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Facial Paralysis in Dogs

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 20.02.2026

When to visit the vet?

Urgent see a veterinarian within 24 hours

RED in case of impaired consciousness, simultaneous circling/ataxia, head tilted to one side, seizures, or acute loss of vision (suspected central neurological cause).

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Definition

Facial paralysisParalysis is the complete loss of muscle activity in one or more areas of the body, which can lead to immobility and loss of sensation. Paralysis can be caused by injuries, illnesses, or disorders of the nervous system. in dogs, also known as facial paresisParesis is a partial or incomplete paralysis that manifests as a weakening of muscle strength. It can affect individual muscles or muscle groups and is often caused by damage to the nervous system., is the loss or reduction of voluntary motor skills in the muscles of a dog’s face due to damage to the facial nerve, the Nervus facialis.

Can Occur with the Following Diseases:

Basics and possible causes

The facial nerve, or Nervus facialis, is the seventh cranialCranial refers to a position that is closer to the head or towards the head of an animal. In veterinary medicine, the term is used to describe the location of structures or diseases in relation to the head. nerve and plays a crucial role in controlling the facial muscles. ParalysisParalysis is the complete loss of muscle activity in one or more areas of the body, which can lead to immobility and loss of sensation. Paralysis can be caused by injuries, illnesses, or disorders of the nervous system. occurs when this nerve is damaged, leading to a loss of motor control over the facial muscles. This can manifest as a drooping ear, a crooked mouth, or the dog’s inability to close the eyelid completely.

There are a variety of causes for facial paresisParesis is a partial or incomplete paralysis that manifests as a weakening of muscle strength. It can affect individual muscles or muscle groups and is often caused by damage to the nervous system. in dogs. One of the most common causes is idiopathicIdiopathic refers to a condition or disease for which the cause is unknown. It is used when no clear external cause or underlying disease can be identified as an explanation for the symptoms. facial paresisParesis is a partial or incomplete paralysis that manifests as a weakening of muscle strength. It can affect individual muscles or muscle groups and is often caused by damage to the nervous system., where no specific cause can be identified. This form of paralysisParalysis is the complete loss of muscle activity in one or more areas of the body, which can lead to immobility and loss of sensation. Paralysis can be caused by injuries, illnesses, or disorders of the nervous system. can occur suddenly and is often temporary. Other possible causes include traumas, such as from an accident or bite wounds, that can damage the facial nerve.

InfectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. is another possible cause. Bacterial infections such as middle ear infections or viralViral refers to viruses and their effects on the organism. Viral infections in dogs and cats can range from harmless colds to severe, life-threatening diseases. infections can affect the facial nerve directly or indirectly through swelling and pressure on the nerve. Neurological disorders such as Tumors or inflammatory conditions of the central nervous systemThe CNS (central nervous system) consists of the brain and spinal cord. It is responsible for processing information and controls most functions of the body and behavior. can also cause facial paralysisParalysis is the complete loss of muscle activity in one or more areas of the body, which can lead to immobility and loss of sensation. Paralysis can be caused by injuries, illnesses, or disorders of the nervous system.. In rare cases, metabolicMetabolic refers to metabolism, i.e. the entirety of chemical processes that take place in a living organism to enable life processes. Metabolic disorders can cause a variety of Diseases in Dogs and cats. disorders such as hypothyroidism can also play a role by affecting nerve conduction.

Another important aspect is genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases.. Certain dog breeds have an increased risk of neurological disorders that can lead to facial paralysisParalysis is the complete loss of muscle activity in one or more areas of the body, which can lead to immobility and loss of sensation. Paralysis can be caused by injuries, illnesses, or disorders of the nervous system.. This may be related to anatomical features or genetic predispositions.

Typical accompanying symptoms

Unilateral facial paralysisParalysis is the complete loss of muscle activity in one or more areas of the body, which can lead to immobility and loss of sensation. Paralysis can be caused by injuries, illnesses, or disorders of the nervous system.: This is one of the most noticeable symptoms and is manifested by a crooked, drooping face on one side. The affected dog may have difficulty moving its ear or eyelids.
Drooling: Due to the inability to close the mouth properly, there may be increased drooling. The mouth may droop on one side, making it difficult to drink and eat.
Eye problems: The affected dog may not be able to close its eyelid completely, which leads to drying of the eye surface and increases the risk of eye infections.
Behavioral changes: Some dogs show signs of restlessness or stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. due to the unfamiliar sensations and restrictions in the face.
Hearing problems: As the facial nerve runs close to the ear, hearing problems can also occur in some cases, especially if the cause is a middle ear infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..

When to see a vet?

It is important to see a veterinarian as soon as signs of facial paralysisParalysis is the complete loss of muscle activity in one or more areas of the body, which can lead to immobility and loss of sensation. Paralysis can be caused by injuries, illnesses, or disorders of the nervous system. are noticed, as timely diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment can be crucial. If the paralysisParalysis is the complete loss of muscle activity in one or more areas of the body, which can lead to immobility and loss of sensation. Paralysis can be caused by injuries, illnesses, or disorders of the nervous system. occurs suddenly and is accompanied by other symptoms such as balance disorders, Vomiting, or excessive drooling, the visit to the veterinarian should not be delayed.

A visit to the veterinarian is also urgently needed if the dog shows signs of Pain, Swelling in the face or ear, or other neurological symptoms. Depending on the cause of the paralysisParalysis is the complete loss of muscle activity in one or more areas of the body, which can lead to immobility and loss of sensation. Paralysis can be caused by injuries, illnesses, or disorders of the nervous system., the condition may worsen or lead to permanent damage if left untreated.

Symptom recognition for the pet owner and veterinary diagnostic procedure

For the pet owner, the recognition of facial paralysisParalysis is the complete loss of muscle activity in one or more areas of the body, which can lead to immobility and loss of sensation. Paralysis can be caused by injuries, illnesses, or disorders of the nervous system. can be relatively obvious, especially if the dog shows clear symptoms such as a drooping ear or mouth. Observing the dog’s behavior, such as difficulty eating or drinking and unusual behavior, can also provide clues.

The veterinarian will perform a thorough clinical examination to assess the affected facial muscles and neurological function. This includes checking the reflexes in the face and assessing the reaction of the eyelids and ears. The veterinarian may also order specific tests, such as blood tests, to rule out infections or metabolicMetabolic refers to metabolism, i.e. the entirety of chemical processes that take place in a living organism to enable life processes. Metabolic disorders can cause a variety of Diseases in Dogs and cats. disorders. In some cases, imaging procedures such as X-rayX-ray is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to create images of the inside of the body. It is often used to diagnose bone fractures, lung diseases, and other conditions., ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow., or MRI may be necessary to identify structural problems or Tumors.

The exact diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. may also include a medical historyThe medical history is the systematic collection of a patient's medical history through questioning. It includes information about previous illnesses, treatments, allergies, and lifestyle habits., in which the pet owner answers questions about the dog’s medical historyThe medical history is the systematic collection of a patient's medical history through questioning. It includes information about previous illnesses, treatments, allergies, and lifestyle habits., possible injuries, and previous illnesses. This information helps the veterinarian to better narrow down the cause of the paralysisParalysis is the complete loss of muscle activity in one or more areas of the body, which can lead to immobility and loss of sensation. Paralysis can be caused by injuries, illnesses, or disorders of the nervous system..

What the pet owner can do and professional therapy options

At home, the pet owner can take some measures to increase the dog’s comfort and avoid complications. It is important to protect the dog’s eyes, especially if the eyelid cannot be closed completely. Eye drops can help to keep the eyes moist and prevent infections.

Feeding should be adjusted to make it easier for the dog to eat. Soft or pureed food may be easier to chew and swallow for dogs with facial paralysisParalysis is the complete loss of muscle activity in one or more areas of the body, which can lead to immobility and loss of sensation. Paralysis can be caused by injuries, illnesses, or disorders of the nervous system.. In addition, care should be taken to ensure that the dog drinks enough water.

It is advisable to keep the dog in a quiet environment and minimize stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being., as this can support recovery. The pet owner should schedule regular check-ups with the veterinarian to monitor the dog’s condition and adjust the treatment if necessary.

In cases where the cause of the paralysisParalysis is the complete loss of muscle activity in one or more areas of the body, which can lead to immobility and loss of sensation. Paralysis can be caused by injuries, illnesses, or disorders of the nervous system. can be identified and treated, the veterinarian’s instructions should be followed exactly to achieve the best results. This may include the administration of medications, physical therapies, or in some cases surgical interventions.

Outlook on current research

Research on paralysisParalysis is the complete loss of muscle activity in one or more areas of the body, which can lead to immobility and loss of sensation. Paralysis can be caused by injuries, illnesses, or disorders of the nervous system. in the face in dogs is currently focused on identifying the underlying neurological mechanisms that lead to this symptom. One focus is on the study of the peripheralPeripheral refers to areas located outside the central part of a system or body. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to peripheral nerves, blood vessels, or tissues that are distant from central organs such as the heart or brain. nervous system, particularly the facial nerve (Nervus facialis), which is responsible for controlling the facial muscles. Genetic studies are being conducted to identify possible hereditary factors that may lead to an increased susceptibility to facial paralysisParalysis is the complete loss of muscle activity in one or more areas of the body, which can lead to immobility and loss of sensation. Paralysis can be caused by injuries, illnesses, or disorders of the nervous system. in certain dog breeds.

Another significant area of research is the development of imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)Magnetic resonance imaging is an imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. It is used in veterinary medicine to diagnose diseases of the brain, spine, and other organs. to enable a more accurate diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and differentiation of the causes of facial paralysisParalysis is the complete loss of muscle activity in one or more areas of the body, which can lead to immobility and loss of sensation. Paralysis can be caused by injuries, illnesses, or disorders of the nervous system.. These modern techniques help veterinarians to better detect inflammatory, traumatic, or tumor-related damage in the nervous system. Researchers are also investigating the use of electrodiagnostics to assess the exact functionality of the facial nerve.

Therapeutic research focuses on improving existing treatment methods as well as developing new approaches. These include physiotherapyVeterinary physiotherapy encompasses a range of treatment methods aimed at improving the mobility and well-being of animals through exercise, massage, and other manual techniques. measures aimed at stimulating and maintaining muscle activity in the face. The use of medications that reduce inflammation or promote nerve regeneration is also being intensively investigated. There are promising approaches in stem cell therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. that have the potential to regenerate damaged tissue and restore nerve function.

Another aspect of the research is understanding the role of environmental factors that can triggerA trigger is a stimulus that elicits a specific reaction or state. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to emotional responses, such as fear or aggression, or medical conditions, such as seizures in dogs and cats. or worsen paralysisParalysis is the complete loss of muscle activity in one or more areas of the body, which can lead to immobility and loss of sensation. Paralysis can be caused by injuries, illnesses, or disorders of the nervous system. in the face. These include infections, toxins, or traumas that could damage the facial nerve. Researchers are investigating how these factors interact with genetic predispositions to influence the occurrence of facial paralysisParalysis is the complete loss of muscle activity in one or more areas of the body, which can lead to immobility and loss of sensation. Paralysis can be caused by injuries, illnesses, or disorders of the nervous system..

In summary, research on facial paralysisParalysis is the complete loss of muscle activity in one or more areas of the body, which can lead to immobility and loss of sensation. Paralysis can be caused by injuries, illnesses, or disorders of the nervous system. in dogs is a multidisciplinary field that is continuously providing new insights. These advances help to improve the diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment options for affected dogs and, in the long term, increase the quality of life of these animals.

Frequently asked questions

1. What are the most common signs of facial paralysis in dogs?

The most common signs of facial paralysis in dogs are a drooping eyelid, drooling on one side of the mouth, difficulty blinking or closing the eye, and an asymmetrical appearance of the face. The dog may also have difficulty eating or drinking if the facial muscles are affected.

2. Can facial paralysis in dogs heal on its own?

In some cases, facial paralysis in dogs can heal on its own, especially if it is caused by a temporary inflammation or infection. However, recovery depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the paralysis. A veterinary examination is crucial to ensure the correct diagnosis and treatment.

3. How is facial paralysis diagnosed in dogs?

A facial paralysis in dogs is diagnosed by a thorough clinical examination, in which the veterinarian assesses the dog's nervous system. Imaging procedures such as MRI or CT scans can be used to rule out structural causes. Blood tests and other diagnostic tests can also be performed to identify underlying diseases.

4. What treatment options are available for facial paralysis in dogs?

The treatment of facial paralysis in dogs depends on the cause. For inflammatory causes, anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed. Physiotherapy and electrical muscle stimulation can help maintain muscle function. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary if structural damage is present.

5. Can stress trigger facial paralysis in dogs?

Stress alone is not a direct trigger for facial paralysis in dogs, but it can worsen existing health problems that lead to paralysis. A stress-free environment and a stable social environment can help improve the dog's overall health and reduce the risk of complications.

6. Are certain dog breeds more susceptible to facial paralysis?

Yes, certain dog breeds may be more susceptible to facial paralysis, especially those with genetic predispositions for neurological disorders. Breeds such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are known to suffer more frequently from neurological problems that can cause paralysis. Genetic counseling can be helpful for breeders and owners.

7. How long does it take for a dog to recover from facial paralysis?

The recovery time for a dog with facial paralysis varies depending on the cause and severity. In mild cases, improvement can be observed within a few weeks, while more severe cases can take months or may leave permanent paralysis. Regular veterinary check-ups are important to monitor progress.

8. Can facial paralysis cause pain in dogs?

Facial paralysis itself usually does not cause Pain, but it can be uncomfortable or disturbing for the dog, especially if the eyes cannot be closed properly, which can lead to dryness or infections. Appropriate care of the eyes and face is important to avoid such complications.

9. What role does nutrition play in the recovery from facial paralysis?

A balanced diet plays a supportive role in the recovery from facial paralysis by strengthening the general health and the immune system. Specific nutritional supplements that promote nerve function could also be helpful. A veterinarian can recommend an appropriate nutritional strategy to support recovery.

10. Can facial paralysis recur in dogs?

Yes, facial paralysis can recur in dogs, especially if the underlying cause has not been completely resolved or if the dog is genetically or health-wise predisposed. Regular veterinary check-ups and careful monitoring of health can help prevent recurrence.