Have you ever wondered if dogs experience headaches? I feel certain they do. But how can you know? A dog with a painful leg limps. Vomiting and diarrhea suggest a problem in the gut. How do dogs let us know when they have a headache?

Photo by Łukasz Rawa on UnsplashHeadache Symptoms

Headache symptoms in dogs tend to be subtle and resemble what people experience. And all of them can be associated with a gazillion other maladies.

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Reclusive behavior (often in dark quiet places)

Squinting can result from the pain of a headache and/or light sensitivity

Diminished appetite

Irritability

Restlessness/pacing

Causes

Several things ranging from medical issues to environmental stressors can cause headaches in dogs. Here are some potential triggers:

Exposure to noxious substances: smoke, pesticides, cleaning chemicals, loud noises, strong obnoxious smells (certain perfumes do this for me)

Ear and sinus infections

Head trauma

Dental infections, particularly those involving a tooth root and the bone surrounding it.

Diseases of the skull or jaw bones.

Brain diseases such as tumors, inflammation, infection, and increased spinal fluid pressure (signs of a headache can precede the development of neurological symptoms).

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Think about it—the only way to know a person has a headache is because they tell you. Where is Dr. Dolittle when we need him?

With dogs, a thorough history and physical examination will rule out environmental factors, head trauma, dental disease, and most ear infections. But if this and other testing (blood work, radiographs, ultrasound) come up empty, it’s time to focus on the skull and brain. This may involve an MRI or CT scan and collection of cerebrospinal fluid (spinal tap).

Treatment

Treatment of a dog’s headache involves addressing the underlying cause. In best case scenarios, this might involve removing environmental triggers or a course of antibiotics. If the headache stems from brain disease, the prognosis is a whole lot dicier. Depending on the underlying disease, your veterinarian might discuss antibiotics, antifungals, or anti-inflammatory medications (cortisone). For some brain tumors, your veterinarian might discuss radiation therapy or surgery.

Has your dog ever had what you thought was a headache? If so, did you figure out the cause?

Best wishes to you and your four-legged family members for abundant good health,

Dr. Nancy

DrNancyKay.com

Speaking for Spot - Dr. Nancy Kay is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.