Dog head tilt – what does it mean?

Contact a vet if you see any of this

• Seizures
• Loss of balance
• Reduced appetite or vomiting
• Flickering eye movements

What you can do now

1. Contact your vet.
2. Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see.
3. Take a photo or short video to show your vet.
4. Keep fresh water available.
5. Let your dog rest somewhere calm.

Don't

• Do not give any human medicine.
• Do not wait if it gets worse.

What it can mean

A head tilt means your dog’s head is tilted to one side, usually for a long time.^[1] Common causes include an ear infection and vestibular disease, a problem with your dog’s balance.^[1] Other possible causes include something stuck in the ear, certain medicines, stroke, a tumour, inflammation of the brain or trauma.^[1]

Other signs that can come with it

• Head shaking
• Itchy or painful ears
• Face or head rubbing along furniture or the ground
• Red or hot ears and smelly discharge from the ears
• Aural haematoma
• Flickering eye movements
• Loss of balance
• Seizures

Possible causes

• Ear infection
• Something stuck in the ear, such as a grass seed
• Vestibular disease
• Certain medicines
• Stroke
• Tumour
• Inflammation of the brain
• Trauma

What the experts say

“Head shaking ; Itchy/painful ear(s) ; Face/head rubbing along the furniture or ground ; Red or hot ears and smelly discharge from the ears ; Aural haematoma ; Nystagmus ( flickering eye movements) ; Loss of balance ; Seizures ; Reduced appetite or vomiting”

Common questions

Other symptoms in dogs

Humping BehaviourIncreased ThirstItchingItchy Ears and Head ShakingLimping and stiffnessLoss of balanceLow energyLumpsMouth PainNystagmusOver-groomingRed or swollen eyes