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Is your puppy wobbly and off balance while they are walking? If they are still very young, under three or four weeks of age, and haven’t yet begun walking steadily, this may be completely normal as they learn how to walk independently. However, if they have been walking, playing, and jumping just fine and it is a new behavior, it could be a sign that something is wrong. The name for this uncoordinated gait is ataxia. It’s best to have your veterinarian evaluate your puppy promptly so they can be treated for whatever is causing these concerning signs.
The 7 Possible Reasons Why My Puppy is Wobbly and Off Balance All of a Sudden
1. Low Blood Sugar Levels (Hypoglycemia)
Puppies are at higher risk of suffering from hypoglycemia because they can’t regulate their blood sugar levels as effectively, especially those under 3 months of age and toy breeds. It can occur after a digestive upset with vomiting and diarrhea, a heavy burden of intestinal parasites, or if your puppy has been off their food for a period of time.
Providing proper nutrition on a routine schedule is crucial to avoid this problem, as well as contacting your vet as soon as you notice that your puppy goes off their food or becomes sick.
- Weakness
- Twitching or shaking
- Disorientation
- Collapse
- Seizures
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2. Toxins
Puppies can be mischievous and get into things that can make them sick. Cleaning chemicals, pesticides, and other poisons can be extremely toxic to pets. New dog owners must be aware of other everyday household items that can also be toxic to puppies, like certain plants, human foods, human medications, and non-edible items they might chew on, like plastic and wood, which may also lead to an obstruction of the digestive tract. However, even the best-laid plans to keep puppies safe can go wrong with the most determined puppies.
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting with or without blood
- Lethargy
- Drooling
- Shaking/Tremors
- Behavioral changes
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing
- Pale gums
3. Injury/Trauma
A head injury is more common in puppies than many dog owners realize.1 Sometimes, it can be prevented by adapting your home to your new dog. Falls or blunt trauma can have serious consequences for your puppy. If your puppy experienced a trauma after falling or hitting their head, take them in to get examined by your veterinarian immediately.
- Lethargy
- Dazed appearance
- Difficulty walking
- Disorientation
- Vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Abnormal pupils
- Seizures
- Circling
- Pacing
- Abnormal breathing
- Abnormal heart rhythm
4. Muscle or Bone Issues
Puppies may injure themselves or have underlying developmental and joint issues that could become obvious at a young age, or may start causing them issues later on in adult life. Muscle sprains, ligament injuries, hip or elbow dysplasia, and others may cause limping, unsteady gait, and other signs of discomfort. Bone fractures may also occur if the trauma is severe, especially in very small puppies of toy breeds.
- Difficulty walking
- Limping on one or more legs
- Holding the leg or paw up
- Not bearing weight
- Crying in pain
- Not wanting to move
5. Neurological Issues
Encephalitis is the clinical name for inflammation of the brain. When other parts of the central nervous system are affected, the problem can be called encephalomyelitis (the spinal cord is also affected) or meningitis (the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord is inflamed). The official diagnosis will depend on the area of the nervous system affected. It could be the spine or a specific area of the brain. Each area may display a somewhat specific set of signs, although advanced imaging using an MRI alongside a cerebrospinal fluid tap may be recommended in order to reach the diagnosis.
Neurological issues in puppies may be caused by inflammation, infection, or developmental abnormalities of the nervous system.
- Disorientation
- Wobbly gait (ataxia)
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Blindness
- Circling
- Neck pain
- Fever
- Head tilt
- Behavioral changes
- Facial paralysis
6. Otitis (Ear Problems)
Otitis, usually caused by infections secondary to underlying allergies, excess moisture, parasites, or foreign bodies inside the ear canal, can cause loss of balance in dogs just as they can in humans.2
The problem usually starts in the outer portion of the ear and can progress to the deeper structures, being called otitis media or interna. Some breeds are more susceptible to ear infections, especially those with long, droopy ears, but any dog breed can be affected. While more common in adult dogs, puppies can also develop ear problems.
- Head shaking
- Scratching at the affected ear
- Head tilting
- Abnormal eye movement
- Circling
- Deafness
- Drooling
- Difficulty eating
7. Dehydration and Collapse
Any illness in puppies, from vomiting and diarrhea causing a lack of appetite, or fever causing lethargy and lack of appetite, can lead to rapid dehydration, especially in toy and small breeds and very young puppies. Regardless of the cause, this can make them feel disoriented and wobbly on their legs and can cause collapse. It goes without saying that such conditions require urgent veterinary care.
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Lack of appetite
- Dry gums
- Drinking excessively in the very beginning
- Refusing to drink
- Reduced skin elasticity (skin tenting)
- Sunken in eyes
- Wobbly gait
- Inability to walk
- Falling over
FAQs About Ataxia in Puppies
Do you have other questions about your puppy walking off balance? You aren’t the only one. These are some of the most frequently asked questions by puppy owners experiencing a wobbly walking pup.
Is it normal for a puppy to be off balance?
It is certainly not normal for a puppy to walk wobbly, and they should see a vet as soon as possible to find out the cause.
What other signs should I look for?
Other signs that may accompany ataxia will vary depending on the underlying cause, from circling, pacing, head tilting, tremors, seizures, fever, limping, vomiting, and many more. You should note any abnormalities and share these with their veterinarian. Filming a short video can be very helpful for your veterinarian or neurologist.
How is an off-balance puppy treated?
The right treatment for your puppy will depend on the diagnosis. An ear infection will be treated much differently than low sugar levels or meningitis. Therefore, it is important to get your pup to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Conclusion
A wobbly gait or shaking while standing, tremors, or collapse are all concerning signs in puppies and indicate that something is wrong. You should call your veterinarian and have your puppy evaluated as soon as possible to find the underlying cause so it can be treated immediately. Be sure to note any additional signs since they can help your vet accurately diagnose the condition.
Featured Image Credit: Taylor Treadgold, Shutterstock
