Canine idiopathic vestibular disease causes sudden severe dizziness, nausea and loss of balance in older dogs, causing acute distress that resolves within days with supportive care.
Vestibular disease is acutely distressing for affected dogs who experience severe disorientation and nausea. The welfare priority during the acute phase is supportive care - anti-nausea medication, assistance with positioning, water provision and keeping the dog calm. Owners who understand the condition can provide better welfare support than those who believe their dog is dying, which itself causes additional stress.