If you’ve been reading our dog health articles, then you know that dogs share many of the same ailments and illnesses as humans. They catch colds, experience tummy troubles, and can develop allergies. Now you may be wondering, do dogs also get headaches? Maybe your dog is even showing signs of having a headache right now.
While our canine companions can't tell us they’ve got a headache, veterinarians and animal behaviorists believe that dogs do indeed suffer from them.
Does your dog have a headache? It’s hard to say. Your best bet in figuring this out would be:
Look for signs of a headache in your dog, which we’ll discuss in a sec!
See how your dog’s overall health profile could make him more likely to have a headache - read on, dear pet owner!
Figure out if anything going on with him at the current moment could make head pain likely for your poor doggie. He or she could be susceptible to something in the environment or surroundings, which we’ll cover
Let’s face it: nobody has time for the pain of a headache, not even your dog. After all, he's got a lot of playing, eating, and napping to do! Below, we’ll explore the potential causes of headaches in dogs, how to spot them, and effective ways to help your pet feel better.
Remember, timely professional advice from VEG ER for pets can make a significant difference for your best bud. If your dog seems to be in pain or upset, call or take your pet to the nearest VEG vet hospital and we’ll perform triage right away.
SIGNS YOUR DOG HAS A HEADACHE
Identifying a headache in your dog can be challenging. After all, he has no words to explain what type of discomfort he may be feeling. He can’t even nod yes or shake his head no after you point to your own head and make sad doggy sounds.
(Or… maybe he can, have you tried this?)
For the more likely scenario that your dog has no way to tell you if he’s feeling headache-y, here are several signs to look for. How many of these can you check off?
Signs of dog headache:
Behavior changes in your dog: Your dog may become more withdrawn or show signs of irritability
A dog's sensitivity to light or sound: Dogs with headaches might seek out darker, quieter spaces
Pawing at the head or face: This could indicate that your dog is experiencing pain around the head area
Changes in eating habits: A loss of appetite or difficulty chewing can be related to head pain
Dog is restless or pacing: An indication of discomfort in your dog that might include pain in the head
Visual and physical clues in your dog: Squinting or having trouble keeping their eyes open can suggest light sensitivity which is associated with headaches
Write down what you observe about your dog, and call your primary care vet for an appointment. If your dog seems to be in pain, you can always bring them in to VEG, we’re open 24 hours every day for your dog’s urgent care or emergency needs. Learn more about VEG and your potential vet visit here.
HEADACHES IN DOGS: POSSIBLE CAUSES
Headaches in canines can be triggered by various factors. These range from medical conditions to environmental stressors. Keep in mind, your best bet to pinpoint the exact cause of a possible headache in your dog is professional diagnosis.
Let’s explore these potential triggers of headaches in dogs:
Infections in canines: Ear infections or sinus infections can lead to discomfort and pain that may be akin to headaches
Dog may have head trauma: Did your dog get a bonk on the head? Any recent accidents or injuries can cause headaches. Monitoring your pet after an incident is crucial
Canine dental problems: Issues like gum disease or tooth infections can extend pain to the head region
Dog may have neurological disorder: Conditions affecting the brain, such as tumors or encephalitis, can manifest symptoms similar to headaches
For every one of these, you must take your dog to the emergency vet immediately. At VEG, a highly trained emergency veterinarian is available 24/7 to care for your dog.
HEADACHES IN DOGS: ENVIRONMENTAL AND DIETARY FACTORS
Changes in your pet’s environment or diet can also lead to discomfort that resembles a headache.
Some foods and environment headache triggers in dogs:
Exposure to toxins such as pesticides
Contact with allergens including via inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact
Dietary changes such as a new brand of dog food or eating table scraps
Any of these can cause symptoms that may make your dog appear as if he’s experiencing a headache.
If you’ve given your dog a thorough once-over and he definitely seems “off” with possible signs of a headache or other, related health issues, give the VEG ER closest to you a call.
We may advise you on at-home care based on your report of your dog’s symptoms. Or, you may be asked to bring in your bud for a vet exam to get a more detailed assessment, and recommendations on how to help your ailing dog.
PROFESSIONAL HELP AND WHEN TO CONTACT VEG PET EMERGENCY HOSPITAL:
If you suspect your dog is suffering from a headache, the best course of action is to seek professional advice. Here’s when to call VEG:
If the signs your dog is exhibiting do not improve, or they worsen over 24 hours
If your dog has recently been injured, particularly around the head
If your dog’s behavior has drastically changed, especially if he seems to be in pain
If all signs point to a headache in your dog that isn’t letting up, and/or you notice other symptoms of ill health in your dog, take immediate action. Call the veterinary emergency experts at VEG, and schedule an appointment for your dog to be seen as soon as possible.
VEG PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN YOUR DOG’S HEALTH
At VEG emergency pet center, we understand the urgency of your concerns. Our top-rated veterinarian team is ready to provide quick and effective care to diagnose and address your dog’s discomfort. Remember, the sooner you reach out, the sooner VEG can help! Our animal hospitals are open 24 hours a day, weekends and holidays, for your dog's emergency and urgent care needs.
HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR DOG WITH HEAD PAIN AT HOME
While you should always consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has a headache, there are some supportive measures you can take at home:
Reduce noise and light for your doggo, and provide a comfortable resting area
Keep your dog's daily routine as normal as possible to help reduce stress
Ensure your dog stays hydrated and maintains a healthy diet, as this can prevent potential headache triggers
Monitor any changes in your dog as this can be incredibly helpful when consulting with our ER veterinarian, providing them with valuable information for diagnosis and treatment
NEXT STEPS IN MANAGING YOUR DOG'S DISCOMFORT
It’s a challenge to definitively say that dogs experience headaches the same way that humans do. That said, dogs do exhibit behaviors and symptoms that suggest head pain. Recognizing these signs and understanding the potential causes are the first steps in helping your pet.
If you notice any concerning symptoms, call VEG 24-hour veterinary ER for advice and treatment. Your pet's health and comfort is our first priority, and we're here to provide support whenever you need it. Best of all, there’s no waiting in a lobby without your pet! At VEG animal clinics, you never have to leave your dog’s side.
