Stroke in Dogs and Cats: What Pet Owners Need to Know

3 min read

As pet parents, we never want to imagine our furry companions facing a medical emergency—but strokes can and do happen in dogs and cats. While strokes are less common in pets than in people, they can be just as serious and require quick attention. Knowing the signs and what to do could make all the difference in your pet’s recovery.

In this post, we’ll break down what a stroke is, how it happens in pets, the symptoms to watch for, and what treatment and recovery might look like.

Why Strokes Occur in Dogs and Cats

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is disrupted—either because of a clot (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). This interruption deprives brain tissue of oxygen, causing sudden neurological problems.

In pets, strokes can be triggered by:

• High blood pressure

• Kidney disease

• Heart disease

• Cushing’s disease

• Thyroid problems (overactive in cats, underactive in dogs)

• Blood clotting disorders

• Certain cancers

  
  

Older pets and those with existing health conditions are at higher risk, but strokes can happen at any age.

Signs Your Pet May Be Having a Stroke

Recognizing a stroke in pets can be tricky because they can’t tell us how they feel—but the symptoms often appear suddenly and without warning. Common signs include:

• Loss of balance or coordination

• Head tilt to one side

• Circling in one direction

• Sudden blindness

• Unequal pupils

• Weakness or paralysis in the legs

• Seizures

• Confusion or disorientation

📌 Important: These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions like vestibular disease, so only a veterinarian can confirm a stroke.

What to Do If You Suspect a Stroke

If you think your dog or cat is having a stroke:

1. Stay calm and act quickly – The faster your pet gets veterinary attention, the better the outcome.

2. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately – Describe the symptoms and when they started.

3. Avoid giving food, water, or medications unless directed by your vet – Some pets may have trouble swallowing after a stroke.

4. Keep your pet safe during transport – Use a carrier for cats or a blanket/sling for dogs with mobility issues.

   
   

Treatment and Recovery

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” treatment for strokes in pets—the focus is on stabilizing your pet, treating the underlying cause, and supporting recovery. This may include:

• Medications to control blood pressure or prevent clotting

• IV fluids to maintain hydration

• Physical therapy to restore mobility

• Special diets or supplements

• Follow-up testing to monitor progress

  
  

Some pets recover fully within weeks, while others may have lingering effects. Early diagnosis and treatment greatly improve the chances of a good outcome.

How to Reduce the Risk of Stroke in Pets

While not all strokes can be prevented, you can lower your pet’s risk by:

• Scheduling regular veterinary checkups

• Managing chronic conditions like heart or kidney disease

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Providing a balanced, vet-approved diet

• Monitoring for unusual behavior changes

  
  

Bottom Line: Strokes in dogs and cats are medical emergencies. By learning the warning signs and acting quickly, you can help give your pet the best chance at recovery.

💡 Tip: Keep your veterinarian’s number and the nearest 24-hour emergency animal hospital contact info handy—you never know when you might need it.