When you feel a headache coming on, you might reach for some aspirin or a cup of coffee. But what about your pet? While dogs and cats cannot always communicate when they're in pain, and there's not much data on whether they get headaches, there are some reports of pets experiencing signs that may point to head pain.

In honor of Animal Pain Awareness Month, here's what you should look out for and what you can do if you suspect your pet may have a headache.

5 Signs of Headaches in Dogs and Cats

Dogs and cats can't tell us where it hurts, but they can show similar signs to humans that may indicate a headache. Here are some signs to look for:

• Nausea , not associated with any known gastric issue or indiscriminate eating
• Changes in mood , grumpiness or avoiding attention
• Sensitivity to light which may manifest as hiding or squinting
• Lethargy or excessive sleeping
• Stiffness of the head and neck , especially upon waking

These signs are not specific to headaches and can be linked to many different health issues. A mild bout of pain may go away on its own within a few hours, but if your pet has repeated episodes or if their pain worsens, seek veterinary care as soon as possible.

Head pressing in dogs and cats

Head pressing should always be taken seriously, as it's usually a sign of potentially life threatening brain inflammation. Seek emergency veterinary care if your dog or cat presses their head against a hard surface like a wall, as this symptom may indicate poisoning, infection of the nervous system, or stroke.

What Can Trigger Headaches in Pets?

Heat or dehydration . When your pet is dehydrated , the constricting of blood vessels in the brain can cause a dull, throbbing headache. Make sure your pet always has access to fresh, clean water, especially on hot summer days and after any physical activity.
 

Light, odors, and sound . Dogs and cats have heightened senses of smell and hearing, which can potentially make them more sensitive to headache-causing stimuli. It's possible that a pet that seems anxious around thunder or fireworks may actually be experiencing a sound-induced headache with or without noise anxiety .
 

Sinus pressure. Congested sinuses can induce headaches in pets, especially when associated with a sinus infection, which typically causes sneezing, nasal discharge, and a sour odor emitting from their mouth and nose.
 

Muscle tension. Pets, like us, may wake up “on the wrong side of the bed.” They likely also can experience tightness in their neck or shoulder muscles that can contribute to a tension headache. Tension headaches are generally mild and do not cause nausea, typically resolving in a few hours or so. A supportive, orthopedic bed can help prevent tension headaches due to an uncomfortable sleep position.
 

Brain tumors. A brain tumor is a possible, though likely uncommon cause of headaches in pets. What’s more, it’s not common for headaches to be the only symptom of a brain tumor without neurological and vestibular symptoms like seizures, tremors, dizziness, unusual eye movements, and paralysis. Even so, if you notice recurring pain with other symptoms, see your veterinarian to rule out brain tumors and other potentially serious causes.

Do Dogs and Cats Get Migraines?

While migraine headaches may affect more than 10% of people, veterinarians are unsure whether dogs and cats also suffer from these painful episodes. There have been some reports of pets having symptoms associated with migraines, including light sensitivity, lethargy, nausea, yelping as though in pain, and a lowered head posture.

What To Give Your Pet for a Headache

While pain relievers and caffeine are go-to headache cures for humans, these substances are life-threatening toxins for cats and dogs. Never give your pet prescription or over-the-counter medication made for humans unless under the guidance of your veterinarian.

First, make sure your pet has access to fresh, clean water, especially if they may have a headache due to mild dehydration. You can encourage your dog or cat to drink with some tasty bone broth for pets.

For dogs, Nutri-Vet Aspirin Chewable Tablets are great to have on-hand for mild pains. It’s formulated to be safe for dogs to take at the recommended dose, though it should never be given to cats.

Other over-the-counter pain relief solutions for pets include T-Relief Tablets , topical DMSO liquid solution , and Earth Animal Aches & Discomfort Herbal Remedy .

A cool compress or ice pack can help relieve painful inflammation if your pet doesn't mind it.

If pain persists or your pet seems to be in serious distress, or has other concerning symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness, head tilt, or lethargy, seek immediate veterinary care. If your pet seems to have frequent headaches or painful episodes, see your veterinarian as soon as possible.

VISION

Every pet deserves to live a long, happy, healthy life.