Can My Dog or Cat Get Vertigo? Indian Trail Pet Sitter Shares information

Elderly dogs ranging from 12 to 13 years in age, and also cats, have been known to show symptoms, and suffer from vertigo. Symptoms can be both frightening and unnerving especially if you are witnessing for the very first time.

Also, symptoms can come on quite suddenly, and without warning, making your dog or cat lose consciousness and become demobilized. For those who are not aware, it is easy to confuse these symptoms with those of a stroke.

The good news is that while it can be quite scary, the disorder is non-lethal. Just ensure to consult the vet as quickly as you can, and all is back to normal.

What Is Vertigo Disorder in your dog or cat?

Known also as a vestibular disease, it affects the vestibular system, a combination of nerves running from the inner ear, all the way to the brain. These nerves mainly serve to provide balance and coordination for your pet.

When there is some level of disturbance to these nerves, the pet becomes disoriented and lacks the required balance, hence, symptoms such as seizures and loss of consciousness.

Symptoms of Vertigo

The following are common signs for vertigo:

– The pet may suddenly begin to walk in circles.

– Frequent falls and stumbling.

– The head could become tilted sideways.

– Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

– Stop any movements with the need to stop the dizziness.

– Disturbing meowing sounds because of the discomfort.

Causes of Vertigo

Probable causes include ear infections or some foreign bodies in the ear. It might also be due to tumors, which eventually cause abnormality to the brain of your pet. Once you discover that your cat or dog is presenting symptoms to the ones mentioned, it is good to immediately consult a vet. The reason is, they are always in the best position to diagnose and establish the cause.

However, there are a few there to consider.one, is that you should not confuse the symptoms with other serious disorders. Some vertigo symptoms are similar to a strong in humans, but pets, especially cats rarely suffer from strokes.

Treatment and Care

It’s the veterinary doctor alone who can for sure diagnose and tell if your pet is indeed suffering from vertigo. The vet is also able to know the cause, which allows proper treatment to begin.

Improvement is usually seen between the first 48 hours to 72 hours after treatment has begun. The good news is that most patients will up and running within two to three weeks after initial diagnosis and treatment.

Most vets usually do a blood test to determine the exact cause of vertigo. Treatment may involve drugs, including motion sickness drugs if vomiting and nausea persist.

The symptoms are usually frightening, not only to the owner but the pet as well. It is therefore important to comfort them, hold and soothe them, and be present until they gain their confidence back.

Since the pet’s movements may be disoriented, you need to remove and put away any obstacles that could be in their way to avoid any injury.

Conclusion

The answer is yes; your dog or cat can suffer from vertigo. However, it’s not such a serious condition and usually, your pet will enjoy full recovery after proper diagnosis and treatment.

HIring a Pet Sitter to help

If you need the help of a pet sitter and you live in the South Charlotte area, call Love and Kisses Pet Sitting.  They can customize any pet sitting and dog walking needs.

admin