Vestibular Disease—often nicknamed “Old Dog Vestibular Syndrome” or “Old Dog Syndrome”—occurs when something affects the vestibular system of a dog’s inner ear. This system controls balance, movement, and posture, so when it’s disrupted, it can significantly affect your dog’s ability to move and function normally.

🐶What Causes Vestibular Disease?

There are several potential causes of Vestibular Disease in dogs, including:

• Ear infections – Both inner and middle ear infections.
• Injuries – Trauma or direct injury to the head or face.
• Tumours – Growths or masses within the inner ear or around the brainstem.
• Idiopathic causes – Meaning the cause is unknown (this is the most common type).
• Other health issues – Such as hypothyroidism.

Your vet will likely run diagnostic tests to try and identify the root cause. If it’s something treatable—like an ear infection—resolving that condition will often cure the Vestibular Disease as well.

🩺Symptoms of Vestibular Disease

Dogs with Vestibular Disease may show the following symptoms:

• Difficulty standing or walking – Wobbliness, staggering, or falling over. Difficulty transitioning from sitting/lying down to standing.
• Head tilt – The head may tilt to one side, either occasionally or constantly.
• Rapid eye movement (Nystagmus) – Involuntary eye movements, either back and forth or in a circular motion.
• Walking in circles – Dogs may pace in a circle, usually in the direction their head is tilted.
• Disorientation – Struggling to navigate familiar spaces; appearing confused.
• Nausea and loss of appetite – Refusing food or water, sometimes accompanied by vomiting.
• Wide-legged stance – To maintain balance, dogs may stand with their legs farther apart than usual.

💊How Is Vestibular Disease Treated?

The good news is that most cases of Vestibular Disease resolve within 2–3 weeks, especially if the cause is treatable. For instance, when an ear infection is treated, the vestibular symptoms usually clear up as well.
In Idiopathic Vestibular Disease (with no identifiable cause), dogs often recover on their own with rest and supportive care.
Vets may also prescribe medications during recovery, such as:

• Anti-nausea drugs
• Appetite stimulants
• Anti-inflammatory medications (if appropriate)
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Some dogs may retain minor symptoms—like a head tilt—even after recovery, but most return to normal behaviour fairly quickly.

Vestibular Disease can appear suddenly and be frightening to witness, but it's usually not life-threatening. It often points to another treatable condition, and with proper veterinary care, most dogs make a full recovery.
If your dog begins acting unusually or shows signs of Vestibular Disease, don’t wait—consult your vet as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference.



🐾 Have you experienced Vestibular Disease with your dog? Share your story in the comments to help support other pet parents going through the same experience!

Winter can be a tough time for our dogs — especially our golden oldies. As dogs age, the drop in temperature can make it much harder for them to move around comfortably. Just like us, older dogs feel the chill in their bones, and their joints can really start to suffer during the colder months.

❄️Arthritis and Winter: Why the Cold Makes It Worse 

Cold weather can cause a dog’s joints to stiffen, which increases pain and makes movement difficult. This happens because colder temperatures can constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the limbs and joints.

👉 Decreased blood flow = increased inflammation
👉 Increased inflammation = stiffer, more painful joints

For older dogs already dealing with arthritis, this can lead to serious discomfort and reduced mobility.

🧦Cold Feet: Yes, Dogs Feel It Too! 

Just like hot pavement in summer, dogs can feel the cold through the pads of their feet — and in extreme cases, they can even suffer frostbite. If your dog is exposed to low temperatures for too long, it can become dangerous.
A good rule of thumb: If you wouldn’t walk barefoot on that surface, your dog shouldn’t either.
If you need to walk your dog in freezing temperatures, dog booties can protect their paws and keep them comfortable.

🐶How to Help Your Dog in the Cold

There are simple, effective ways to help your furry friend stay warm, comfortable, and mobile during winter:

•  Encourage light movement: Even your senior dog needs to move. Short walks — even just from one end of the house to the other — a few times a day can help keep their joints flexible.
•  Dress for the weather: Use dog coats and booties when heading outside, especially if it’s wet, icy, or freezing cold.
•  Create a warm indoor space: Make sure their bed is away from cold drafts and consider using heating pads or blankets made for pets.

Want more tips to keep your pup toasty and safe during winter?

👉 Check out our full blog on how to keep your dog warm in winter HERE!

Over recent months, we've shared many heart warming stories about Therapy and Assistance Dogs in Australia and the enormous, positive impact they have on the lives of the families they support. One amazing organisation we've featured is Australian Lions Hearing Dogs.

As of this month, they are proud to announce a new name: Lions Assistance Dogs,  and it’s for a very exciting reason!

Over the past five years, the scope of their services has expanded significantly. As a result, they now provide a variety of Assistance Dogs to individuals with different needs — not just Hearing Assistance Dogs.
How amazing is that?!
In addition to training and placing Hearing Assistance Dogs, Lions Assistance Dogs now provide Medical Assistance Dogs and Psychiatric Assistance Dogs — further extending the life-changing support they offer.

What Is a Medical Assistance Dog?

Medical Assistance Dogs are specially trained to alert their human to changes in health or to signal an impending medical episode before it happens. They can also retrieve essential medical equipment in an emergency.
One example is their Diabetic Alert Dogs. These incredible companions can detect changes in their human’s blood glucose levels simply through scent. Thanks to their highly sensitive noses, they can smell fluctuations and alert their human early — potentially preventing dangerous situations.
They’re also trained to:

• Retrieve another family member within the household during emergencies
• Fetch a pre-packed medical kit
• Press an emergency alert button in the home if their human falls or becomes unresponsive

What Is a Psychiatric Assistance Dog?

Developed by Lions Assistance Dogs in 2024, the Psychiatric Assistance Dog program is designed to support Veterans living with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
These dogs are trained to interrupt anxious or anti-social behaviours and help Veterans return to a calmer state. Their tasks may include:

• Placing a paw (or two!) on their human when they notice specific tics or signs of distress
• Retrieving dropped items
• Pressing an emergency button when outside assistance is needed
• Offering continuous companionship and emotional support

​What an incredible difference one of these dogs can make!

The Miniature Schnauzer is one of the most popular small breeds—and for good reason! With their signature bearded look, lively attitude, and loyal heart, these pint-sized pups make wonderful companions. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Mini Schnauzer, from its origin story to grooming tips and health facts.

📜 Origin: A German Creation

The Miniature Schnauzer originated in Germany in the late 19th century. Breeders set out to create a smaller version of the Standard Schnauzer, and did so by crossing:

• Standard Schnauzer
• German Pinscher
• Affenpinscher

Some believe the Miniature Poodle was also part of the mix. 

🎯 Purpose: Born to Be a Ratter

Originally bred as a farm dog, the Mini Schnauzer’s main job was to hunt and catch rats and small vermin. Their:

• Agility
• Fearless personality
• Compact size

...made them ideal for the job of fitting into tight spots and getting the job done. They were also used as watchdogs and herders on the farm.

✂️ Coat Care: Low Shedding, High Style

Mini Schnauzers are known for their wiry, double-layered coats. While they shed very little—great news for allergy sufferers—they do require regular, daily grooming:
Grooming Tips:

• Daily brushing helps prevent matting and keeps their coat clean
• Professional grooming or clipping is needed at least twice a year
• Face and leg trimming keeps them looking tidy and helps to maintain their coat all year round

Their unique coat makes them one of the more hypoallergenic dog breeds.

❤️ Temperament: Energetic, Loyal & Loving

Mini Schnauzers are known for their confidence and loving nature. Here’s what to expect:
Personality Traits:

• Energetic and thrive on daily walks or playtime
• Adaptable—great for apartments if exercised daily
• Social, especially when well-socialized from a young age
• Protective—may be standoffish with strangers, but deeply loyal to their family
• Smart and trainable, often excelling in obedience competitions

However, without proper leadership, they may develop:

• Separation anxiety
• "Little dog syndrome" (aka, big attitude in a small body!)

They need a calm, consistent pack leader to stay balanced and happy.

🏥 Health: Long Life

Mini Schnauzers tend to live around 15 years, often maintaining their playful energy well into old age. Like all breeds, they have some genetic predispositions:
Common Health Concerns:

• Diabetes
• Eye conditions
• Liver disease
• Kidney stones
• Weight gain (especially without proper exercise)

A balanced diet and regular activity are essential to keeping them healthy and happy.