What this means
A sudden or new change in behaviour is a reason to have a vet rule out pain and illness first. Many dogs turn around once or twice before lying down, and that is normal. But if a dog walks in circles for no clear reason, keeps turning to the same side, goes on for long or does not respond, it is a different picture.
An owner can notice and write down which way the dog turns, whether its head is tilted, whether it wobbles, whether its eyes flick from side to side, whether it responds to its name, and whether it sees obstacles. A short video is a great help to a vet.
Walking in circles can point to a problem of the ear, the balance system, the brain or elsewhere in the nervous system, and also to confusion in old age. Here we only describe what can be seen; the cause is established only by a vet.
Possible causes
These are things that can cause this sign. It is not a diagnosis, and they are not equally likely for your dog.
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Ordinary turning before lying down
Many dogs turn a few times and lie down. If it is brief, happens only before lying down and the dog is bright, it is usually ordinary.
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Ear trouble
An inflamed or sore ear can upset balance, so the dog wobbles, tilts its head or circles.
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A balance disorder
Problems of the inner ear or of the nerves responsible for balance can cause a head tilt, rhythmic eye movements and turning to one side.
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Changes in the brain
Inborn or acquired brain disorders, and also growths, can cause circling, confusion or changed behaviour.
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A seizure or its aftermath
Before or after a seizure a dog may circle in confusion and not recognise its surroundings.
About the condition: Epilepsy and seizures -
Pain or a sight problem
Pain or poor sight can leave a dog disoriented and turning in circles.
What else to watch for
These observations help your vet build the picture faster. Note down what you saw and when.
- Which way and for how long your dog circles
- Whether it tilts its head to one side
- Whether it wobbles, falls or limps
- Whether its eyes flick quickly from side to side
- Whether it responds to its name and sees obstacles
- Whether it presses its head against a wall or furniture
When to book a routine visit
Book a visit the same day if your dog walks in circles other than before lying down, wobbles, tilts its head or seems confused. If it keeps happening, film it.
Related conditions
Conditions whose entries mention this sign. The list is somewhere to read on, not a way to reach a diagnosis.
- Hydrocephalus Nerves and muscles Hydrocephalus is a condition in which too much cerebrospinal fluid builds up in and around the brain and presses on the brain tissue. It can be present from birth and show up in puppies, or develop later when inflammation, an injury or a tumour blocks the fluid from draining. The pressure on the brain can affect a dog's behaviour, movement, sight and ability to learn.
- Ear infections Ears and hearing An ear infection is inflammation of the ear canal kept going by bacteria or yeast, which can be started by an allergy, a foreign body such as a grass seed, ear mites or trapped moisture. An inflamed ear itches and hurts, and long-lasting or repeated inflammation can change the ear canal for good. That is why it matters not only to calm the inflammation but also to find out what set it off.
- Epilepsy and seizures Nerves and muscles A seizure is a sudden disturbance of the brain's electrical activity that can make a dog twitch uncontrollably, fall over or briefly lose consciousness. When seizures keep coming back and no other clear cause is found, this is called epilepsy, but seizures can also be caused by poisoning, other illnesses or head injuries. A seizure can be life-threatening, so the dog needs a vet immediately.
- Cerebellar ataxia Nerves and muscles Cerebellar ataxia is a loss of coordination caused by damage to the cerebellum, the part of the brain that fine-tunes movement and helps keep balance. In dogs it can be inherited and appear in puppyhood or adulthood, but the cerebellum can also be affected by other causes, such as inflammation or a tumour. Strength may be preserved, yet movements become imprecise and poorly coordinated.
- Cancer Cancer Cancer is not one disease but a whole group of different malignant tumours that can appear in almost any organ or tissue. They can grow slowly or quickly and spread to other parts of the body, so the earlier a change is noticed, the more options a vet has. Only a vet can tell whether a lump or other change is malignant.
Body systems: Nerves and muscles Ears and hearing Cancer