Is Your Dog Experiencing Balance Issues? Here’s What You Need to Know

It can be incredibly scary when you wake up to see your dog struggling to walk, with their head tilted to one side, and their eyes flickering from side to side. As a pet owner, it’s natural to worry that it’s a serious emergency.

But fortunately, for most dogs, this isn’t as serious as it may initially seem. It’s often a condition that can be likened to vertigo in humans. Though it can be alarming, the good news is that most dogs will recover just fine with the right treatment.

How to Help Your Dog Recover

One of the most important parts of your dog’s recovery is reducing inflammation in the inner ear, which controls balance. Anti-inflammatory medications are crucial in addressing this issue, and they can make a big difference in speeding up your dog’s recovery.

Why Curcumin Is a Game-Changer for Your Dog’s Recovery

I’ve seen great success with 95% Curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory, in helping dogs recover from this condition. Curcumin works by reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the inner ear.

That’s why I highly recommend Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Curcumin Supplement, which features 95% High Absorption Curcumin (BCM-95®/Curcugreen®) with BioPerine®. This supplement is designed for maximum effectiveness, helping your dog recover faster and more comfortably.

Need Help with Pet First Aid?

If you’re unsure about how to respond in an emergency, I’ve got you covered. We’re hosting a Free Pet First Aid Livestream this Friday at 12 PM Pacific on YouTube, and you’re invited! During the livestream, I’ll cover essential topics like:

• CPR for pets
• Stroke awareness
• Wound care
• Choking emergencies
• And more

You can join us and watch here: https://www.youtube.com/live/lCb6g66mOyg

By understanding these basic first aid principles, you’ll feel more confident in handling any emergency that might come your way.

Did Your Dog Have a Stroke? Understanding and Treating Canine Vestibular Disease Naturally

If your older dog suddenly loses balance, seems disoriented, or develops a head tilt, they may be experiencing a condition known as vestibular disease. Often mimicking the signs of a stroke, vestibular disease can understandably cause concern for pet parents. In this article, I’ll walk you through the most common symptoms, potential causes, and natural remedies to support your dog’s recovery at home.

Signs of Vestibular Disease in Dogs

Vestibular disease affects a dog’s sense of balance, causing symptoms that may seem alarming. Look for these signs:

• Stumbling, staggering, or circling
• A noticeable head tilt
• Rapid, involuntary eye movement (nystagmus)
• Falling to one side
• Droopy eyelids
• Nausea or vomiting due to dizziness

In humans, vestibular disease is similar to vertigo and is often triggered by an inner ear infection or other disturbances affecting balance.

Causes of Vestibular Disease

The vestibular system, located in the inner ear and brain, controls coordination and balance. Several factors can lead to vestibular disease in dogs, including:

• Idiopathic Vestibular Disease (Geriatric Vestibular Disease): This is the most common cause, often with no identifiable origin other than inflammation.
• Ear Infections: Inner ear infections can lead to a loss of balance.
• Tumors: Brain or ear tumors may affect the vestibular system.
• Stroke or Emboli (Blood Clots): Reduced blood supply to the brain can lead to sudden dizziness.

Recovery and Veterinary Care

If your older dog suddenly develops vestibular disease, idiopathic vestibular disease is likely the cause. Fortunately, this condition usually improves within three days and fully resolves in 7-14 days. While the inflammation subsides, your focus should be on supportive care. A veterinary exam is always a good idea to rule out infections or other serious causes.

Supporting Your Dog’s Recovery at Home

Dogs with vestibular disease may lose their appetite and struggle to drink water, so it’s important to ensure they stay hydrated and nourished:

• Hydration: Use a needle-less syringe or turkey baster to gently squirt water into their mouth.
• Bone Broth: Offer low-sodium bone broth to keep your dog hydrated and provide essential nutrients.
• Encouraging Eating: If your dog is reluctant to eat, try warming their food slightly or offering soft, high-calorie options like Hill’s Prescription Diet a/d or home-cooked meals.

Top Natural Remedies for Vestibular Disease

Although vestibular disease often resolves on its own, natural remedies can support a faster recovery and help minimize discomfort.

1. Rhus Tox (Homeopathic Remedy)

Rhus Tox is commonly used for geriatric conditions like arthritis, skin issues, and vertigo.
Dosage: 30C potency, given every 8 hours.

2. Ginkgo Biloba (Herbal Remedy)

Ginkgo Biloba is well known for increasing blood flow to the brain, helping to treat cognitive and balance disorders.
Dosage: 25 mg per 20 lbs of body weight, twice daily.

3. Vertigoheel (Homeopathic Supplement)

Vertigoheel is a remedy used for humans with vertigo and balance issues, and it can benefit dogs as well.
Dosage: 10 mg twice daily.

4. Acupressure and Massage

Gentle acupressure massage behind the ears and at the base of the skull can help stimulate the vestibular system and improve circulation.

5. CBD Oil

CBD oil has anti-inflammatory and calming properties that can help reduce dizziness and nausea associated with vestibular disease.
Dosage: 3mg/10lbs daily.

6. Antioxidants – 95% Curcumin

Adding antioxidant-rich foods such as blueberries, turmeric, and green-lipped mussel powder can support brain health and reduce inflammation. The active ingredient in turmeric, 95% Curcumin, is a potent anti-inflammatory and can be particularly helpful for dogs with vestibular disease.
Dosage: 250mg/50lbs daily.

Final Thoughts

Vestibular disease can be frightening, but in most cases, it is not life-threatening and resolves on its own. The key to helping your dog recover is patience, supportive care, and natural remedies to ease symptoms and speed up recovery. Always monitor your dog closely, and if symptoms worsen or don’t improve, consult your veterinarian.

By combining hydration, homeopathic remedies, herbal support, and a proper diet, you can help your furry friend regain their balance and return to their happy, active self.

P.S. I commonly saw vestibular disease in my practice, and nearly all dogs recovered in 7-14 days. In most cases, it’s vestibular disease (vertigo), NOT a stroke.

P.P.P.S. Do you know what to do if your dog or cat has an emergency? Most pet parents don’t. That’s why we’re hosting a FREE Livestream to help!

It’s this Friday at 12 PM Pacific on YouTube, and you’re invited! We’ll cover CPR, strokes, wound care, choking, and more. Watch it here:
https://www.youtube.com/live/lCb6g66mOyg

P.P.S. 95% Curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory and painkiller that can help your pets with a variety of conditions, including arthritis, immune support, dry eye, ear inflammation, and potentially vestibular disease. Our supplement is highly absorbable—BCM-95® (CURCUGREEN®) is 700% more bioavailable than regular curcumin, and with BioPerine® added, absorption is enhanced even further (up to 2000%).

You can get it here:
Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE High Absorption 95% Curcumin