As our beloved canine companions age, their health needs become more complex. One of the more alarming combinations of symptoms that can arise is an old dog vomiting and falling over.
These signs can indicate anything from minor discomfort to life-threatening conditions, especially in senior dogs whose bodies are less resilient than they once were.
If your old dog is vomiting and falling over, it’s critical not to ignore these signs.
They may seem unrelated at first, but together, they often point to a deeper underlying issue.
We outline the most common causes of vomiting and loss of balance in senior dogs, what you can do about it, and when to seek veterinary help.
Here’s Why Your Frenchie is Throwing Up Brown Vomit
Old dog vomiting and falling over often happens due to issues affecting the inner ear, brain, or metabolic system. Common causes include vestibular disease, which disrupts balance; inner ear infections; strokes; toxin exposure; or systemic illnesses like kidney or liver failure.
These conditions can trigger nausea, disorientation, and loss of coordination, especially in senior dogs whose systems are more vulnerable.
When these symptoms appear together, they typically signal a serious underlying issue that requires prompt veterinary evaluation.
Common Causes of Old Dog Vomiting and Falling Over
Vestibular Disease
One of the most common causes of a dog suddenly losing balance is vestibular disease.
Often described as “old dog vestibular syndrome,” it affects the inner ear and brain, leading to disorientation, a head tilt, and even vomiting.
The vestibular system controls balance, so when it malfunctions, an old dog falling over and vomiting is a likely result.
This condition can be idiopathic (with no known cause), or it may stem from an ear infection, brain tumor, or trauma.
Symptoms typically include:
Sudden loss of balance
Circling or leaning to one side
Rapid eye movements (nystagmus)
Vomiting from motion sickness
Head tilt
Though it looks dramatic, vestibular disease often improves over a few days with supportive care.
Related: Old dog vomiting and seizure (Here’s why)
Inner Ear Infections
An inner ear infection can affect your dog’s ability to maintain balance and can cause nausea, leading to vomiting.
This condition is more common in older dogs whose immune systems are weaker and less able to fight off infections.
Dogs with an ear infection might also show:
Scratching at the ear
Ear discharge or foul smell
Loss of balance and coordination
Vomiting due to vertigo
Prompt treatment with antibiotics and cleaning can usually resolve the infection and restore balance.
Stroke or Brain Tumors
A stroke or brain tumor is another serious cause of an old dog vomiting and falling over.
In elderly dogs, strokes can happen when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing a sudden onset of neurological symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
Collapsing or falling over
Vomiting and confusion
Walking in circles
Seizures
Disorientation or personality changes
While some dogs may recover partially from a stroke, brain tumors in old dogs tend to be more progressive.
MRI scans and neurological exams are needed to determine the exact cause.
Toxin Exposure
Ingesting toxic substances is dangerous for dogs of all ages, but especially so for seniors.
Exposure to chemicals, medications, or poisonous plants can result in a dog vomiting and stumbling due to neurological effects.
Signs of poisoning in an older dog may include:
Drooling or foaming at the mouth
Vomiting and diarrhea
Tremors or seizures
Weakness or collapse
Loss of balance
If your old dog is vomiting and falling over after being outside or near household chemicals, get emergency veterinary care immediately.
Low Blood Sugar or Hypoglycemia
Older dogs, especially those with underlying health issues like diabetes or liver disease, may suffer from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
This can cause fainting, weakness, and vomiting, often leading to a dog collapsing or appearing dizzy.
Symptoms include:
Sudden collapse
Vomiting or nausea
Weakness and tremors
Confusion or lethargy
Hypoglycemia is a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Heart Disease
Heart disease in senior dogs can cause reduced blood flow to the brain, resulting in balance issues, fainting, and vomiting.
When an old dog is vomiting and losing balance, it might be because the heart is struggling to pump effectively.
Symptoms of heart disease may include:
Fatigue after light activity
Persistent coughing
Abdominal swelling
Difficulty breathing
Fainting spells
Routine checkups and cardiac evaluations are essential in aging dogs to detect these issues early.
Liver or Kidney Disease
Both liver and kidney disease can cause a buildup of toxins in the blood, which affects the brain and can lead to vomiting and disorientation.
If your old dog is vomiting and falling over, and has a history of organ disease, a metabolic issue could be to blame.
You may notice additional signs like:
Yellowing of eyes or gums (liver disease)
Increased thirst and urination
Loss of appetite
Confusion or pacing
Bad breath (especially with kidney failure)
Blood work is essential to assess kidney and liver function in elderly pets.
Related: Old dog vomiting and pooping (Causes, signs and treatment)
Side Effects of Medication
Older dogs often take medications for arthritis, heart disease, or other chronic conditions. Some of these drugs can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
If the symptoms started shortly after a new medication, it might be the cause of your old dog vomiting and stumbling.
Watch for:
Vomiting after pills
Wobbly walking
Increased panting
Disorientation
Reluctance to eat
Always consult your vet before changing or discontinuing medications.
Related: Old dog diarrhea and vomiting (Causes and treatment)
What to Do if Your Old Dog is Vomiting and Falling Over
If your old dog is vomiting and falling over, here are the steps you should take immediately and over the next few days:
Stay Calm and Observe
Keep your dog in a safe, quiet space where they can’t hurt themselves if they fall over.
Observe how long the symptoms last and note any other signs such as tremors, confusion, or abnormal behavior.
Hydrate and Rest
Vomiting can cause dehydration.
If your dog is alert enough, offer small sips of water or ice cubes to lick.
Avoid food until the vomiting stops.
Let your dog rest, but monitor their breathing and responsiveness.
Call Your Veterinarian
A senior dog showing these symptoms should be evaluated promptly. Provide your vet with the following information:
When the symptoms started
Any known exposure to toxins
Any recent changes in diet or medications
History of medical issues
Depending on the suspected cause, the vet may perform:
Blood tests
Urinalysis
X-rays or ultrasound
Neurological exams
MRI or CT scans
Follow Through With Treatment
Treatment for an old dog vomiting and losing balance depends on the underlying issue. For example:
Vestibular disease may need anti-nausea meds and rest
Infections require antibiotics or antifungals
Heart issues might need medication adjustments
Toxin ingestion could require IV fluids and detox support
Even if the condition seems to resolve quickly, always follow up to rule out serious underlying problems.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Head to the emergency vet right away if:
Vomiting is persistent or contains blood
Your dog is unresponsive or unconscious
Seizures are present
Your dog collapses and can’t get up
There are signs of poisoning
Breathing becomes labored or abnormal
Senior dogs have less ability to bounce back, so acting quickly can make all the difference.
Key Takeaway
The combination of old dog vomiting and falling over should never be dismissed as simple aging.
While some causes like vestibular disease are manageable, others, such as poisoning or organ failure, require urgent care.
These symptoms often go hand-in-hand and point to an underlying issue affecting the digestive or nervous system.
By observing your dog’s symptoms closely, acting promptly, and seeking veterinary care, you can get to the root cause and give your old friend the best chance at recovery.
Aging dogs deserve special attention and proactive care to keep their golden years as comfortable and healthy as possible.