Do Dogs Get Headaches? Veterinarian Explains

Do dogs get headaches? Yes, it seems like they might. When dogs feel bad, like when they have a headache, they can’t tell us with words. But, they show signs, like pressing their heads against something hard, which could mean they’re in pain (called head pressing). Dr. Natasha Olby, who knows a lot about dog brains and health (canine neurology), helps us understand these issues better. 

In this article, we will dive deeper into canine headaches, how to recognize one in your dog, what may cause it, and how to treat it.

When we talk about whether dogs get headaches, it’s helpful to think about it in terms we use for humans, even though dogs can’t exactly tell us what they’re feeling. Headaches in humans are generally categorized into two types: primary and secondary. A primary headache is the main issue itself, not caused by something else. It’s like having a headache just because – maybe from stress or changes in the weather. Secondary headaches are those caused by other issues, like a sinus infection or high blood pressure.

For dogs, if they experience something similar to primary headaches, it might be hard to tell. They can’t say, “I’m stressed,” or “The weather is bothering me.” But, they might show signs of discomfort in similar situations, like changes in behavior or sensitivity to touch. Secondary headaches could be easier to spot because they often come with other symptoms we can observe, like a dog being sick (infections) or injured, which might affect their blood vessels in a way that leads to headache-like pain.

Talking about migraines, which are a type of primary headache known for causing intense pain often on one side of the head, sensitivity to light, and sometimes nausea in humans, it’s a bit more complicated with dogs. We don’t know for sure if dogs get migraines like we do, but bright lights and loud noises seem to bother some dogs, making them seek out darker, quieter places. This might be similar to how bright lights can make a migraine worse for humans.

So, while we can’t be certain dogs experience headaches exactly as humans do, observing their behavior for signs of discomfort, and knowing a bit about what causes headaches, can help us take better care of our pups.

How To Tell If A Dog Gets Headaches: Signs And Symptoms

Dogs may not be able to tell us when they’re feeling under the weather with words, but they do show us through various signs and symptoms. If you’re wondering whether your pup might be experiencing headache-like discomfort, here are several behaviors to watch for:

1. Head Pressing 

One of the most telling signs, dogs may press their heads against walls or furniture, which can indicate neurological discomfort or pain.

2. Changes in Behavior

Dogs in pain might suddenly become more aggressive, fearful, or even avoid contact, which could suggest they’re in pain.

3. Vocalization

Unusual whining or vocalizing more than usual could be a dog’s way of expressing that something isn’t right.

4. Altered Facial Expression

Dogs might squint, blink excessively, or have a strained expression on their faces.

5. Reluctance to Move or Play

 A decrease in activity, showing little interest in play, or not wanting to go for walks could signal discomfort.

6. Sensitivity to Light and Sound

Just as with humans, dogs might seek out dark, quiet spaces if they’re experiencing headache-like symptoms.

7. Change in Appetite 

A sudden loss of interest in food could be related to feeling unwell.

8. Restlessness or Hiding

Dogs may become restless or hide in unusual places as a way to cope with their discomfort.

9. Pawing at Head or Face

Dogs might try to alleviate their discomfort by pawing at their head or face.

10. Lethargy

Showing signs of tiredness or sleepiness more than usual could also be an indication.

These behaviors and symptoms could be indicative of a range of issues, not just headaches. If you notice these changes in your dog, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to get to the root of the problem and ensure your dog receives the appropriate care. Remember, early detection and treatment can make a big difference in your pet’s health and well-being.

What Causes Headaches In Dogs?

Identifying the exact causes of headaches in dogs can be challenging due to their inability to communicate how they’re feeling. However, similar to humans, several factors can contribute to headache-like symptoms in dogs. Here are some potential causes:

1. Infections and Inflammations – Conditions such as sinus infections or meningitis can cause inflammation and discomfort in the brain or surrounding tissues, potentially leading to headache-like symptoms.
2. Injury or Trauma – Head injuries, even if they seem minor, can lead to discomfort and signs of headaches in dogs. This includes accidents during play or rough handling. This includes issues that cause chronic neck and back pain.
3. Stress and Anxiety – Just as stress can lead to headaches in humans, dogs too can experience physical symptoms of stress, including headache-like symptoms.
4. Diet and Dehydration – Nutritional deficiencies or dehydration can affect your dog’s well-being and may lead to symptoms similar to headaches.
5. Exposure to Toxins – Ingesting toxic substances or exposure to toxic environments (such as smoke or certain chemicals) can cause neurological discomfort in dogs.
6. Dental Issues – Dental problems, including infections or tooth pain, can lead to referred pain in the head, mimicking headache symptoms.
7. Neurological Disorders – Conditions that affect the nervous system, such as seizures or brain tumors, can also manifest symptoms that resemble headaches. Hydrocephalus, which is common in smaller dogs, can also cause a lot of head pain. And,  yes, dogs may get headaches after having a seizure so be sure to read about what causes seizures in dogs.
8. Environmental Factors – Sudden changes in weather or barometric pressure have been observed to affect dogs similarly to humans, potentially leading to discomfort that could be likened to headaches.

It’s important to note that many of these causes can lead to symptoms that mimic headaches but may not be headaches in the way humans experience them. If you notice any changes in your dog’s behavior or health, it’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian. They can perform a thorough examination and recommend appropriate diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of your dog’s discomfort and provide the necessary treatment.

How Often Do Dogs Get Headaches?

It’s really hard to say how often dogs get headaches because they can’t tell us when they’re feeling bad. Just like people can’t always say why they’re in a bad mood, dogs can’t speak up about their aches and pains.

When dogs do feel unwell, it could be for lots of reasons, like if they’re sick, stressed out, or have bumped their head. Some dogs might get headaches more often, especially if they have health problems or if they’re in a loud, busy place a lot.

To keep your dog happy and reduce any chances of them feeling unwell, it’s good to take them for regular vet check-ups, make sure they drink plenty of water, eat healthy food, and live in a calm, safe home.

Diagnosing Headaches In Dogs

Diagnosing headaches in dogs presents unique challenges, primarily because dogs can’t verbally communicate their discomfort or the severity of their pain. Vets must rely on a combination of behavioral observations, clinical signs, and sometimes more advanced diagnostic tests to infer the presence of headache-like symptoms and their underlying causes. Here’s how the process generally unfolds:

1. Behavioral and Clinical Observation

The first step involves observing any changes in the dog’s behavior that may indicate discomfort, such as head pressing, sensitivity to touch, changes in activity levels, or abnormal vocalization. Vets also look for physical signs during a clinical examination, such as muscle tension around the head and neck.

2. Medical History and Physical Examination

A thorough medical history provided by the pet owner, combined with a physical examination by the vet, can offer clues. The vet will check for any signs of injuries, infections, or conditions that might cause pain resembling a headache.

3. Neurological Examination

A detailed neurological exam can help identify or rule out neurological causes behind the symptoms. This may include checking reflexes, nerve function, and responses to stimuli.

4. Advanced Diagnostic Tests

Depending on the initial findings, vets might recommend advanced diagnostic tests such as blood tests to check for infections or toxins, MRI scans to look for brain or spinal cord issues, and X-rays to detect any abnormalities in the skull or neck. These tests help pinpoint the exact cause of discomfort.

5. Response to Treatment

Sometimes, diagnosing a headache in dogs can involve observing how the dog responds to treatments aimed at relieving pain or the underlying cause, such as anti-inflammatory medications or antibiotics for infections.

It’s crucial to work closely with a veterinarian to accurately diagnose and treat any health issues your dog may be experiencing. Because headaches in dogs can be symptomatic of a wide range of conditions, some of which may be serious, professional evaluation and treatment are essential for your dog’s health and well-being.

How Often Do Dogs Get Headaches?

It’s really hard to say how often dogs get headaches because they can’t tell us when they’re feeling bad. Just like people can’t always say why they’re in a bad mood, dogs can’t speak up about their aches and pains.

When dogs do feel unwell, it could be for lots of reasons, like if they’re sick, stressed out, or have bumped their head. Some dogs might get headaches more often, especially if they have health problems or if they’re in a loud, busy place a lot.

To keep your dog happy and reduce any chances of them feeling unwell, it’s good to take them for regular vet check-ups, make sure they drink plenty of water, eat healthy food, and live in a calm, safe home.

If you’re worried your dog might be having headaches or feeling pain, watching how they act can give you clues. If they’re acting differently, like not wanting to play or eat, or if they seem to want to be alone more, it might be time for a vet visit to see what’s up.

Can Dogs Get Migraine Type Headaches?

Figuring out if dogs can have migraine headaches is a bit tricky since they can’t tell us exactly what they’re feeling. But, by watching how dogs act, vets think they might be able to spot signs that a dog is having a migraine-like headache. Here’s what might hint at a dog having a migraine:

• Dogs might avoid bright places or loud sounds, choosing to hang out in dark, quiet spots instead.
• If a dog is acting differently, like being more grumpy or sleepy than usual, it could be a sign.
• Dogs might also touch their heads more, like scratching or pawing, which could show they’re feeling pain there.

Just like people, dogs’ brains work in complex ways, and things like their genes or stuff in their environment might make them have headaches. Although it’s hard to say for sure if dogs get migraines just like people do, the ways they act can give us clues.

How Do I Treat A Dog With a Headache? 

Home Remedies For Dog Headaches

• Cold or Warm Compress: Applying a cold or warm compress to the area your dog seems to be favoring might offer some relief. Use a soft cloth to protect their skin and limit the application to just a few minutes at a time.
• Aromatherapy: Certain safe-for-dog essential oils like lavender can be diffused to create a calming environment. However, always confirm with your vet before introducing any new scents, as dogs have sensitive noses.

Medications For Dog Head Pain

• Unsafe Over-The-Counter (OTC) Human Medications: Never give your dog human pain relievers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin without veterinary guidance. These can be toxic to dogs and cause serious health issues.
• Safe Treatments: The only safe way to treat a dog with medication is under the direct supervision and recommendation of a veterinarian. They may prescribe dog-safe anti-inflammatory drugs or pain relievers in specific dosages.

In all cases, if you suspect your dog is experiencing consistent discomfort or pain, the best course of action is to consult with a veterinarian. They can offer the most appropriate advice, diagnose the underlying cause, and prescribe safe, effective treatments tailored to your dog’s specific needs. Remember, the goal is to ensure the comfort and health of your pup, and professional veterinary care is the safest way to achieve this.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

Understanding the complexities of headaches in dogs offers us a window into their well-being and health challenges. While they cannot voice their pain, being attentive to their behavior and symptoms can help us support them better. Regular vet visits, a stress-free environment, and attentive care are key to preventing and managing their discomfort. As responsible pet owners, recognizing the signs of headaches and seeking professional advice ensures our pups lead comfortable, happy lives.

Meet Your Experts

Tamsin De La Harpe

Author

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.