Can Dogs Get Headaches?

If you’ve ever had a headache or migraine, you know how excruciating the pain can be. Sometimes, they become so severe that it’s difficult to do everyday tasks. While we can easily tell those around us that we’re suffering from a headache, our furry friends aren’t as lucky. This makes many people wonder: can dogs get headaches? And if they can, what can we do to help?

Can Dogs Get Headaches?

According to the Veterinary Emergency Group, vets and behaviorists believe that dogs get headaches just like humans do. While dogs can’t directly tell us they have headaches, they can show us with their actions. Plus, dogs share a lot of common ailments with humans, such as colds and stomach aches, so it makes sense that their heads would hurt sometimes.

Like humans, dogs can get headaches for a variety of reasons. Usually, they’re liked to other health problems like trauma, infections, dental issues, and dehydration. If you suspect your dog has a headache, it’s best to take them to the vet to get to the root of the problem.

How to Tell if Your Dog Has a Headache

If your dog has a headache, it might not be obvious at first. While some dogs consistently whine or paw at you to try to tell you something is wrong, others may only show subtle signs of pain. Thus, it’s always a good idea to pay close attention to your dog’s actions so you can tell when something is off as soon as possible. Below are a few signs a dog has a headache.

Behavior Changes

The biggest sign that something is wrong with your dog is if they’re not acting like themselves. Maybe they’re lethargic or irritable. You know your pup better than anyone, so if it seems like something isn’t right, trust your gut.

Sensitivity to Light and Sound

Headaches often feel better for us when we rest in a dark, quiet space. The same is true for dogs. If your dog is squinting excessively, hiding in dark rooms, or getting easily startled by light and sound, their head might be bothering them.

Avoiding Normal Actions

When your head hurts, you don’t always act like yourself. Your dog may avoid eating, playing, and exercising because of the pain. If your dog is unexpectedly avoiding things they normally enjoy, they’re probably not feeling well.

Pawing at Their Head

If your dog has intense pain in their head, they probably don’t understand what’s going on. They might paw at their face or head in hopes of getting the pain to stop, like how dogs often lick their paws if their feet hurt. Some dogs may also press their heads against walls.

Restlessness

Some dogs can’t even sleep with a headache, so they may be constantly pacing or moving from one dog bed to another. If your dog just can’t seem to get comfortable, something likely hurts or feels uncomfortable.

What to Do if a Dog Gets a Headache

If you believe your dog has a headache based on their behaviors and symptoms, it’s common to worry. I get stressed whenever my dog behaves out of the ordinary. Yet, a headache can mean lots of different things, so try not to panic. Proceed with caution and keep the following steps in mind to help you decide what to do.

Monitor Your Pet Closely

Keep a close eye on your dog if you suspect they have a headache. Make note of any other unusual behaviors. As you monitor your pet, make sure they’re comfortable and have access to clean water. If your dog’s headache symptoms persist or worsen over 24 hours, you should get a vet involved, especially if there are other unusual symptoms paired with it.

Visit a Vet

It’s always better to be safe than sorry with your dog’s health. If your dog’s headache symptoms are paired with other bizarre behaviors or if they don’t go away, take them to a vet as soon as you can. If your dog seems to be in intense pain, especially if they suffered a head injury, an emergency vet is your best bet.

I know vet visits can be pricey, but they can help you quickly get to the root of your dog’s headache and potentially save their life.

Follow Your Vet’s Instructions

During a vet visit, your veterinarian will do what they can to determine what’s causing the headache. They may need to run tests or prescribe medication depending on what they find. To ensure your dog stays as comfortable and healthy as possible, follow your vet’s recommendations for how to handle your dog’s illness. 

Sometimes, a headache goes away on its own, but sometimes, it could be the start of something more severe. So, you’re not overreacting by having a professional look at them. You’re doing what’s best for your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dogs Get Migraine Headaches?

Like regular headaches, it’s difficult to tell if dogs experience migraines. Vets believe it’s likely, but migraines in dogs likely aren’t as common as they are for humans. Extreme headache symptoms in dogs (like the ones mentioned above) could indicate a migraine, so visit your vet if you think that’s the case.

Can Dogs Get Ice Cream Headaches?

Vets believe that dogs can get “brain freeze” like humans. If your dog is eating a cold snack and they suddenly stop, whimper, or paw at their face, their head probably hurts. Give your dog a break from their cold treat if this happens.

Can Cats Get Headaches?

Yes, cats can get headaches. They typically show similar symptoms to dogs, such as sensitivity to light and sound, behavior changes, and head pressing. Cats are often more secretive with pain than dogs, so don’t hesitate to contact a vet if you believe something is wrong.

Can Dog Allergies Cause Headaches?

Yes, if someone has dog allergies, they may experience headaches or migraines due to sinus pressure. Runny noses, itchy eyes, and excessive sneezing are also common results of dog allergies.

Visit Your Vet if You Dog Gets a Headache

Dogs can get a headache just like humans. The only difference is that they can’t directly tell us when something hurts. It’s important to pay attention to your dog's behaviors daily and make note of any unexpected changes. If your dog is sensitive to light and sound, unexpectedly restless/irritable, or pawing at their head a lot, they may be suffering.

Headaches aren’t the only pain we can pick up on by paying attention to dog behaviors. If you spot your dog limping or avoiding exercise, they might have arthritis. If one part of their body is extremely sensitive, they may have an injury. Any time you suspect your dog isn’t feeling their best, it’s always a good idea to consult your vet just to be safe.