Dog Stroke Symptoms: 12 Signs to Watch For

Reviewed by Catherine Barnette, DVM on 04/30/2024. Published on 04/03/2023

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Overview

Severity: i Critical

Life stage: Senior

Strokes are among the many health conditions that dogs share with people. They are caused by the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels that go to the brain, depriving it of blood and oxygen and causing neurons (brain cells) to die.

Dog strokes are often massive and quite frightening for pet parents to witness. If your dog has a stroke, they will need immediate veterinary care for the best chance of survival and recovery. Learning how to recognize dog stroke symptoms can help you get help quickly.

Can Dogs Have Strokes?

Yes, dogs can have strokes.

Although strokes occur in both dogs and people, there are a few differences to be aware of. First, strokes are much less common in dogs than in people. Also, unlike people, dogs cannot tell us when they have mild stroke signs, such as slurred speech or dizziness. By the time a pet parent typically notices dog stroke symptoms, the stroke has progressed and become massive.

Strokes in dogs are either ischemic (blocked blood vessel) or hemorrhagic (ruptured blood vessel), with ischemic being the most common form.

All breeds of dogs can be affected by strokes. However, certain breeds are prone to health conditions that put them at higher risk. For example, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are susceptible to heart disease, a stroke risk factor in dogs.

Strokes affect dogs of all ages. But older dogs have a higher risk because they are more likely to have one or more underlying health conditions that increase the risk of strokes.

Dog Stroke Symptoms

Symptoms of strokes in dogs appear suddenly and are similar whether the stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic.

A dog’s stroke symptoms depend on several factors:

Region of the brain affected by the stroke
Duration of blood and oxygen deprivation
Severity of blood and oxygen deprivation

Mild signs of stroke, such as dizziness and memory loss, are usually not apparent, but there are many dog stroke symptoms to watch for. These 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

Some of these dog stroke signs are also seen with syncope (fainting) and vestibular disease. Your veterinarian can rule out those other conditions using diagnostic testing.

What Causes Dog Strokes?

A blood clot is the most common cause of strokes in dogs. For hemorrhagic strokes, trauma can cause a blood vessel to rupture and leak blood into the brain.

A blockage in a blood vessel (such as bacteria or a tumor) can also cause a stroke, but in nearly half of stroke cases in dogs, the cause remains unknown.

Various health conditions increase a dog’s risk of having a stroke:

Diagnosing Dog Strokes

If your dog is having a stroke, take them to your veterinarian right away. The longer your dog’s brain is deprived of oxygen, the worse the prognosis.

Call your veterinarian before you leave the house to let them know you’re on your way. If your dog has a stroke after regular business hours, take them to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital.

After taking a detailed history and conducting a physical exam, your veterinarian will evaluate your dog’s heart to differentiate between a stroke and syncope. A heart evaluation includes an electrocardiogram to analyze heart rhythm, an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) to evaluate blood flow, and a chest X-ray to look at the physical appearance of the heart.

Once your veterinarian has ruled out syncope, they may recommend that your dog have an MRI or computed tomography scan to evaluate brain function and rule out other diseases.

Your veterinarian will also perform basic diagnostic tests, including blood work and a urinalysis. Hormone testing will be recommended if your veterinarian suspects an underlying hormonal condition, such as hypothyroidism.

Although strokes are an emergency in dogs, a proper evaluation is crucial to accurately diagnose a stroke and develop the most appropriate treatment plan.

Dog Stroke Treatment

Early stroke treatment is critical to quickly restore blood flow to the brain and increase the likelihood of a full recovery.

Treatment for strokes in dogs consists of medications and various supportive care measures to manage underlying health conditions and alleviate and resolve symptoms.

Some of these medications may include:

Blood thinners to break down blood clots
Hormone therapy to manage hypothyroidism
Blood pressure medication for hypertension

Other medications may be needed depending on your dog’s underlying health conditions. For example, hypothyroidism would be managed with a thyroid hormone supplement.

Several supportive care options, such as supplemental oxygen to supply oxygen to the brain, are also available. Other supportive care measures include intravenous fluid therapy, physical therapy, and nutritional management.

Surgery is not part of the treatment protocol for strokes in dogs.

Recovering from a Stroke

Even with early treatment, dogs with a stroke will face a long recovery. The neurologic signs will gradually resolve on their own as blood flow and oxygen are restored to the brain.

However, if the stroke was severe or treatment was delayed, a dog may have permanent brain damage and lingering symptoms. In the worst-case scenario, strokes can be fatal in dogs.

Preventing Dog Strokes

Unfortunately strokes in dogs cannot be prevented. However, you can decrease your dog’s risk of a stroke by staying on top of their health.

Be sure to take your dog to regular wellness visits and follow your veterinarian’s instructions for managing any underlying health conditions. For example, if your dog has diabetes, follow your veterinarian’s prescription instructions for administering insulin. Prioritizing your pup’s health is the best way to encourage general wellness and avoid a stroke.