Imagine your dog reaching for a tiny bottle of aspirin after a long day of dealing with your neighbor's cat. Now that you’ve searched for this, it looks like your dog has already asked you for a head massage. It’s a funny thought but there have been multiple studies made on dogs and headaches.
Here are all the answers you’re looking for –
The answer to the main question ‘Do dogs get headaches?’ becomes difficult here as dogs cannot vocalize their feelings to us in a language we understand. However, some vets do agree that just like us, dogs also experience headaches.
The eighth meeting of the day about why meetings are unproductive, scrolling through endless updates about how everyone else is "living their best life", or your mother-in-law's 'helpful' suggestions about your life choices, we have hundreds of headache-causing things in our lives. Our dogs may not have their mothers-in-law judging them but they surely do have several reasons that can cause a headache for them. They include – (2)
Physical injuries or trauma
Eye or ear problems such as glaucoma, ear infections, or excessive pressure
Environmental factors such as loud noises, bright lights, strong odors, etc.
Allergies and insensitivities
Medications or their side effects
Dehydration or heat strokes
Dental issues
Sinus issues, etc.
How Can You Tell If a Dog Has a Headache?
Your dog will probably not be able to communicate in clear words to you about their headache. This is why it becomes important for you to look for signs that indicate your dog going through pain. The signs include – (1)
Sensitivity to light
Sensitivity to touch on the head
Anxious behaviors like pacing, excessive licking
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
How to Treat a Dog Headache
First of all, if you’re planning to give human medications like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), and acetaminophen (Tylenol) to your dog just because they proved to be effective on you, wait. They not only will be ineffective for your dog but can prove to be extremely toxic, even in tiny amounts, to them.
What you need to do is consult your vet immediately. After examining the signs, your vet may be able to prescribe appropriate medications and treatment. While you do that, here are some other things you can do for your dog – (3)
Get to the root
If you know what’s causing the discomfort in your dog, remove the stimulant immediately. If you think it is because of the loud noise of fireworks, presence of another animal in the room, etc. take your dog to a safe place and comfort them with a hug.
Prepare a cozy resting place
Get your dog to a room without lights or sounds. Turn on the fan, close the blinds and ask everyone around to keep the volume low for the day.
Hydrate and refill
Ensure access to fresh water for your dog at all times. Try to offer foods that your dog likes.
Show some love
Softly talk to your dog, sit with them, cuddle, hug, offer some kisses, etc. Treat them like you would treat your partner when they are sick. Love and affection go a long way in healing both, humans and dogs.
Are Headaches Dangerous in Dogs?
The seriousness of a headache in a dog depends on the cause of it. If the headache has been caused by loud noises or any other environmental factor, there’s nothing to be worried about. But if the underlying reason is a severe condition like a heat stroke or a tumor, it can prove to be really dangerous and even fatal in some cases.
Should I Be Worried if My Dog Has a Headache?
Two people in a panicked state won’t help. So, you need to be calm. Do all those things that we’ve mentioned above. It is normal for your dog to avoid food or water. But if the avoidance continues for over a day, there may be a reason to worry.
Instead, you can prevent the headache for your dog. Here’s what you can do – (3)
Use a well-fitted collar and harness on your dog while walking or training to avoid chances of injuries.
Schedule routine vet check-ups to identify any underlying medical condition as early as possible.
Avoid the triggers that you know make your dog feel uncomfortable.
Maintain a healthy diet and thus weight. A healthy dog is less prone to injuries, diseases and other factors that cause headaches in the first place.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Severe conditions like brain tumors and lesions can also be a cause of headaches in dogs. The reasons can be – (2)
Increased intracranial pressure
Inflammation and compression of brain tissues
Disruption of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Flow
The treatment for the same may require surgery coupled with prolonged medication. Severe conditions like these can not only be stressful for you but can also make a big dent in your savings.
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3. Do dogs get headaches? A vet weighs in | BetterVet. (2023, September 28). https://bettervet.com/resources/pet-health-care/do-dogs-get-headaches
