What’s Up With Those Wobbly Dogs? The Truth Behind Why Some Dogs Look ‘Drunk’

Way back in internet history — that is, 2021 — a dog named Stevie went viral for the uniquely adorable way he plays in puddles, splashing around in a somewhat lopsided fashion. Stevie has something called cerebellar hypoplasia, and it makes him a bit wobbly. As it turns out, Stevie’s been that way since Day One. 

Lots of other pups online are showing what their daily life is like with being a little wobbly too. This little angel named Bumi, for example, would like you to know that he can do anything other dogs can do (like fall madly in love with his favorite plushie). 

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And if you’re beginning to wonder if you should feel sorry for these pups, this dog named Koda would like to let you know that he’s having more fun than you’ll ever have, thank you very much. (Good on you, Koda!) 

Nodder’s in the same camp as all those pups. He’s an eight-year-old Husky who also has cerebellar hypoplasia. “Nodder was still tiny when we knew he was different,” his dad Chad Smith says. “We did use a wheelchair to get him upright and strengthen his legs, then he went from four wheels to two to none in six months!”  

By the age of two, Nodder, who lives in Southern California, was fully mobile — but still an adorably wobbly pup. 

Cerebellar hypoplasia is one of the most common reasons a dog might be wobbly, as Stevie, Bumi, Koda, and Nodder know all too well. But ultimately, there are multiple conditions that might cause a dog to have an unsteady gait.  

What makes a dog wobbly? 

When talking about a dog like Stevie and others like him, your veterinarian may bring up “ataxia.” Ataxia refers to a loss of coordination or movement, regardless of the cause. As this vet school describes it, “Affected dogs might have a ‘drunken,’ ‘staggering’ gait, and frequently have a ‘goose stepping’ movement of the front limbs.”  

So, if you hear a pet parent describing their dog as “drunk,” it’s not necessarily them being crass — it’s just that ataxia can be hard to describe on its own, and it’s sometimes the easiest way to explain what’s going on with your dog’s body movement. 

But ataxia is also a concerning symptom most commonly tied to something with your pup’s nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord, says Dr. Chris Black, a veterinarian specialist in neurology at VCA Animal Hospitals in Fairfax, Virginia.  

“Wobbliness in dogs can also result from non-neurological issues such as joint disease, ear infections, or injuries,” notes Dr. Colleen Lambo, a relief veterinarian with Roo. 

With so many possible variables at play — and with ataxia being a symptom of so many diseases and conditions —your pup should be seen by a veterinarian sooner rather than later. “Wobbliness alone is enough to warrant a veterinary consultation,” says Dr. Danielle DeBrincat, edical director at VEG Littleton in Colorado.  

What conditions are associated with a wobbly dog? 

There are a lot of conditions, both minor and serious, that might cause your dog to develop ataxia — that is, be wobbly or act a little “drunk.” 

Some breeds may also be prone to certain conditions, but that’s no reason not to fall in love with that particular pup; it just means that it’s something to keep an eye out for. When you head in for your vet appointment, these are the things your vet will be looking to rule out (or confirm a diagnosis for). 

Arthritis or hip dysplasia 

It’s possible that these conditions could create “instability from joint pain” that lends itself to wobbliness, Dr. Lambo says. Talk to your vet about a diagnosis if your dog has not already been given one.

Cancer of the brain or spinal cord  

Don’t panic, as this is a very rare possibility that a tumor could be the trigger of ataxia. However, it’s worth knowing about, because your vet will want to rule out all possible causes. 

Cerebellar hypoplasia  

This is one of the most common conditions for pups with ataxia, and it develops when “the cerebellum, which controls balance and coordination, does not fully develop due to genetics or a virus during pregnancy,” Dr. Lambo says. 

Symptoms may include exaggerated movements, tremors when moving, balance issues, and difficulty controlling movement, but it’s not painful. It does, however, affect “a patient's equilibrium and their ability to regulate their movements,” Dr. Black says. 

That said, even though these dogs will have cerebellar hypoplasia their entire lives, most are perfectly happy and don’t know they’re any different. What’s more, cerebellar hypoplasia doesn’t usually progress with age, so the condition is unlikely to worsen, Dr. DeBrincat adds. 

Degenerative myelopathy 

The good news is that degenerative myelopathy isn’t painful, but unfortunately, this progressive spinal cord disease, similar to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in humans, worsens over time, Dr. Lambo says. 

You may notice your dog dragging their toes or exhibiting weakness in their back legs at first. Dr. Black says that Bernese Mountain Dogs, German Shepherds, Pugs, and Corgis are among the breeds who are predisposed to this condition — but that said, it’s still a fairly uncommon diagnosis.  

Ear infections or vertigo 

Unlike most reasons for ataxia, these aren’t neurological, but they can cause dizziness, head tilting, and loss of balance, Dr. Lambo says. Make sure you check with your vet to rule out an ear infection or help your pup get treatment if you see suddenly see these symptoms in your pup.

Encephalitis 

This inflammation of the brain can cause your pup to wobble. If you also notice weakness, depression, or a fever, call a vet immediately. Dr. Black notes that some small breed dogs, such as Yorkshire Terriers, Malteses, Chihuahuas, and Pugs, are more likely to develop an autoimmune encephalitis. 

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) 

Intervertebral disc disease is the most common cause of ataxia and spinal pain in dogs, Dr. Black says, and it can occur in any breed. However, many small dogs are genetically predisposed to it, including French Bulldogs and Dachshunds. 

Low blood sugar 

This is a non-neurological cause for wobbliness and one that’s treatable. Your vet will tell you what steps you can take here.

Stroke 

If wobbliness comes on suddenly and is paired with confusion, a stroke could be to blame. Call your vet immediately if you at all suspect this.

Toxin ingestion 

Did your pup happen to find a stash of something they shouldn’t have? Dr. DeBrincat says she’s witnessed patients who have ingested marijuana, which can manifest as wobbly walking. Again, give your vet a ring if this is the case.

Wobbler syndrome 

This is “a common disorder in large and giant breed dogs,” Dr. Black says. “Most of the time this affects all four legs and can wax and wane.” 

It’s caused by a spinal cord compression in the neck, and symptoms might include a wobbly gait in the back legs, neck pain, weakness, and difficulty standing, Dr. Lambo says. 

Dr. Black adds that large- and giant-breed dogs, like Dobermans and Great Danes, are prone to this disorder. While wobbler syndrome can worsen over time, treatment may slow progression. 

How do veterinarians diagnose and treat a wobbly dog? 

Once your dog gets to the vet, the vet will do an initial exam to see what’s going on. 

But what happens from there can run the gamut and might include: 

• Bloodwork 

• Electrodiagnostic testing 

• Genetic testing 

• Infectious disease testing 

• MRI  

• Neurological exam 

• Spinal tap 

• Urine test 

• Ultrasound 

• X-ray 

• Other specialized tests 

Treatment depends on the eventual diagnosis. Remember that you’re treating the health issue, not just the ataxia. 

Cerebellar hypoplasia might require investing in some special nonslip surfaces for your pup, while other conditions might call for medications, physical therapy, surgery, or supportive care. It just depends on your dog’s individual case. 

But either way, you shouldn’t delay a visit. 

“If you notice ataxia, it is always a good idea to have your pet evaluated by a veterinarian,” Dr. Black says. “Some cases are not an emergency and can get better on their own. Other cases do require acute intervention.” You won’t know for sure until your veterinarian does a thorough workup on your dog. 

What’s the prognosis for a wobbly dog? 

The prognosis depends on what’s making your dog wobbly, but the good news is that “the more commonly seen causes of ataxia are often very manageable or even curable with medical management,” Dr. DeBrincat says. “It is often not a quick fix and can take time, but most pets can live long, happy lives.” 

Dr. Lambo notes that mobility aids, physical therapy, and exceptional care from pet parents can also help these dogs live their best lives. “While TikTok might only highlight their cuteness, it’s the ongoing monitoring and attentive treatment behind the scenes that are essential to keeping these dogs healthy and thriving,” she notes. 

As for dogs like Stevie, Bumi, Koda, and Nodder with cerebellar hypoplasia, they’re living like royalty — thanks to attentive pet parents — and totally deserve it. 

“The great news is, these pets are born with this and they do not know any different and are very happy living life, playing, and eating, just the way they are,” Dr. DeBrincat says. 

Nodder’s dad Chad says his pup is a little less mobile than he used to be, but if he needs a wheelchair again, they’re ready and waiting to help their wobbly pup get around however he needs to. “Every dog with cerebellar hypoplasia has a different severity and number of symptoms,” Nodder’s dad says. “But for the most part … these dogs can be happy and spoiled and live normal, expected lifespans.”