Why Is My Dog Suddenly Acting Drunk? Causes and Concerns

If you’ve ever seen your dog stumble around, seemingly confused and disoriented for no reason, you may have wondered why your pet is suddenly acting drunk. This strange behavior, which is often referred to as “dog drunkenness,” can be the result of a number of different medical conditions, including everything from ear infections and brain disease to exposure to toxins and injuries.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at some of the reasons why your dog may be acting drunk, with information from veterinarians and medical studies. Hopefully, this information will help you better understand the causes at play and whether you need to take your dog to the vet right away or can take steps to prevent future issues.

What Is Vestibular Disease in Dogs?

Vestibular disease is a disorder that impacts the vestibular system, which is the system that helps dogs maintain their balance and equilibrium. According to PetMD, there are two primary types - peripheral vestibular disease that impacts the inner or middle ear, and central vestibular disease that impacts the brain or brainstem.

Symptoms of the disease include head tilting, circling, stumbling or staggering (ataxia), rapid eye movements (nystagmus), drooling, vomiting, and Horner's syndrome according to Tucson Emergency Vet. Causes of the disease include ear infections that have moved beyond the eardrum, ruptured eardrums, trauma, tumors, hypothyroidism, and in some cases, the cause is idiopathic or unknown according to VCA Animal Hospitals.

While the symptoms can be concerning for dog owners, the majority of cases of vestibular disease are actually reversible. Most dogs will recover in 2-3 weeks with the right diagnosis and care according to the studies, although some may have lasting symptoms such as a permanent head tilt. By learning more about the causes and symptoms of this common condition, you can make sure your dog gets the right supportive care.

Ataxia: Yet Another Reason for Uncoordinated Movements in Dogs

Ataxia is the medical term for a lack of coordination and voluntary muscle control in dogs. According to PetCube, there are three primary types of ataxia in dogs: vestibular, cerebellar, and proprioceptive. Vestibular ataxia is due to damage to the inner ear or brainstem and results in a loss of balance and equilibrium. Cerebellar ataxia is due to damage to the cerebellum and results in an exaggerated, high-stepping walk. Proprioceptive ataxia is due to damage to the nerves that relay information about limb position.

The causes of ataxia in dogs are many and varied, according to PetMD. Ataxia can be caused by neurological disorders, infections, tumors, trauma, and exposure to toxins. Identifying the cause of ataxia will require a comprehensive veterinary exam and diagnostic tests, including blood tests, imaging, and possibly spinal fluid analysis. As the American Kennel Club explains, treatment will be aimed at managing the underlying cause and providing supportive care, and the outlook will depend on the cause.

Determining the Cause of Your Dog's Ataxia

Determining the cause of your dog's ataxia is important in order to determine the best course of treatment. According to Vet Help Direct, a thorough veterinary assessment is necessary, including a physical examination, a neurological evaluation, and a review of the dog's medical records.

The vet may also order a number of diagnostic tests, including blood tests, imaging (e.g., MRI or CT scans), and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, according to the Bush Veterinary Neurology Service. The vet may also need to rule out other potential causes, including seizures, syncope, heatstroke, and spinal cord disease.

According to the MSPCA-Angell, it's important to be patient and cooperative with the vet team as they work to diagnose the issue. By collaborating with your vet, you can identify the cause and create a treatment plan that will help your dog get back to their normal, coordinated self.

How Dogs With Vestibular Disease or Ataxia Are Treated and Managed

The treatment and management of dogs with vestibular disease or ataxia will depend on the cause of the condition. According to WebMD, supportive care is typically the first line of treatment for vestibular disease. This care can include making sure the dog is in a safe and comfortable environment, helping the dog eat and drink, and giving medications to help with symptoms like dizziness and nausea. In some cases, treatment will also involve addressing the cause of the condition, such as prescribing antibiotics for ear infections or steroids for inflammation.

For ataxia, the treatment will focus on managing the underlying cause, which could be a neurological disease, an infection, a tumor, or something else. As explained by PetMD, supportive care, including physical therapy and pain management, can be important as the dog recovers.

Although the signs of vestibular disease or ataxia can be scary, the outlook for dogs is often positive if they receive the right treatment and care. However, as pointed out by Dr. Dobias, it's important to be patient because it can take a while for dogs to get better, and they may have some lasting symptoms even after they've recovered.

At-Home Care and Rehabilitation for Dogs With Vestibular Disease or Ataxia

Ensuring a supportive and safe environment is important for dogs with vestibular disease or ataxia. According to ToeGrips, this means making sure the dog has a non-slip surface to walk on, such as a yoga mat or ToeGrips, and that stairs are blocked off. It also means providing physical support when the dog is walking.

The ToeGrips blog also lists exercises and physical therapy interventions that can help dogs with vestibular disease or ataxia improve their balance and coordination as they recover. These include weight-shifting exercises, core-strengthening exercises, and balance exercises that involve gradually decreasing the amount of support the dog receives.

Dr. Dobias recommends using natural remedies or supplements like homeopathic Cocculus Indicus as complementary therapies to help with recovery, as well as essential nutrient supplementation and detoxification support. Dr. Dobias notes that patience and understanding are important because recovery can be slow and some symptoms may linger even after the dog has recovered.

How to Avoid Vestibular Disease and Promote Long-Term Health in Dogs

Although some cases of vestibular disease are idiopathic, or of an unknown cause, there are things that dog owners can do to lower the risk according to The Spruce Pets. Regular vet visits and ear cleanings can help catch and treat ear infections or other issues that could lead to vestibular problems.

In addition, a healthy diet and regular exercise are important for overall health and can help prevent conditions that may lead to vestibular disease, according to PetMD. Some dogs, including certain breeds, senior dogs, and dogs with other health issues, may be more prone to developing vestibular problems.

The study by Fitzpatrick Referrals stresses the importance of seeking veterinary care immediately if you notice any signs of vestibular disease or ataxia, as early treatment can make a big difference in the outcome. By being proactive about your dog’s health and getting them to the vet if you notice any symptoms, you can help reduce the likelihood and impact of this difficult condition.

Conclusion: What to Do About Your Dog's Drunkenness

This article has covered the many potential reasons why a dog may be walking like a drunk or having trouble with their balance, including vestibular disease and the different types of ataxia. The most important thing to remember is that it's essential to see a vet as soon as possible and undergo a thorough diagnostic process to determine the cause.

With the right care and treatment, many dogs with vestibular or ataxia-related conditions can make a full recovery, although it may take time and require supportive care at home. In addition, there are steps you can take to help prevent these conditions, such as making sure your dog stays healthy overall and addressing any ear or neurological issues.

If you're a pet owner dealing with this issue, it's important to try to stay calm and work in close partnership with your vet. By learning about the causes and treatments, you can help your dog get back to normal and live a long, healthy life.