Updated September 25, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: Go to an emergency vet for sudden inability to walk, a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes, several seizures in a day, a head injury, or sudden severe neck or back pain. See a vet the same day or next day for a first seizure, new wobbliness, head tilt, or behavior changes. Slowly developing signs, like gradual back-leg weakness, need a prompt appointment.
Emergency: go now
- Sudden paralysis or can’t stand
- Seizure over 5 minutes or clusters
- Head trauma
- Severe neck or back pain with crying
- Possible toxin exposure with tremors
Same day or next day
- A first seizure after recovery
- Sudden head tilt or loss of balance
- New wobbliness or knuckling
- Sudden behavior change or confusion
Prompt appointment
- Gradual back-leg weakness
- Scuffing nails
- Slowly changing behavior in senior dogs
What to record
- Videos of episodes, walking, or head tilt
- Timing and length of seizures
- Any possible toxins or injuries
More: early signs of neurological problems.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Nervous system disorders in dogs
- Olby NJ, et al. ACVIM consensus statement on diagnosis and management of acute canine thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion. J Vet Intern Med. 2022
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.