Written by JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM | Reviewed by Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Updated on April 8, 2024

Key takeaways:

• Signs of stroke in dogs include loss of balance, head tilt, and weakness on one side.
• Strokes in dogs often occur without warning, and the symptoms vary. But a dog that is having a stroke needs immediate veterinary treatment.
• How well a dog recovers from a stroke depends on several factors, such as the severity of the stroke and any underlying health conditions.

Table of contents

Dog stroke symptoms

Life expectancy after a stroke

What to do

Diagnosis

Treating dog strokes

Dog stroke causes

Bottom line

References

kali9/E+ via Getty Images

Dogs and humans can experience many of the same health conditions, including strokes. A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is any interruption in blood flow to the brain. Without enough blood flow to the brain, oxygen cannot reach the brain’s cells, potentially causing permanent damage.

Strokes in dogs are different from strokes in people. Still, dog strokes can be serious and even fatal, and they always require immediate veterinary care. The sooner a dog having a stroke receives care, the better chance they have to recover.

Of course, a dog can’t tell you that they’re having a stroke. But they will give you signs that something isn’t right. Dog strokes are often sudden. So it’s essential to recognize the symptoms and respond quickly if you think your dog is having a stroke.tlined

Dog stroke symptoms

The signs of stroke in dogs often occur suddenly. And they usually depend on which area of the brain is affected.

Common dog stroke symptoms include:

• Loss of balance
• Nausea or vomiting due to balance issues
• Wandering in circles
• Loss of body control
• Unusual eye movements, such as back and forth movement or loss of blink reflexes
• Head tilt
• Weakness on one side
• Seizures
• Misjudging steps while walking

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Dog strokes are either ischemic (blocked blood vessel) or hemorrhagic (ruptured blood vessel). Symptoms from ischemic strokes typically don’t get worse beyond 24 hours after they start. If not treated, hemorrhagic stroke symptoms can last longer than 24 hours. Signs of stroke in dogs usually improve within 72 hours, but it can take weeks or more for a pet to improve completely.

Can a stroke be fatal for dogs?

Yes, severe strokes can cause a level of damage that a dog can’t recover from. But strokes aren’t always fatal in dogs. 

Many dogs don’t receive a stroke diagnosis in time to receive immediate treatment. Or the signs of the stroke can initially be missed.  

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How well a dog recovers from a stroke depends on a few factors:

• Severity of the stroke
• Other health conditions that are present
• How quickly treatment was started

While it can be a difficult process, most dogs that survive ischemic strokes have a good chance of recovering. If your dog recovers well in the first 30 days, the outlook is generally good. Though, it is possible for them to have another stroke after this period, so they should be monitored closely. Stay in communication with your veterinarian in case your dog’s recovery slows or their symptoms return. 

Your veterinarian can also determine how well your dog might recover in the long term, based on their response to treatment. Overall, dogs seem to recover from strokes better than humans. Having patience, supporting any physical disabilities, communicating with your veterinarian, and keeping a realistic outlook will go a long way in helping your dog heal. 

What to do first when your dog has a stroke

If you think your dog is having a stroke, act quickly. Stroke symptoms in dogs require immediate veterinary care. 

Dog strokes can be confused with other conditions, such as fainting spells and vestibular disorders that cause balance problems. So it’s best to ask your veterinarian if you notice any unusual symptoms in your dog. Your vet may find it helpful for you to note the timeline of symptoms, as well. Consider jotting down:

• What your dog was doing before the symptoms started
• The symptoms you noticed
• Whether the symptoms continued to develop or worsen

This information could help your veterinarian as they try to figure out the cause of your dog’s symptoms.

When being transported to the vet or an emergency hospital, smaller dogs should be put in a carrier for safety. If you have a larger dog, carefully carry them to the car, and make sure they are safely secured with minimal restraint. Try not to over-handle your pup, and call your vet or the hospital to let them know you’re on your way.

How are strokes in dogs diagnosed?

If your dog is having a stroke, your vet will need to accurately diagnose it before beginning treatment. This will involve a complete physical exam and other diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, urine tests, and a blood pressure reading. 

These tests can rule out other potential causes of your dog’s symptoms. They can also help your veterinarian identify the underlying cause of the stroke. Ultimately, they will likely use an MRI scan of your dog’s brain to confirm the stroke.

How to treat a dog recovering from a stroke

Treatment for dog strokes centers on addressing symptoms, providing overall supportive care, and managing any underlying health conditions. If any underlying causes of a stroke aren’t treated, another one could happen later on.

If your dog has a stroke, treatment and supportive care will eventually restore blood flow to their brain. This often resolves any neurologic symptoms like head tilt or eye movement issues. Some dogs eventually regain function completely, while others may have permanent changes. If your dog loses mobility, it could come back within the few months following the stroke. 

Examples of treatments for dog stroke symptoms are:

• Blood pressure medication to lower blood pressure
• Anticoagulant medication to dissolve blood clots
• Medication to correct hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels)

Supportive dog stroke treatment at home includes providing a nutritious diet and helping manage urination and defecation. Other examples of supportive care your vet may recommend for your dog are intravenous fluid therapy, oxygen therapy, and physical therapy.

Here’s what may have caused your dog to have a stroke

As mentioned, dog strokes are either ischemic (blocked blood vessel) or hemorrhagic (ruptured blood vessel). Things like bacteria and parasites can contribute to blocked blood vessels. Trauma and blood clotting disorders can cause blood vessels to rupture. Strokes in dogs are more commonly ischemic than hemorrhagic.

There are several underlying health conditions that can increase the risk of strokes in dogs:

• Cushing’s disease
• High blood pressure (hypertension) 
• Kidney disease
• Heartworm disease
• Blood clotting disorders
• Underactive thyroid glands (hypothyroidism)

Some medications — like phenylpropanolamine (Proin), which treats urine leakage — might also increase the risk of stroke in dogs. No dog breed is specifically prone to having strokes. But dogs from breeds predisposed to developing one of the above health conditions may also have a higher risk of stroke.

The bottom line

Although strokes are less common in dogs than humans, they are often sudden and serious, requiring immediate veterinary care. Some signs of stroke in dogs are head tilt, circling, loss of balance, and unusual eye movements. If you think that your dog is having a stroke, don’t delay getting them to the vet for diagnosis and treatment. 

Dog stroke treatment is mostly supportive, but it’s important to treat any underlying causes. The sooner your dog gets help, the better their chances for recovery.

Additional reporting contributed to this article by Leah Thomason.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM

JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM, is a veterinarian and medical writer. After earning her veterinary degree from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, she completed a research fellowship at Emory University and ultimately decided to use her extensive veterinary education and training to write about pet care and pet health.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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Meet our experts

References

American Animal Hospital Association. (n.d.). How can I tell if my pet has had a stroke?

Arnold, S. A., et al. (2020). Imaging ischemic and hemorrhagic disease of the brain in dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science.

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