SAEDNEWS: You probably know your dog’s habits and behaviors very well. You can tell when they are excited, hungry, or scared. However, signs of pain in dogs are not always obvious—especially if it’s a new symptom that you haven’t seen before. In this article, we explore the signs of headaches in dogs and the methods to treat them.
According to Saed News’ Family Service, headaches are among the worst experiences we face in life, sometimes becoming so intense that even routine daily tasks feel impossible. Fortunately, there are many ways to relieve headaches in humans—drinking more water, taking painkillers, eating salty or sweet foods, and more. But did you know that dogs can also get headaches? Do you know the main reasons behind their headaches? If you’re curious, keep reading to find out more.
Dogs can indeed experience headaches, but identifying them is more challenging than in humans because dogs can’t describe where it hurts or how long the pain has lasted. Veterinarians confirm that dogs can have headaches, but diagnosis is difficult. Just as we cannot directly see or feel another person’s headache, we cannot definitively say if a dog has one. The best approach is to look for external signs and behavioral changes that may indicate head pain.
Dogs are susceptible to many of the same health issues as humans. For example, they may experience heart problems, though not in the same way humans do. Determining whether dogs get headaches can be complicated because headache symptoms overlap with those of other conditions. Common signs include:
Lethargy
Nausea
Pressing or rubbing the head
Shaking or trembling from fear
Sensitivity to light
Reluctance to move or play
Pain or discomfort when touching the head or neck
Research on headaches in dogs is limited. One study in 2013 documented episodic pain behavior in dogs resembling migraine attacks. Affected dogs were quiet, fearful, and uninterested in interaction, later showing signs of discomfort like noise sensitivity or refusal to eat or drink. These migraine-like episodes can occur spontaneously, with no obvious triggers.
Given the challenges of studying headaches in dogs, experts often extrapolate potential causes from what is known about human headaches. In humans, headaches are classified as primary or secondary. Primary headaches may result from overactivity or problems with blood vessels and nerves in the head, while secondary headaches are symptoms of underlying conditions such as infections, high blood pressure, dehydration, brain inflammation, or tumors.
In dogs, dental issues, sinus infections, and ear infections can cause head pain. Conditions like encephalitis (brain inflammation) and dogs’ reactions to medications commonly used to treat human headaches suggest that dogs can indeed experience head pain.
Veterinarians rely on a combination of clinical observations and research from human models to diagnose and recommend treatments. Diagnostic imaging can help identify conditions like meningitis or brain tumors, but an ordinary headache in a dog may not show up on an MRI. Instead, vets look for other signs of pain, such as elevated heart rate or discomfort when touching the head.
Never give your dog medication assuming it has a headache. Non-steroidal drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen are toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems. Acetaminophen should never be used without a vet’s guidance, as safer and more effective alternatives exist.
Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to detect and treat ear, dental, and other health issues early. Maintaining a healthy weight can help manage headache-related symptoms.
During hot months, ensure your dog’s body temperature does not rise too high to prevent heatstroke, and always provide fresh water to avoid dehydration. Check that collars and harnesses fit properly and avoid placing pressure on your dog’s neck and spine—especially important for growing puppies, senior dogs, or overweight dogs.
Finally, remain vigilant for signs of pain and seek veterinary care promptly to ensure your dog’s health and comfort.
