Why is my dog walking in circles?

Circling is one of those behaviors that every dog owner notices at some point. It can be perfectly normal and even purposeful, but it can also be an early sign of something that needs attention. The way you respond can change whether a harmless habit becomes a safety issue, or whether an emerging medical problem gets identified early enough to treat.

Why a Circling Dog Deserves Your Attention

When a dog begins to circle more than usual, owners often worry. That worry matters because owners are the first line of observation: small shifts in behavior often precede obvious illness. If a normally steady dog begins repetitive circling, that change can affect your bond—because you’re left unsure whether to comfort, to correct, or to call the veterinarian.

Circling can also have immediate safety consequences. A dog that repeatedly spins near stairs, traffic, or fragile furniture is at higher risk of injury. In houses with children or elderly family members, unpredictable movements increase the chance of knock-downs and trips.

Finally, noticing circling early can protect long-term health. Some causes are temporary and benign; others may be linked to ear disease, inner ear (vestibular) problems, neurological conditions, or metabolic disturbances. The sooner a probable cause is identified, the better the outlook in many cases.

Short answer — what your dog’s circular walking usually means

Most circling is benign and related to normal dog behaviors—nesting before sleep, scenting, excitement, or searching. However, circling can also be a sign of vestibular or neurological dysfunction, metabolic problems such as toxins or low blood sugar, or a behavioral stereotype driven by stress. A few simple checks at home and an awareness of red flags help decide whether veterinary attention is needed now or can wait for a routine visit.

• Common benign causes you’ll commonly see include den or nest preparation before lying down, excited figure-eight pacing at play, and scent-focused circling when dogs are investigating smells.
• Medical causes to consider include vestibular disease (which may cause head tilt and loss of balance), ear infections affecting the inner or middle ear, brain lesions (stroke, tumor, inflammation), and systemic issues such as toxin exposure or metabolic disturbances.
• Immediate checks you can do: look for head tilt, abnormal eye movements (rapid side-to-side or up-and-down), stumbling or inability to stand, vomiting, sudden collapse, and whether the behavior started suddenly. Seek urgent veterinary care if the circling began abruptly with disorientation, collapse, seizures, or if the dog cannot eat, drink, or walk safely.

What circling accomplishes: instinct, comfort, and scent work

When circling is normal, it usually serves a practical purpose. Before lying down, dogs often circle to tram down grass or bedding, align themselves with scent cues, and create a comfortable nest. This is an inherited behavior from denning ancestors and is commonly seen at bedtime or when settling in a new spot.

Scent plays a large role. Dogs use their noses to map an area and may circle to sample scent gradients, mark territory with urine or glands, or orient toward an interesting smell. I often see this when a dog returns to the same corner of the yard after a neighbor’s dog has been there; the circular motion helps the dog‑nose gather information from all directions.

Repetitive circling can also be a stress-related behavior. Dogs under chronic stress or with unmet mental needs may develop patterned, stereotyped movements—circling being one example. These behaviors may soothe the dog temporarily but tend to persist unless enrichment or training addresses the underlying stressor.

Finally, circling can represent a functional failure: when the vestibular system (the inner ear and brain pathways that control balance and spatial orientation) is disrupted, dogs often circle toward the side of the lesion. The circling in that context isn’t purposeful; it’s a sign that balance and orientation are impaired and that the dog is trying to stabilize itself in a distorted sensory world.

Situations that spark circling: common triggers to watch for

Timing and context often point toward cause. Circling that consistently happens at certain moments—before bed, right before a bath, or as part of a play routine—tends to be normal and habitual. For example, many dogs will circle as part of a pre-exercise routine or when a leash goes on because they anticipate what comes next.

Circling that follows an ear infection, head trauma, a dizzy spell, or a known vestibular episode is more worrying. In those situations the circling often appears abruptly and may be accompanied by other signs such as head tilt, nausea-like lip-licking, or falling to one side. I typically ask owners whether there was any recent ear pain, head injury, or exposure to toxins when circling starts suddenly.

Confined spaces and sudden excitement or stress can trigger both normal circling and problematic pacing. A dog left alone in a small crate or a crate-trained dog that becomes anxious may pace and circle. Age is another factor: young dogs may display playful circles or compulsive behaviors, while older dogs can develop new circling related to cognitive decline, vestibular disease, or brain lesions.

Warning signs: when circling points to a medical emergency

Some circling patterns require immediate veterinary assessment. Sudden onset of continuous circling accompanied by disorientation, aimless walking, or collapse suggests a neurological emergency. Likewise, if circling is paired with a pronounced head tilt, rapid involuntary eye movements (nystagmus), or progressive loss of balance, a vestibular problem or central nervous system issue may be likely.

Progressive ataxia—worsening stumbling, weakness, or inability to rise—plus seizures, severe vomiting, or inability to eat or drink are urgent signs. New circling combined with systemic symptoms such as fever, severe lethargy, or concern for toxin exposure (for example ingestion of flea products, certain plants, or human medications) should prompt immediate veterinary attention or a call to an emergency clinic.

How to respond — practical steps owners can take right away

1. Ensure immediate safety: clear hazards, keep the dog away from stairs or traffic, and gently guide it to a non-slip surface. Avoid forcing the dog to move if it’s clearly disoriented.
2. Do a quick visual check: look for wounds, signs of ear infection (redness, discharge, odor), blood, or foreign objects in the mouth or face. Note whether the dog can stand, eat, or drink.
3. Document the behavior: record the time the circling started, how long episodes last, what triggers them, and take a short video of the episode if possible—videos are often the single most helpful thing owners can bring to a veterinarian.
4. Contact your veterinarian: describe the signs, send the video if the clinic accepts it, and follow advice about whether to come in now or schedule a next-day appointment. If there are red-flag signs (collapse, seizure, severe disorientation, worsening function), go to an emergency clinic immediately.
5. Prepare for the visit: note recent medication, possible toxin exposures, changes in appetite or bathroom habits, and any recent injuries or ear problems. This information helps the clinician prioritize tests and likely causes.

At the clinic the veterinarian will usually perform a physical and neurological exam, check ears and eyes, and may recommend bloodwork, ear cytology or cultures, x‑rays, or advanced imaging such as MRI if a central nervous system problem is suspected. Treatment ranges from supportive care for vestibular disease to antibiotics for ear infections or more specific therapy for metabolic or neurologic diagnoses.

Training strategies and home adjustments to reduce circling

If the circling is benign or behaviorally driven, training and environmental management often reduce the frequency and risk. Start by making a consistent, comfortable resting area: a low, cushioned bed on a non-slip surface in a quiet part of the home helps a dog settle without needing to circle excessively to find comfort.

Provide predictable routines and plenty of enrichment to address stress-related circling. Regular walks, play sessions, and puzzle feeders can reduce boredom and anxiety. I often advise owners to add short sniffing walks or scatter feeding so the dog can work its nose; many circling behaviors linked to scenting are calmed when a dog’s scent needs are met.

Use redirection and positive reinforcement rather than punishment. Teach an alternative behavior—such as “bed” or “settle”—and reward the dog for choosing that option. For repetitive, compulsive circling that doesn’t respond to enrichment, consult a certified behaviorist; persistent stereotypies sometimes need a combination of behavior modification and medical management.

Helpful gear, toys, and tech that can make a difference

Certain practical tools can reduce injury risk and make daily care easier. Non-slip mats and rugs in key places—near food bowls, beds, and stairs—help dogs with balance problems avoid slips and falls. A low-sided bed on a stable surface minimizes the need to circle to climb in.

Support harnesses or mobility slings can help dogs with weakness or balance issues ascend stairs or go on short walks safely while recovering. For dogs with behaviorally driven circling, puzzle feeders and durable enrichment toys keep the nose and brain busy and reduce repetitive movements. Finally, keep a video-capable phone or camera handy; a short, clear recording of an episode can dramatically speed up accurate assessment at the clinic.

References: studies, vets, and behaviorists

• Merck Veterinary Manual: Vestibular Disease in Dogs and Cats — Merck Veterinary Manual, section on vestibular disorders (rutgers.mc/vet/merck)
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Recognizing Neurologic Problems in Pets — client education pages and clinical resources
• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Senior Care Guidelines — AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for companion animals
• Platt, S. R., & Olby, N. J. Small Animal Neurology, 5th Edition — textbook covering vestibular and central neurologic disorders
• International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC): Position Statements on Stereotypies and Enrichment — guidance for behavioral management
• ACVIM Consensus and review articles on vestibular disease and neurologic emergencies in small animals (Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine)