What is Old Dog Disease? Understanding Vestibular Disease in Senior Dogs

A few weeks ago, we thought we were preparing to say goodbye to our beloved Cooper.

That Friday morning, he seemed off—slow, disoriented, and reluctant to eat. As the morning progressed, he declined rapidly. He struggled to walk, wobbled, and fell frequently. He seemed confused and lost in our familiar home. He wouldn’t eat, and his condition worsened as we waited anxiously for the vet to call back.

We feared the worst, suspecting a major stroke. However, we soon discovered that Cooper was experiencing something commonly referred to as “old dog disease”—vestibular disease. Remarkably, he returned to his normal self within a few days.

It was a terrifying experience, and I want to share what we learned about vestibular disease in senior dogs to help others who might find themselves in a similar situation.

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Disclaimer

I am not a veterinarian or medical professional. This post shares our experience and the research I did to understand vestibular disease in dogs. If you suspect your dog has any health issues, contact your vet or go to an emergency vet immediately.

What is the Vestibular System?

The vestibular system is a complex network of structures and neural pathways that helps us and our dogs maintain balance and coordinate movements. According to experts:

“The vestibular system involves neural pathways in the brain that respond to input from the inner ear and provide signals that make balance and coordination reflexes possible.”

In simpler terms, the vestibular system helps maintain our sense of balance and spatial orientation. When this system malfunctions, balance and coordination are affected.

What Triggers Vestibular Disease in Dogs?

Often called canine idiopathic vestibular syndrome, the term “idiopathic” indicates an unknown cause. However, severe ear infections can sometimes trigger the disease.

The symptoms of vestibular disease can appear suddenly and seem severe, but the good news is that this is not a progressive disease. It typically resolves within a few days to a few weeks.

Symptoms of Old Dog Vestibular Disease

The most common symptom is a sudden loss of balance, making your dog appear drunk—stumbling, tilting to one side, and unable to walk in a straight line. This was the first and most dramatic symptom we noticed in Cooper.

Other symptoms include:

• Rapid, unusual eye movements or eyes in an abnormal position
• Head tilt
• Nausea or vomiting
• Normal consciousness (important for distinguishing from strokes or seizures)

While Cooper didn’t seem “normal” to me—he appeared lost and disoriented—the vet explained that his dizziness likely caused this disorientation.

Can Old Dogs Recover from Vestibular Disease?

Despite the alarming symptoms, there is good news: old dogs can and do recover from vestibular disease. Recovery typically takes two to three weeks, though Cooper improved within a week. He was put on motion sickness medication and given small, frequent meals. After a few days, he was exhausted but walking normally. Within a week, he was back to his usual self.

It has now been about three weeks, and I’m happy to report that Cooper is entirely himself again—eating, walking, playing, and napping as if nothing ever happened.