When we have a headache, we can describe exactly what hurts. Dogs obviously can’t do that, which makes one question surprisingly difficult to answer: can dogs get headaches?
Dogs have the anatomical structures and nervous system needed to experience head pain, so veterinarians generally consider headaches possible in dogs. The problem is that there is no simple way to confirm that a dog has a headache in the same way we can with a person.
Instead, we have to look at behavior, other symptoms and — most importantly — what might be causing the discomfort.
Can Dogs Really Get Headaches?
Dogs can experience pain involving the head and structures around it.
However, diagnosing a simple headache in dogs is difficult because they can’t tell us where the pain is located or what it feels like.
A dog acting unusually quiet or sensitive around the head could potentially be experiencing head pain, but those same behaviors can occur with many other conditions.
That’s why it’s important not to assume that unusual behavior is “just a headache.”
What Does a Headache Look Like in a Dog?
There isn’t one specific sign that proves a dog has a headache.
Possible signs of discomfort may include:
- Becoming unusually quiet
- Seeking a dark or quiet place
- Reluctance to play
- Sensitivity when the head or neck is touched
- Squinting
- Holding the head unusually
- Reduced appetite
- Restlessness
- Whining or other unusual vocalization
- Avoiding bright light
- Changes in normal behavior
These signs are not specific to headaches and can occur with many other medical problems.
If your dog’s behavior changes suddenly or significantly, it’s better to look for the cause rather than trying to diagnose a headache at home.
What Could Cause Head Pain in Dogs?
Several conditions could potentially cause pain or discomfort involving a dog’s head.
Ear Problems
Ear infections and inflammation can be painful and may cause discomfort around the head.
Dogs with ear problems may shake their head, scratch their ears, tilt their head or react when the area is touched.
If your dog frequently shakes their head, our guide Why Does My Dog Shake Its Head? explains some of the common reasons.
Dental Problems
Dental disease can cause significant pain around the mouth, jaw and face.
A dog with dental discomfort might eat differently, chew on one side, avoid hard food or develop bad breath.
Since bad breath can sometimes be connected with dental problems, you can naturally link our existing guide Why Does My Dog Have Bad Breath? here.
Eye Problems
Eye injuries, inflammation and other eye conditions can cause considerable pain.
Squinting, redness, excessive tearing, discharge or keeping an eye closed should not simply be interpreted as signs of a headache.
Eye problems can require prompt veterinary attention.
Sinus or Nasal Problems
Inflammation or other problems involving the nasal passages and surrounding structures could potentially cause facial or head discomfort.
Watch for additional symptoms such as nasal discharge, sneezing or difficulty breathing normally.
Injury
An injury to the head or neck can obviously cause pain.
If your dog has experienced a fall, collision, accident or other significant trauma, don’t wait for obvious signs of a “headache” before seeking veterinary advice.
Other Medical Conditions
Neurological disorders, infections, inflammation and other illnesses can sometimes produce symptoms involving the head or nervous system.
This is one reason persistent or severe symptoms shouldn’t be diagnosed at home.
Can Dogs Get Migraines?
This is much harder to answer.
Migraine is a specific neurological condition in humans with symptoms that can include severe headache, nausea and sensitivity to light or sound.
Researchers have described migraine-like episodes in dogs, but diagnosing migraine in an animal is extremely challenging.
A dog hiding in a dark room or appearing sensitive to light doesn’t automatically mean they’re experiencing a migraine.
Those behaviors can have many possible causes.
Why Is My Dog Pressing Its Head Against the Wall?
This is particularly important.
Head pressing is not the same as a dog simply resting its head against you, a pillow or furniture.
Persistent, unusual pressing of the head against a wall or other hard surface can be associated with serious neurological or medical problems.
If your dog begins repeatedly pressing their head against walls or objects, especially along with confusion, circling, seizures, weakness or other neurological changes, contact a veterinarian promptly.
Don’t assume they’re doing it because they have a headache.
Can Dehydration Cause Headaches in Dogs?
In humans, dehydration can contribute to headaches.
We can’t simply assume dogs experience dehydration-related headaches in exactly the same way, but dehydration itself can certainly make a dog unwell and can become serious.
Signs can include lethargy, reduced appetite and other changes depending on severity and cause.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s water intake, see our guide How Much Water Should a Dog Drink Per Day?
Can Stress Cause Headaches in Dogs?
We know stress can affect dogs physically and behaviorally, but we can’t reliably determine whether everyday stress produces headaches in dogs in the same way it can in humans.
Stress can still cause noticeable behavioral changes.
A stressed dog might pace, pant, become restless, hide or behave differently than usual.
Rather than assuming a headache, consider the dog’s entire behavior and environment.
Should I Give My Dog Human Headache Medicine?
No — never give your dog human pain medication unless a veterinarian specifically tells you to use a particular medication and dose.
Common medications people take for headaches can be dangerous or toxic to dogs.
This includes medications containing ingredients such as ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen/paracetamol, depending on the drug, dose and circumstances.
If you think your dog is in pain, contact your veterinarian rather than reaching into your own medicine cabinet.
What Should I Do If I Think My Dog Has a Headache?
Instead of trying to confirm a headache, look at your dog’s overall condition.
Ask yourself:
- Is this behavior new?
- Is my dog eating and drinking normally?
- Are their eyes or ears bothering them?
- Are they walking normally?
- Did they recently injure themselves?
- Are there any other unusual symptoms?
- Is the problem getting worse?
If the discomfort is persistent, severe, recurrent or accompanied by other symptoms, contact your veterinarian.
A short video of unusual behavior can also be useful when explaining what’s happening.
When Should You Contact a Vet?
Seek veterinary advice promptly if your dog has significant or unexplained head discomfort, particularly when accompanied by symptoms such as seizures, collapse, loss of balance, confusion, persistent head pressing, severe pain, sudden vision changes, repeated vomiting, difficulty walking or recent head trauma.
You should also contact your veterinarian if milder symptoms continue or repeatedly return.
The important thing isn’t proving whether your dog has a headache — it’s finding out why your dog appears uncomfortable.
FAQ
How do I know if my dog has a headache?
There is no reliable at-home test. Behavioral changes, sensitivity around the head and reduced activity may indicate discomfort, but these signs have many possible causes.
Do dogs get migraines?
Migraine-like episodes have been described in dogs, but migraine is difficult to diagnose because dogs cannot describe their symptoms.
Can dogs get headaches from loud noises?
Loud noises can cause stress and discomfort, but we can’t reliably determine whether they cause headaches in individual dogs.
Can I give my dog ibuprofen for a headache?
No. Ibuprofen can be dangerous for dogs. Never give human pain medication without veterinary guidance.
Why is my dog hiding in a dark room?
Dogs may seek quiet or dark areas for many reasons, including fear, stress, illness or discomfort. If this is new behavior or accompanied by other symptoms, contact your veterinarian.
Is head pressing a sign of a headache?
Persistent head pressing can be associated with serious medical or neurological problems and should not be assumed to be a simple headache.
Final Thoughts
So, can dogs get headaches?
Dogs can experience pain involving the head, and headache-like conditions are considered possible. But because dogs can’t describe what they’re feeling, it’s extremely difficult to know whether a particular behavior represents a headache.
That’s why the underlying symptoms matter much more than the label.
An ear infection, painful tooth, eye problem, injury or another medical condition can all cause discomfort around the head and require very different treatment.
And if your dog suddenly develops unusual neurological behavior, severe pain or persistent head pressing, don’t wait to see whether their “headache” passes — contact a veterinarian.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never give your dog human pain medication unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian.
