Help! I Think My Dog Is Having Episodes of Unsteady Gait! (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
“Lizzie is a 5-month-old lemon beagle. She’s had 2 episodes of what appears to be “unsteady gait,” swaggering side to side. Her pupils are neither fixed nor dilated. These episodes have happened twice, and they are accompanied by urinary incontinence. Both times, she has still stayed playful. When I noticed she was swaggering, I’d go to check on her and she’d take off running, playfully. She’d be herself in the morning. She is going to the vet next week.” – Cynthia
Quick Info about Lizzie
Hi Cynthia,
It is great that Lizzie is already scheduled for a veterinary visit, because intermittent unsteadiness combined with urinary incontinence deserves careful evaluation, even though she seems playful and recovers quickly. In a young puppy, short episodes of an unsteady gait or “swaggering” can have several potential causes, ranging from benign to more significant. These include transient drops in blood glucose, which is a risk in small or very active puppies, inner ear disturbances affecting balance, mild toxic exposures, or, less commonly, neurological conditions such as seizures or congenital cerebellar or vestibular issues. The fact that she remains alert, playful, and responsive during and after the episodes is reassuring, but it still warrants investigation to rule out metabolic or neurological causes.
Your veterinarian will likely perform a thorough physical and neurological examination, check her glucose levels, and possibly run blood work or urinalysis to evaluate her kidney and liver function. If these events recur or change in character before her appointment, keeping a brief video of an episode can be very helpful for the veterinary team, as it allows them to observe her gait and behavior in real time. For now, continue to ensure she stays well hydrated, eats regularly, and avoids any potential toxins or medications not prescribed for her. With a full examination and any needed tests, your veterinarian will be able to determine whether this is a passing issue or something requiring further management. Congratulations on being proactive with Lizzie’s care!
– Dr. Paola