Help! I Found a Stray Dog Behaving Strange! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“I found a stray dog yesterday, and he is very sweet and kind. He ate dinner and breakfast. He comes over to me for pats. But this afternoon, I noticed he was by his bed, just walking around in circles. What could it mean? ” – Justin
Quick Info
Dear Justin,
First of all, thank you for giving this stray some much much-needed food, love, and care. When a dog begins to walk in circles, especially if this behavior is new, it usually points to an underlying medical issue rather than a behavioral quirk. Circling can appear with conditions that affect the vestibular system, the brain, or even the inner ear. Dogs sometimes move in a loop, the same way a person might lean to one side when feeling dizzy. In other cases, discomfort from ear disease or disorientation from cognitive changes can lead to pacing or circling around a resting spot.
Because you do not know this dog’s history and he is already showing a neurologic sign, a veterinary examination is important. A veterinarian can assess his neurologic status, check his ears, evaluate for pain, and rule out conditions such as vestibular disease, toxin exposure, or infectious causes. The fact that he is friendly, eating, and seeking affection is encouraging, but circling is not something to monitor passively. Early assessment gives him the best chance of a safe and comfortable transition into your loving care. I hope this helps!
– Dr. Paola