Dog Stroke Symptoms: What to Watch For and When to Act

Many UK pet owners don’t realise that strokes in dogs happen more often than expected. Like humans, dogs can suffer a stroke when blood flow to the brain is suddenly cut off. This can cause sudden changes in balance, behaviour, or movement.

The good news? With quick action and veterinary advice, your dog can recover. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the dog stroke symptoms to watch for, what causes them, and how to help your dog if a stroke occurs. Let’s start with what a stroke actually is.

What Is a Stroke in Dogs?

A stroke in dogs happens when the brain stops getting enough blood. This lack of blood flow means brain cells begin to die quickly. There are two main types of strokes in dogs:

• Ischaemic stroke: This happens when blood clots block blood vessels in the brain. It cuts off the blood supply and damages brain tissue.

• Haemorrhagic stroke: This is when a blood vessel bursts, causing bleeding in or around the brain.

Both types can affect your dog’s balance, movement, or even bladder control. Just like human stroke victims, the quicker a stroke is spotted and treated, the better the chance for recovery.

What Causes a Stroke in Dogs?

Strokes don’t just happen without reason. Most dog strokes have an underlying medical condition. Some of the most common causes include:

• High blood pressure – often from heart disease, kidney disease, or old age.

• Clotting disorders – issues that affect how the blood clots, leading to stroke undetected blood clots.

• Cushing’s disease – this condition causes too much cortisol in the body, which can affect the pet’s brain and heart.

• Kidney failure – this can disrupt the body’s normal blood balance.

• Tumor cells – cancer or growths can press on blood vessels or lead to bleeding.

Some strokes are linked to tumors, aneurysms, or conditions like heart disease cancer. The Royal Veterinary College explains that many cases are linked to an underlying cause, so it’s important to get a full check-up if you notice signs.

Certain breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are at higher risk due to genetic health issues. In rare cases, strokes happen from trauma or an unknown cause.

Dog Stroke Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Knowing the warning signs can help you act fast. Dog stroke symptoms often appear suddenly and vary depending on the part of the pet's brain that’s affected.

Here are the 5 warning signs of a stroke in dogs:

1. Head tilt – Your dog’s head may suddenly tilt to one side, which shows the brain affected is not functioning normally.

2. Sudden loss of balance or coordination – Your dog may walk like they’re drunk or fall over unexpectedly. This is a sign the brain tissue controlling movement has lost proper blood flow.

3. Dog’s eyes constantly rotating (nystagmus) – Rapid or jerky abnormal eye movements can be one of the clearest signs of a neurological problem.

4. Weakness or paralysis on one side – Your dog might drag a leg or struggle to get up.

5. Collapse or unconsciousness – In severe cases, the dog may fall and become unresponsive.

You might also notice vomiting, gasping, diarrhoea, or even loss of bladder control. These are all considered medical emergencies.

Keep in mind that strokes can look like vestibular disease, which causes similar clinical signs like dizziness or loss of balance. If your dog shows any sudden onset of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately.

Can a Stroke Be Fatal for Dogs?

Yes, unfortunately, a stroke can be fatal — especially if left untreated. While not all strokes lead to death, the severity of the stroke, the brain tissue affected, and how quickly you act all play major roles in the outcome.

Strokes that damage the pet's ability to breathe or walk are very serious. If the underlying cause like a tumor, heart disease, or clotting disorder isn’t managed, the risk of future strokes or sudden death rises.

Older dogs and dogs with underlying medical conditions like high blood pressure or kidney disease are more at risk. Immediate stroke treatment and supportive care can reduce brain damage and improve outcomes.

What to Do If Your Dog Had a Stroke

If your dog suddenly starts stumbling, tilting their head, or showing abnormal eye movements, they may be having a stroke. This can be frightening, but your calm and quick action can make a big difference in how well your dog recovers. A stroke in dogs is a medical emergency, and time is critical.

1. Stay calm and keep your dog safe - Move your dog away from stairs, sharp objects, or slippery floors. Speak gently to reassure them.

2. Do not offer food or water - Swallowing may be affected. Giving food or water could lead to choking.

3. Avoid unnecessary movement - Limit your dog’s movement to prevent injury. Carry them carefully if needed.

4. Call your vet immediately - Contact your local vet or an emergency animal hospital. Describe the signs clearly, such as sudden loss of balance, head tilt, confusion, or if your dog’s eyes are constantly rotating.

5. Track the symptoms - Note when the symptoms started and what you’ve observed. This helps the vet determine the cause and start the right stroke treatment.

A stroke can cause sudden loss of balance, bladder control, or behaviour. It may also mimic other problems like vestibular disease or seizures. According to Blue Cross, only a vet can confirm if your pet’s stroke is real or if something else is going on.

If your dog’s symptoms happen after hours, call an emergency vet hospital. Delaying care can lead to more brain damage or even death, especially if blood clots or haemorrhagic stroke is the cause.

How Vets Diagnose and Treat Strokes in Dogs

When a stroke occurs, it affects the dog’s brain function—sometimes in very subtle ways. That’s why getting a proper diagnosis from a vet is so important. Most vets start by asking about your dog’s symptoms, medical history, and the timing of the sudden onset of signs like collapse, confusion, or a head tilt.

Diagnosis

Your vet may run several tests to confirm a stroke and rule out other issues with similar clinical signs, like vestibular disease, seizures, or brain tumours. These include:

• Blood tests – to detect infection, anaemia, or clotting disorders

• Blood pressure check – high blood pressure can lead to both ischaemic and haemorrhagic dog strokes

• Heart screening – a cardiac evaluation can uncover heart disease

• Advanced imaging – MRI or CT scans reveal damaged brain tissue, blocked blood vessels, or bleeding in the brain

According to the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), brain imaging is vital for confirming a stroke and ruling out tumours, aneurysms, or other brain abnormalities. The results also help determine if it’s an ischemic stroke (caused by stroke undetected blood clots) or a hemorrhagic stroke (caused by a ruptured blood vessel).

Treatment

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, stroke treatment begins quickly. While there’s no “cure,” the goal is to restore proper blood flow, reduce pressure on the pet’s brain, and prevent further strokes. Your vet may offer:

• Supportive care – IV fluids, oxygen, temperature control, and pain relief

• Blood thinners or anticoagulants – used carefully in some ischaemic dog strokes

• High blood pressure medication – to manage hypertension if present

• Treatment of underlying disease – such as kidney disease, Cushing’s disease, or cancer

• Physical therapy – helps your dog regain strength and coordination

Dogs recovering from stroke often need long-term care and home support. The earlier the treatment, the more likely your dog recover fully. Regular checkups and managing any underlying medical conditions will also help reduce the risk of another stroke.

Many vets work with a veterinary neurologist to build a personalised care plan. In the UK, referral centres like the RVC Small Animal Hospital provide specialist services for dogs with complex neurological needs.

Can My Dog Recover from a Stroke?

Yes, many dogs do recover after a stroke—especially if they get immediate veterinary attention. However, recovery depends on how much of the pet’s brain was affected and how quickly treatment started.

Some dog sufferers may show progress within a few days, while others may need weeks or even months. Dogs that receive physical therapy and good home care often regain their ability to walk, eat, and enjoy life again.

You’ll need to help your pet with:

• Balance – support them when walking

• Feeding – ensure they can swallow safely

• Comfort – provide a suit dog bed and a quiet space

• Routine – dogs heal faster with structure and gentle handling

If an underlying cause like heart disease, kidney failure, or aneurysms tumours Cushing’s disease is found, managing that is key to avoiding further strokes.

FunnyFuzzy's Dog Bed

Can You Prevent Dog Strokes? What the Experts Say

While not all dogs strokes can be prevented, some are caused by underlying disease that can be managed with regular vet visits.

How to lower your dog’s stroke risk:

• Check for high blood pressure during vet check-ups

• Watch for signs of kidney disease, heart disease, or Cushing’s disease

• Keep weight healthy with proper food and exercise

• Treat canine stomach upsets and infections quickly

• Monitor for abnormal neurologic signs depending on breed risks

Older dogs and certain breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels may need closer health monitoring. If your vet recommends blood thinning anticoagulants, follow their advice carefully.

According to the Kennel Club, strokes are more likely in dogs with underlying medical conditions. Staying ahead of these issues can save your dog’s life.

When a Stroke Isn’t a Stroke: Other Conditions That Look Similar

Not all strange behaviour means a stroke. Other problems can show similar clinical signs, including:

• Vestibular disease – looks like stroke with head tilt and imbalance

• Seizures – sudden shaking, collapse, or staring spells

• Brain tumours – gradual change in behaviour or body function

• Heart disease cancer – may cause fainting or weakness

The only way to tell what’s really happening is with a vet exam. According to Vets Now, even trained pet owners can mistake one condition for another.

Keep a note of any sudden changes and bring your dog in for a check-up. Catching problems early helps reduce pet suffering and supports better health outcomes.

FAQs

How do you know if your dog has had a stroke?

Look for sudden symptoms like head tilt, walking in circles, abnormal eye movements, or confusion. These signs suggest your dog’s brain function may be affected. Call your vet immediately.

Will a dog recover from a stroke?

Yes, with early care and supportive care, many dogs improve. Physical therapy and treating the underlying cause help recovery.

What are the 5 warning signs of a stroke?

1. Head tilt

2. Sudden loss of balance

3. Abnormal eye movements (dog’s eyes constantly rotating)

4. Weakness or collapse

5. Sudden behaviour changes

What are the symptoms of a mild stroke?

Mild signs may include a slight head tilt, brief confusion, or wobbliness. Even if mild, these should not be ignored.

Conclusion

Dog stroke symptoms can appear suddenly and be very serious. But knowing what to look for—and acting quickly—can make all the difference. Whether it’s an ischemic stroke caused by blood clots or a haemorrhagic stroke from a broken blood vessel, every minute counts.