Twelve Signs to Watch For in Recognizing a Dog Stroke: Insight by Veterinarians JoAnna Pendergrass and Brittany Kleszynski (Published April 3, 2023; Reviewed April 30, 2025)

Doggos, just like their human counterparts, can unfortunately experience strokes. Strokes occur when the blood supply to the brain is restricted or stopped, leading to brain cells dying. It's a pretty scary situation for any pet parent witnessing it.

If your four-legged friend has a stroke, it's a race against time for immediate veterinary care. The quicker you get help, the better chances your fur baby has for survival and recovery. Learning to recognize the signs of a stroke can help you act quickly.

Can Dogs Have Strokes?

Absolutely! While strokes are less common in dogs than in humans, they can still happen. Dogs can't tell us when they are experiencing mild symptoms like slurred speech or dizziness, so by the time you notice signs, it could be a massive stroke.

Strokes in dogs can be ischemic (blocked blood vessel) or hemorrhagic (ruptured blood vessel), but ischemic is more common.

All dog breeds are susceptible to strokes, but some are at higher risk due to health issues. For instance, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can have heart problems, which is a stroke risk factor in dogs. And whilst both young and old dogs can have strokes, older dogs are more at risk because they often have one or more underlying health problems that increase their stroke risk.

Spotting the Signs of a Stroke

Stroke signs in dogs appear suddenly and are similar whether the stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic. Some signs to watch out for include:

Circling
Seizures
Head tilt
Blindness
Incoordination
Unconsciousness
Nausea or vomiting
Bathroom accidents
Weakness on one side
Sudden personality changes
Unawareness of surroundings/disorientation
Abnormal eye movement and position

Although some of these symptoms may also be seen with fainting or vestibular disease, a vet can help distinguish those conditions using diagnostic tests.

What Causes Dog Strokes?

Most strokes in dogs are caused by blood clots, while hemorrhagic strokes are often the result of trauma causing a blood vessel to burst. In nearly half of stroke cases, the cause remains unknown.

Various health conditions can increase a dog's risk of strokes, such as cancer, diabetes, heart diseases, kidney disease, hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease, bleeding disorders, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, hypertension, and more.

Diagnosing a Stroke

If you think your pooch is having a stroke, take them to the vet right away. The sooner you get help, the better the chances of diagnosing a stroke accurately and developing a suitable treatment plan.

Call your vet before leaving home, and if it's after business hours, head to the nearest emergency vet hospital. The vet will conduct a physical examination, rule out other conditions like syncope, and may recommend tests like an MRI or computed tomography scan to analyze brain function and rule out other diseases. Basic diagnostic tests, such as blood work and urinalysis, will also be performed.

Treating a Stroke

Early treatment is crucial for successful recovery. Treatment consists of medications to break down blood clots, manage underlying health conditions, and supportive care measures like supplemental oxygen, intravenous fluid therapy, physical therapy, and nutritional management.

While not part of the treatment protocol for strokes in dogs, surgery may be necessary for other health conditions.

The Road to Recovery

Even with early treatment, dogs may face a long recovery. The brain damage and symptoms will gradually resolve over time, but in severe cases, a dog may have permanent damage or lingering symptoms. In the worst-case scenario, strokes can be fatal.

Preventing Strokes

Since strokes can't be entirely prevented, the best way to protect your dog is to take care of their overall health. Make sure they attend regular wellness visits, follow your vet's instructions for managing any underlying health conditions, and prioritize their health by following any treatment plans for conditions like diabetes (e.g., administering insulin as recommended).

Science has shown that doggos, like humans, can suffer from strokes, a condition where the brain's blood supply is disrupted.
In the workplace-wellness context, pet owners need to be aware of this potential health issue their furry companions might face.
Medical conditions such as cancer, type-2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, COPD, and multiple sclerosis can increase a dog's risk of having a stroke.
heart diseases like those that affect Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can also raise a dog's risk of stroke.
Other risk factors for strokes in dogs include rheumatoid arthritis, neurological disorders, and autoimmune disorders.
Mental health imbalances, such as depression, can also predispose dogs to strokes due to their effects on the cardiovascular system.
Skin conditions like psoriasis and skin-related allergies may not seem directly related, but they can cause stress and, indirectly, increase the risk of strokes.
Migraines, a common neurological disorder, can also contribute to a dog's stroke risk.
Chronic conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure) and underlying digestive or eye health problems can make dogs more susceptible to strokes.
Hearing impairment, although not directly related, can make it difficult for pet parents to notice early stroke symptoms in their dogs.
Hearing loss often causes pet owners to overlook early signs of strokes, such as circling, head tilt, blindness, and lack of coordination.
Timely therapies and treatments, such as ensuring proper cbd oil dosage for dogs or exercising, plays a crucial role in managing and reducing a dog's stroke risk.
When it comes to senior dogs, aging increases their risk of strokes due to multiple health conditions that might have developed over time.
Lastly, ensuring regular health and wellness check-ups, paying attention to fitness and exercise routines, and maintaining good skin care can all contribute to a dog's overall stroke prevention and well-being.