# Do Dogs Get Headaches? Signs and What to Do Yes, dogs can experience head pain, but they cannot tell you their head hurts. A headache in a dog is inferred from behavior, not reported by the patient. The dog's brain and the nerves that supply the head are built much like a person's, so the same pain pathways exist. What owners actually see is a dog who presses its head into walls, paws at its face, squints in normal light, refuses to turn its neck, or simply stops acting like itself. Those signs matter because head pain in dogs is usually a symptom of another problem, not a stand-alone disease. This article explains what a headache looks like in a dog, separates true head pain from other causes of odd head behavior, and walks through the conditions veterinarians look for first. It also explains when head pain is a medical emergency. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Can Dogs Get Headaches? The Short Answer Dogs have the anatomy to feel head pain. The meninges (the membranes around the brain), blood vessels, and cranial nerves all carry pain fibers, and the same structures generate headache in people. A veterinary case report described a dog with recurrent, episodic pain behavior that closely resembled human migraine, including the pattern of attacks and the response to the environment [1]. That report is the clearest published evidence that a dog can suffer something like a primary headache disorder. The honest caveat is that primary headache (a headache that is not caused by another disease) is rare and poorly documented in dogs. The far more common situation is secondary head pain, where an underlying condition such as dental disease, an ear infection, eye disease, a pinched disc in the neck, meningitis, a brain tumor, high blood pressure, or a toxin is driving the discomfort. In those cases, the headache is a clue, and treating the headache alone would miss the real problem. ## Why a Headache in Dogs Is Inferred, Not Reported A person with a headache says "my head hurts." A dog cannot. Veterinarians and owners rely on observable behavior instead. This is the single most important idea in this article: when we say a dog has a headache, we mean the dog is showing behaviors consistent with head pain. Because the evidence is behavioral, the same signs can come from different sources. A dog who presses its head against a wall may have a headache, or it may have a forebrain problem that has nothing to do with pain. A dog who paws at its face may have an ear infection, a tooth abscess, or an eye injury rather than a headache. Sorting this out is exactly why a veterinary examination matters. ## What Head Pain Looks Like in a Dog Owners rarely use the word headache. They describe a change. The signs below are the ones most often linked to head or facial pain. ### Head Pressing Head pressing means the dog stands and pushes its forehead into a wall, a piece of furniture, or the floor, often for long periods and sometimes in a corner. This is one of the most recognized signs of forebrain disease. It is a forebrain sign, not proof of a headache. Head pressing can occur with conditions that cause brain swelling, metabolic disease, or a mass in the front of the brain, and pain may or may not be part of the picture. Any dog that head presses needs prompt veterinary assessment. ### Pawing at the Face or Rubbing the Head A dog that repeatedly swipes at its muzzle, rubs its face along the carpet, or scratches at one side of the head is often responding to localized pain. Dental disease, ear disease, and eye disease are common triggers. This is facial pain rather than a classic headache, but owners experience it the same way, as a dog in discomfort around the head. ### Photophobia and Squinting Photophobia means sensitivity to light. A dog may squint, turn away from windows, avoid bright rooms, or keep one or both eyes partly closed. In people, photophobia is a classic migraine feature. In dogs, it is more often a sign of eye pain, such as from corneal injury, uveitis, or glaucoma. Either way, light sensitivity around the head deserves a veterinary look. ### Reluctance to Move the Head or Neck A dog with neck pain may hold its head low, refuse to look up at a treat, resist turning to the side, or cry when lifted. Cervical disc disease and meningitis both cause this pattern. Owners sometimes describe it as a stiff neck. A dog that will not move its head normally should be examined. ### Behavior Change Pain changes behavior. A normally friendly dog may become withdrawn, irritable, or reluctant to be touched around the head. Some dogs become restless and pace. Others go quiet and hide. Any sudden, unexplained behavior change in an adult dog is worth a veterinary conversation, and head pain is one possible reason. ## Table: Presenting Signs and Likely Underlying Causes The table below pairs common owner observations with the conditions veterinarians consider first and the tests typically used to sort them out. It is a guide to the conversation you will have with your veterinarian, not a diagnosis. | What the owner sees | Conditions to consider first | First-line diagnostics | |--|--|--| | Head pressing, circling, altered mentation | Forebrain disease, brain swelling, metabolic disease, brain mass | Neurologic exam, blood work, blood pressure, advanced imaging | | Pawing at one side of the face, drooling, dropping food | Dental disease, oral mass, jaw pain | Oral exam, dental radiographs | | Head shaking, ear scratching, pain when the ear is touched | Otitis externa or media, ear polyp | Otoscopic exam, ear cytology, imaging if deep | | Squinting, light sensitivity, red or cloudy eye | Corneal ulcer, uveitis, glaucoma | Fluorescein stain, eye pressure, ophthalmic exam | | Low head carriage, neck stiffness, crying when lifted | Cervical disc disease, meningitis | Neurologic exam, spinal imaging, [cerebrospinal fluid analysis](/knowledge/diagnostics/clinical-pathology/cerebrospinal-fluid-analysis-in-small-animal-neurology) | | Sudden severe head pain with weakness, wobbling, or collapse | Meningitis, brain mass, hypertensive crisis, toxin exposure | Emergency exam, blood work, blood pressure, imaging | | Fever, lethargy, joint pain, plus head or neck discomfort | Tick-borne or systemic infection | Blood work, infectious disease testing | ## The Biology Behind Head Pain in Dogs Head pain comes from structures that have pain-sensitive nerve endings. The brain tissue itself does not feel pain, but the meninges, the blood vessels around the brain, and the cranial nerves do. When those tissues are stretched, inflamed, or compressed, the result is head pain. The same arrangement exists in dogs. This is why so many different diseases can produce headache-like signs. Inflammation of the meninges (meningitis) irritates pain-sensitive tissue directly. A growing mass raises pressure inside the skull and stretches the meninges. High blood pressure distends vessels. Dental and ear disease activate pain fibers in the face and jaw. A slipped disc in the neck irritates nerve roots that refer pain into the head and neck. The headache is the common output of many different inputs. The migraine case report is instructive because it describes a dog with episodic attacks rather than a constant problem [1]. That pattern, pain that comes and goes in episodes with a recognizable trigger or rhythm, is what makes a primary headache disorder plausible in dogs. It remains uncommon and is diagnosed only after other causes are ruled out. ## Common Myths and Questions About Dog Headaches ### Myth: Dogs do not feel headaches at all Dogs have the same pain-sensing structures in the head as people, and at least one documented case describes migraine-like pain behavior in a dog [1]. The accurate statement is that dogs cannot report a headache, so we rely on signs. ### Myth: Head pressing always means a headache Head pressing is a forebrain sign. It points to a problem in the front of the brain, which may or may not involve pain. Treating it as "just a headache" delays diagnosis of a serious neurologic condition. ### Myth: A dog with a headache will hold its head Some dogs with head pain hold the head low or tilt it, but many do not. Behavior change, face pawing, and light sensitivity are equally important clues. ### Question: Can dogs get migraines? Possibly, in rare cases. A published case describes a dog with paroxysmal episodes resembling human migraine, and the authors discuss how migraine could occur in dogs based on shared anatomy and pharmacology [1]. Primary migraine in dogs is not well documented, and most head pain has another cause. ### Question: Do dogs get headaches from human illnesses? Some infections that cause headache in people can pass between dogs and humans. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease spread through the urine of infected animals, and headache is a recognized symptom in human cases [2]. [Bartonella henselae](/knowledge/bacteria/pet-bacteria/bartonella-henselae) infection, linked to rat mite exposure, caused headaches in an owner whose two dogs also became ill [3]. These are zoonotic diseases, meaning they can move between animals and people, and they are a reminder that a sick dog with head-related signs can sometimes signal a shared exposure. ## Secondary Causes of Head Pain in Dogs Most head pain in dogs is secondary. The list below covers the conditions veterinarians consider most often. ### Dental Disease Periodontal disease, tooth root abscesses, and oral masses cause facial and jaw pain that owners often describe as head pain. A dog may drop food, chew on one side, drool, or resist having the muzzle touched. The oral exam and dental radiographs are the key steps. ### Ear Disease Otitis externa and otitis media cause head shaking, ear scratching, and pain when the ear is handled. Severe or deep ear infections can cause head tilt and pain that radiates around the head. Otoscopic examination and ear cytology guide treatment. ### Eye Disease Corneal ulcers, uveitis, and glaucoma are painful. A dog with eye pain squints, avoids light, and may paw at the face. These conditions can progress quickly and threaten vision, so same-day veterinary care is appropriate when an eye is red, cloudy, or held closed. ### Cervical Disc Disease A slipped disc in the neck compresses nerve roots and the spinal cord. The result is neck pain, low head carriage, and reluctance to move the head. Severe cases cause wobbling or weakness in the limbs. Neurologic examination and spinal imaging are used to confirm the diagnosis. ### Meningitis Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. It causes neck pain, fever, lethargy, and sometimes seizures. Diagnosis typically involves cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Meningitis is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment. ### Brain Tumor A mass in the brain raises pressure inside the skull and can cause head pressing, behavior change, seizures, and circling. Signs often worsen over weeks. Advanced imaging such as MRI is needed to identify a mass. ### Hypertension High blood pressure can cause head pain and is often secondary to another disease, such as kidney disease or an endocrine disorder. Blood pressure measurement is a simple, important part of the workup in an older dog with head-related signs. ### Toxin Exposure Some toxins cause neurologic signs that include head pressing and altered behavior. If you suspect your dog ate something poisonous, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control service immediately. Do not wait for signs to appear. ### Infectious and Zoonotic Disease Several infections that cause headache in people have been linked to dogs. Leptospirosis spreads through infected urine and causes headache in human cases [2]. Bartonella henselae was amplified from two dogs and their owner after rat mite exposure, and the owner reported headaches [3]. Rabies is a fatal viral disease, and a human case described headache, photophobia, and anxiety before death after exposure to an infected dog's saliva [4]. These examples show why a dog with neurologic or systemic signs and a possible exposure history needs veterinary and sometimes public health attention. ## When Head Pain Is an Emergency Some signs mean "go now," not "call tomorrow." Seek emergency veterinary care if your dog shows any of the following: - Sudden severe head pain with weakness, wobbling, collapse, or seizures - Head pressing that is new or getting worse - A head tilt with vomiting, disorientation, or inability to stand - A red, cloudy, or obviously painful eye, especially with squinting - A swollen face, difficulty breathing, or swelling around the throat - Known or suspected exposure to a toxin, including human medications, chocolate, or rodenticide - Fever with neck stiffness and reluctance to move - Any sudden behavior change with neurologic signs Acute severe head pain combined with neurologic deficits is an emergency. Do not wait to see if it passes. ## How Veterinarians Evaluate a Dog With Suspected Head Pain The evaluation starts with a full history and physical examination. Your veterinarian will ask when the signs started, whether they come and go, what makes them better or worse, and whether there was any possible exposure to toxins or sick animals. The neurologic examination checks mental status, cranial nerves, posture, gait, and spinal reflexes. This exam often localizes the problem to the brain, the neck, or the face. First-line testing usually includes blood work (a complete blood count and chemistry panel), a blood pressure measurement, and a urinalysis. These tests screen for metabolic disease, infection, and hypertension. Depending on the findings, the next steps may include: - Oral and dental examination with dental radiographs - Otoscopic examination and ear cytology - Ophthalmic examination with a fluorescein stain and eye pressure measurement - Infectious disease testing for organisms such as Leptospira or Bartonella - Spinal or brain imaging (MRI or CT) - Cerebrospinal fluid analysis if meningitis is suspected The order of testing depends on the signs. A dog with face pawing and a swollen jaw goes down a dental path. A dog with neck pain and fever goes down a meningitis path. A dog with head pressing and seizures goes down a brain imaging path. ## A Practical Decision Path for Owners The flowchart below shows the basic decision path when a dog shows possible head pain. It is a guide, not a substitute for veterinary judgment. ```mermaid flowchart TD A[Owner notices head related signs] --> B{Any neurologic deficits} B -->|Yes| C[Emergency veterinary visit] B -->|No| D{Signs severe or worsening} D -->|Yes| C D -->|No| E[Call your veterinarian] E --> F[Physical and neurologic exam] F --> G{Localized to face or ear or eye} G -->|Yes| H[Targeted exam and testing] G -->|No| I[Blood work and blood pressure] I --> J{Abnormal result} J -->|Yes| K[Treat underlying cause] J -->|No| L[Consider imaging and referral] ``` ## What to Do at Home While You Wait You cannot treat a dog's headache at home, and you should never give a dog human pain medication without veterinary guidance. Some common human pain relievers are toxic to dogs. Your job at home is to observe and protect. - Write down what you see, including time of day, duration, and any triggers. - Note whether the signs come and go or are constant. - Keep your dog quiet and away from stairs if it seems unsteady. - Do not force your dog to move its head or neck for a treat. - Do not give any medication, including over-the-counter pain relievers, without asking your veterinarian. - Photograph or video the behavior if it is intermittent, so your veterinarian can see it. ## Treatment and Follow-Up Treatment depends entirely on the cause. Dental disease is treated with dental cleaning and extraction. Ear infections are treated with ear cleaning and appropriate medication. Eye disease is treated with eye-specific medication. Meningitis is treated with anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive therapy. Brain tumors may be treated with surgery, radiation, or palliative care. Hypertension is managed by treating the underlying disease and, when indicated, with blood pressure medication. Because the cause varies so widely, there is no single treatment or timeline for head pain in dogs. Your veterinarian will set a recheck schedule based on the diagnosis. In general, dogs with dental or ear disease improve within days of treatment, while dogs with neurologic disease need longer follow-up and sometimes referral to a specialist. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian This article describes patterns, not your dog. Individual cases need a veterinarian who can examine the dog, run tests, and see how signs change over time. Contact your veterinarian promptly if your dog shows head pressing, face pawing, light sensitivity, neck stiffness, or any behavior change that lasts more than a day. Go to an emergency clinic immediately if your dog has sudden severe head pain with weakness, wobbling, collapse, seizures, a swollen face, difficulty breathing, or a known toxin exposure. Do not wait for an appointment. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Do dogs get headaches? Yes, dogs can experience head pain, but they cannot report it. Owners see signs such as head pressing, face pawing, light sensitivity, and reluctance to move the head. ### Can dogs get headaches from dental problems? Yes. Dental disease and tooth root abscesses cause facial and jaw pain that owners often describe as head pain. An oral exam and dental radiographs are the first steps. ### What does head pressing mean in a dog? Head pressing is a forebrain sign. It points to a problem in the front of the brain and is not proof of a headache. Any dog that head presses needs prompt veterinary assessment. ### Is head pressing always an emergency? New or worsening head pressing should be treated as urgent. If it comes with seizures, weakness, or collapse, go to an emergency clinic right away. ### Can dogs get migraines? Possibly, in rare cases. A published case describes a dog with episodic pain behavior resembling human migraine, but primary headache in dogs is uncommon and diagnosed only after other causes are ruled out. ### What human pain relievers are safe for dogs? None should be given without veterinary guidance. Some common human pain relievers are toxic to dogs. Ask your veterinarian before giving any medication. ### When should I take my dog to the vet for head pain? Take your dog to the vet if it shows head pressing, face pawing, squinting, neck stiffness, or a behavior change that lasts more than a day. Go to an emergency clinic for sudden severe signs with neurologic deficits. ### Can a dog's headache be a sign of a serious disease? Yes. Head pain in dogs is usually secondary to another condition, including dental disease, ear disease, eye disease, cervical disc disease, meningitis, brain tumor, hypertension, or toxin exposure. ## Related Articles - [Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Sheep: Epidemiology, Clinical Signs, and Management](/knowledge/parasites/livestock-parasites/gastrointestinal-nematodes-sheep) - [How Does A Dog Get Pneumonia](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/how-does-a-dog-get-pneumonia) - [Can Cats Get Psoriasis](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/can-cats-get-psoriasis) - [How Does A Dog Get Parvo](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/how-does-a-dog-get-parvo) - [Can Dog Get Herpes](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/can-dog-get-herpes) - [When Do Kittens Get Microchipped](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/preventive-care/when-do-kittens-get-microchipped) ## Further Reading - [Clinical and Epidemiological Characterization of Acute Chagas Disease in Casanare, Eastern Colombia, 2012-2020.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34368188/) - [A Patient with Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) Infected from a Sick Dog with SFTS Virus Infection.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35228501/) ## Sources 1. [Migraine-like episodic pain behavior in a dog: can dogs suffer from migraines?](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24033420/) 2. [Human Case of Leptospirosis During a Canine Disease Outbreak - Wyoming, 2023.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38990767/) 3. [Bartonella henselae infections in an owner and two Papillon dogs exposed to tropical rat mites (Ornithonyssus bacoti).](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25325313/) 4. [TRANSMISSION OF RABIES VIRUS THROUGH A CONTACT LENS CONTAMINATED WITH SALIVA FROM AN INFECTED DOG (CASE REPORT).](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40159253/)