soon as possible.

Interesting:

There are a lot of causes of your old dog walking in circles. This can be an ear infection or something else in his body that is causing him to have problems with balance and coordination. Seeing a veterinarian can help you determine the exact cause of your dog’s behavior. If your dog is walking…

How to walk with blind dog?

Best shoes for dog walking