Do Dogs get Headaches?

Have you ever wondered if your dog had a headache? Our pets can have so many illnesses that are similar to ours, why not a headache? A few years ago, I had an Orange Tabby cat that I swore had a headache. I asked my vet, she just smiled and said they really have no way to document it. Recently, a client's beagle who had already lost one eye to illness, was having issues with his other eye. It just looked painful. I imagined he had a headache. I have read several articles that state veterinarians believe our pets can have headaches, but they have no way of communicating it to us. We can sort of determine tummy aches and other issues, but a headache could present itself in many ways that might make us think it's something else. However, it would make sense that they would have them. Not only is it not possible for our pets to communicate where their pain is coming from, the only true way to really know is through testing that is either unavailable for pets or too costly for a pet owner to pursue, so we just have to make assumptions and do a little trial-and-error.

Some signs your pet may have a headache:

• squinting their eyes or loss of brightness in their eyes

• resting or sleeping more

• seeking quiet and dark places

• pressing their head against you or an object for comfort or to relieve pressure

• loss of appetite or lack of activity

• sensitivity to touch around the head or neck

• being unusually quiet

Think of how you feel when you have a headache. The signs are very similar in our pets. However, those signs can point towards other conditions, which makes it very hard to know how to treat the cause for our pets.

So what can we do?

Consider causes: Common causes of a headache are:

• ear or eye infections or injuries

• dental issues or oral infections

• head or neck injuries

• tumors, lesions or any intracranial pressure

• dehydration

• allergies or sinus flare-ups

• neurological disorders

Again, similar to what may cause headaches in humans.

Although things about headaches are very similar between us and our furry companions, treatments are a little different. While we can take ibuprofen, aspirins or NSAIDS, over-the counter medications can be toxic to pets. The first step is to consult with your pet's veterinarian to see if there are any underlying issues. The veterinarian may prescribe medications like gabapentin, carprofen, or meloxicam. There are some over-the-counter medications that you could try. There are actually animal grade "aspirins" available, and you can also use supplements with anti-inflammatory properties that can ease your pet's pain as well, namely turmeric and glucosamine, as well as unconventional treatments like CBD or Hemp Oil. Other things you could do to help your pet if you believe they have a headache is to offer a comfortable, quiet place to relax and ensure they are getting plenty of water...again, think about what you do to relieve the pain when you are faced with a headache.

It's definitely something to consider...that your pet may simply have a headache.

My client whose beagle had bad eyes eventually had to have the other eye removed, but they got Baxter some dark goggles to wear, to protect his eyes. He looks so cool in them. Don't you agree?

All information is just from what I've read and experienced. It is not intended to replace the medical expertise of your veterinarian.

Here are a few ideas for over-the-counter supplements available on Chewy's on Amazon:

Affiliate commission may be earned through qualifying purchases.