do-dogs-get-headaches

Do dogs get headaches? How can we tell that your dog is suffering from a headache? Are there ways of curing this? This has been the significant questions that must have been asking themselves. Human beings feel a headache, and they can tell. In the case of dogs, it is different. They cannot speak when they have a headache. Dogs are well known for expressing their feeling. With pain, it is difficult for them to show us that they are suffering. The sighs will be noticed when it has become severe. Up to now, medical experts have not come up with an instrument of measuring headache in dogs. Behavior is the primary indicator. The behavior of your dog will tell that your dog is suffering from a headache.

In this article, we have discussed the necessary identifications on dogs. And the ways of treating them.

 

Causes of a headache in dogs

The primary cause of a headache in human beings is stress. In dogs this is different. Pressure can be a cause in dogs, but that is not likely to be the primary cause. The principal and common causes include Physical mistreatment or trauma or head injury, Problems related to dental, Stress, Sinus congestion, The adverse effect of medication, Allergic reactions like the use of certain perfumes, Flu or cold, Vigorous work. The above are the possible significant causes of a headache in dogs.

 

Symptoms of a headache in dogs

As we have states dogs are unable to speak about what they are undergoing. There is no specific way of measuring that your dog has a headache. The symptoms that are associated with human beings and that respond to headache drugs are the one used by veterinarians to diagnose the possibility of a headache in dogs. This does not mean that we should treat our dogs with the same medication used by us. The symptoms that they may show may indicate a different thing. There are a few symptoms that you can see and say your dog is suffering. If you notice a repeated symptom, inform your vet for assistance. These symptoms include:

 

Increased sensitivity to light and sound

When your dog stays away from light and remains in a dark room, it can be it has a headache. Light triggers the brain to bring upon pain. Avoiding light reduces the pains. In addition to that, they will usually close their eyes. Another indication here is when your dog avoids noisy places. They will isolate themselves from family members and areas that have noise. Being sensitivity to noise is common to a human with a headache. This applies to dogs also. They prefer a place that is quiet. Avoidance of noise not only treats headaches but also prevents it. If you realize that your dog is avoiding light and sound, seek assistance from your vet.

 

Peculiar temperament

Dogs seem too bad-tempered when they are in extreme pain. Your affectionate pet might want or might bite you when you touch them. However, some breeds will want more attention from you. Other breeds will be lonely. They prefer to be alone and feel irritated when one goes where they are.

 

Hyper-reactive to touch

As a pet owner, you know how your dog reacts when you touch them. With a headache dog, it will not allow you to touch them. Some maybe violent to you once you touch them. Some develop a defense mechanism for staying away from you. When they see you, they will keep away.

 

Refuse to eat

Refusal to eat without any reason can be a sign that your dog is uncomfortable and is suffering from pain. With a headache, the dog will lose appetite. They will experience pain when chewing or eating.

 

Whining

Whining of your dog without any reason is an indicator that something is wrong with your dog. Or it is a show that your dog is being disturbed by something. A dog’s cry is the only behavior that indicates something is not suitable for it. However, it is not easy to identify the reason behind this. Consult your vet if the sigh or symptom persist.

 

Excessive panting

A headache is usually associated with excessive panting in dogs. However, panting is normal in some breeds. Excessive panting, however, is not a good sign in dogs. It might be a show that your dog is undergoing severe pain.

 

Hitting head against some object or furniture

Dogs with a headache like hitting their head on objects. They assume that this will help them in relieving the pain, but they do not know what the remedy for a headache is. They only hit the object with the hope of treating themselves.

 

The other symptoms that can be observed include:

Lowered head, worried physical appearance, Red eyes, Unresponsive behaviors, Continual tearing, Headshaking

 

How to treat a headache in dogs

The treatment used by a human being in the treatment of a headache is not the same as the one used here. The treatment of your dog should be done by your vet. You can also follow the instruction that you were given by your vet. Some of the treatment methods include:

 

Chiropractic method

This is a standard method that veterinarians use to stop headaches when the cause is vertebral. The method is used when your dog is suffering from trauma due to the fall or got stuck in a specific place. The method will help in reducing the pains. However, this should be carefully done by someone who understands it.

 

Massage

This is another method that can be used to reduce pain. Gentle massage of the head region can help in reducing headache. While massaging use a wet cloth, this will be of helpfully. However, this method may not apply to some breeds because they may be violent. In this case, consult your vet on how to go about.

 

Acupuncture

Acupuncture method is usually used in human beings. The method can be used for dogs in reducing pain. Create a quiet environment for your dog. This will not only reduce the head but also prevent it from affecting your dog. A quiet environment is suitable for your dogs. To add on this avoid disturbances. Ensure that your children are not disturbing them when they are at rest.

Apply proper medication. Do not overdose or underdose the dose when you are treating your dog. Use of homeopathic remedies. With this method, you need to be more careful. Do not use herbs that you are not sure of. There are some that can be toxic to your dog.

 

Conclusion

Dogs do an experienced headache. There are causes of a headache in dogs. Some of them are, Stress, Sinus congestion, the Negative effect of medication, Allergic reactions like the use of certain perfumes, Flu or cold and among other causes. We have also looked at some of the significant symptoms that can be exhibited by dogs with a headache. Lastly, we have looked at various methods of treating your dog. While applying these methods be careful. Ask for assistance from your vet.

 

You May Also Interested In: