My new, 8 week old sheltie seems quite wobbly at times. Is this something to be concerned about?

Question

I may be jumping the gun, but I've had my sheltie for two days and he sometimes has trouble walking in a straight line, and when sitting down, his head occasionally wobbles around (similar to but slower than a bobble head doll).  His breeder assured me that he is fine- saying his nervous system isn't fully developed yet and he'll outgrow it.  

Other than this problem with balance he seems healthy.  He has a tremendous appetite and is going potty regularly - no diarrhea or apparent difficulties.  He is playful and friendly. 

I met my puppy's parents and siblings and all of them (even the same-aged litter mates) seemed perfectly fine.  I'll be taking him in to my vet at the end of the week for his checkup, but I'm getting a little worried. 

Thanks for your help!

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I'd be a little worried too because normal 8 week old puppies do not have balance problems, bobble heads or other signs that all is not well.  Nervous systems do mature as you well know (think about brain development), but think about what this would do as far as natural selection were concerned...

Your breeder's excuse that your dog "will grow out of it" is called a "hope and a prayer that nothing is wrong."  The symptoms may go away, sure, but this happens a LOT in veterinary medicine - somethings things just get better and we have no idea why.

Bottom line is that this is not normal.  I would take your dog to the vet sooner rather than later where your dog can receive a cursory neurological exam (reflexes, pupils, reaction times, etc) and if need be, your vet can then refer you to a neurologist.  If you do need that referral, I would concurrently visit a canine chiropractor as that too can be another modality which could help.  Many chiropractors also practice acupucture.

Good luck!

Marna O · Answer

No! This is NOT right!

I am so sorry! I would first call the breeder and ask to return the puppy for a full refund. If they refuse, take pup to vet, explain the breeder will not take it back and ask him for a note stating something is wrong.

I bred and showed Shelties for 30+ years and NEVER had a pup at 8 weeks old act like this. At 3-4 weeks when they first start walking, yes, little "bumper cars"...but not when they hit 5 weeks and older!

Pam · Answer

You've had him for 2 days and haven't had him to a vet yet?

This is not typical behavior for an 8 wk old pup of any breed. Get him into the vet first thing tomorrow or Monday.

terrah.lynn · Answer

Chances are your breeder is absolutely right. Puppies at that age are still developing everything from muscle tone to their nervous system. They will oftentimes walk around the house as if they are "drunk" stumbling over their own feet even. Think of him as if he were a human baby. We develop our sense of balance, muscle tone, and nervous system much in the same way. Just look at a toddler learning to walk!

Also, don't be alarmed if while he is sleeping he begins twitching. It looks very similar to a seizure, but it is completely normal. If you are real concerned, wake him up. He'lll snap right out of it (but he may not be happy).

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My new, 8 week old sheltie seems quite wobbly at times. Is this something to be concerned about?

4 Answers