Although it is normal for puppies to chase their tail and for even fully grown dogs to dash around in wild twists and turns, it is not normal behavior for a puppy or dog to walk in circles. When a dog begins to walk in circles, it suggests a serious injury and a veterinarian should be notified immediately. Some of the conditions that could cause your dog to walk in circles include Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), canine distemper and neosporosis.

Neosporosis is a potentially deadly disease spread by parasites found in some raw meats. High and low temperatures kill the parasite, so freezing or cooking the meat can prevent the disease. However, it is never a good idea to give your dog raw meat of any kind even if it has been frozen first.

Symptoms of neosporosis include the dog beginning to walk in circles and the head beginning to droop to one side. The dog may collapse after he or she walks in circles as neosporosis affects the muscles and spinal cord. Neosporosis can cause brain damage, paralysis and death.

Canine distemper can also cause a dog to suddenly walk in circles and then collapse. Canine distemper is a viral disease that usually starts with a respiratory and lung infection. The later stage of canine distemper often causes neurological damage that results in paralysis, muscle twitches and an inclination to walk in circles.

Dogs with distemper may have a nasal discharge and seem uncoordinated in their movements whether or not they walk in circles. Other signs of canine distemper may include aggression, lethargy, wandering and excessive thirst. Dogs are most likely to get distemper from contact with other dogs by fluid passed through coughing and sneezing. Puppies are especially susceptible to getting distemper and many veterinarians recommended vaccinations starting at an early age.

SLE is a form of lupus that has a whole body effect and can cause arthritis and muscle weakness as well as many other symptoms such as fever and kidney disease. SLE can be a difficult disease to diagnose as it may seem like many other diseases. A veterinarian can make a diagnosis of SLE by using a certain blood test.

Early signs of SLE include paralysis and a limp in addition to suddenly starting to walk in circles. SLE is often made worse by sunlight exposure due to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Breeds of dogs thought to be most susceptible to SLE due to a genetic predisposition include the German shepherd, Shetland sheepdog, collie, poodle, beagle, Afghan hound and Irish setter.