A stroke in your dog can happen suddenly and be very serious. Knowing the most common dog stroke symptoms, like loss of balance, circling, or sudden weakness, can help you spot a problem quickly and get your pet the care they need.
These signs might look different from what you expect. Dogs may not show the same symptoms as humans.
When a stroke occurs, your dog might seem confused or have trouble moving normally. You might notice changes in their behaviour or coordination that make you worry.
Recognising these changes early gives you a better chance to help your dog recover and get proper treatment.
Key Takeaways
- You can spot a stroke by watching for sudden balance or movement problems.
- Quick action and veterinary care are important for your dog’s recovery.
- Some signs may be subtle, so staying alert to changes in behaviour helps protect your dog.
Recognising Dog Stroke Symptoms
When your dog experiences a stroke, the blood flow to their brain gets blocked or a blood vessel bursts. This messes with their movement, balance, and behaviour.
You may notice some sudden, unusual signs that show they’re in trouble. Paying attention to these early symptoms can help you act quickly.
Sudden Loss of Balance or Coordination
One of the most common signs of stroke in dogs is a loss of balance. You might see your dog wobbling, stumbling, or even falling over when they try to walk.
They may circle repeatedly or have trouble standing still. This loss of coordination happens because parts of the brain that control movement aren’t getting enough blood.
If your dog seems unsteady or is moving in a strange, jerky way, it’s important to take these symptoms seriously. Sudden loss of balance can also come with weakness in their legs or a refusal to walk.
These signs can appear very quickly and without warning.
Head Tilt and Abnormal Eye Movements
Watch for your dog tilting their head to one side, which is often an early sign of a stroke. This head tilt happens because the stroke affects the brain regions that control balance and spatial awareness.
Along with the tilt, their eyes might move abnormally, such as twitching or drifting in one direction. You may notice your dog not looking directly at you or struggling to focus.
Their facial expressions can also seem odd or frozen. These subtle changes are important clues showing that the brain isn’t working properly.
Weakness or Paralysis on One Side
A dog stroke can cause sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. You might see limping or dragging of the back legs or front legs, sometimes on just one side.
Your dog could struggle to get up or walk, and they might seem floppy or tired in those limbs. Partial weakness is more common than full paralysis in dogs.
Watch for any limb that seems less responsive or less strong than usual. This kind of weakness means that blood flow to part of their brain or spinal cord is blocked or damaged.
Disorientation and Behavioural Changes
Strokes can affect your dog’s brain in ways that change how they act. Sudden confusion, forgetting familiar commands, or getting lost in the house are signs to watch for.
Your dog might seem dazed or not respond when you call their name. You could also notice unusual behaviour like increased anxiety, hiding, or seeming depressed.
Sometimes they will eat from only one side of their bowl, or show a loss of bladder or bowel control. These changes happen because the stroke disrupts how their brain processes information and controls their emotions.
For more details on how to spot these signs, you can read about dog stroke symptoms.
Immediate Actions and Veterinary Assessment
When you spot signs that your dog might have had a stroke, quick steps can make a big difference. Getting your dog to a vet right away and knowing what the vet will do helps you feel more prepared and confident in managing this emergency.
What to Do If You Suspect a Stroke
If your dog shows sudden symptoms like loss of balance, head tilting, or weakness on one side, act fast. Keep your dog calm and still to prevent falls or injuries.
Don’t try to give food or water until a vet has checked them. Call your regular vet immediately.
If they aren’t available, head to the nearest emergency or specialist veterinary hospital. Time is critical to reduce brain damage and improve recovery chances.
Write down the exact symptoms you see and when they started. This info helps the vet assess your dog better.
Stay with your pet and try to keep them as comfortable as possible during the journey.
How Vets Diagnose Strokes in Dogs
Once your dog is at the clinic, the vet starts with a full physical exam and a review of your dog’s health history. They look for neurological signs related to different parts of the brain.
Vets use tests like blood work and blood pressure checks to spot underlying causes, such as heart problems or clotting issues. Imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans are key to confirming strokes.
These scans require your dog to be under anaesthesia to keep them still and safe. Sometimes, vets do heart tests like an ultrasound or ECG to rule out fainting episodes caused by heart trouble, which can look like strokes.
This step ensures your dog gets the correct treatment.
Referral to a Veterinary Neurologist
If your dog’s condition is complex, your vet might suggest a consultation with a veterinary neurologist. These specialists have extra training to handle complicated nervous system cases.
A neurologist can offer advanced diagnostics and tailor treatment plans more precisely. They might recommend specific medications, physical rehabilitation, or further monitoring to improve your dog’s recovery.
Working with a neurologist increases the chances of identifying hidden causes behind the stroke, like Cushing’s disease or bleeding disorders. This helps in preventing future strokes and keeping your dog healthier in the long run.
For more detail on the process, see strokes in dogs diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Knowing what to watch for and how to act can make a big difference if your dog has a stroke. You’ll want to understand the signs, how to care for your dog, and what factors might increase the risk.
It’s also helpful to tell strokes apart from similar problems like seizures.
What signs might indicate my dog has had a stroke?
Look out for sudden loss of balance, head tilt, or weakness on one side of your dog’s body. You might see circling, confusion, difficulty walking, or unusual eye movements.
Some dogs press their heads against walls, or show sudden behaviour changes.
How can I provide care for my dog at home after a stroke?
Keep your dog calm and comfortable in a safe space. Follow any treatment plan your vet gives you, including medications or special diets.
Help your dog with gentle support when walking, and watch for any changes to report.
What’s the survival rate for dogs after experiencing a stroke?
Many dogs recover well with proper care, especially if the stroke is treated quickly. The outcome depends on how severe the stroke was and if there are other health problems.
Regular vet check-ups help improve your dog’s chances.
Are older dogs more at risk of strokes, and what symptoms should I look out for?
Yes, strokes are more common in older dogs, especially those with chronic illnesses. Watch for sudden problems like loss of balance, head tilt, weakness, seizures, or confusion.
These signs need urgent veterinary attention.
What could be the reasons behind my dog having a stroke?
Strokes happen when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a vessel bursts. They can be linked to conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, or blood clot problems.
Sometimes the cause isn’t clear, but certain breeds are more prone.
How do I differentiate between a stroke and a seizure in my dog?
Strokes in dogs can show up as sudden weakness on one side. You might also notice a head tilt or your dog walking in circles.
Seizures look different. Usually, your dog will lose consciousness and start shaking or twitching uncontrollably.
If you see any of these signs, don’t wait—call your vet right away. It’s the only way to know for sure what’s going on.
For more details about dog stroke symptoms, check out Dog Stroke Symptoms: Signs, Causes & Vet Action Guide.
