Shocking Signs Your Dog Has a Headache – What Vets Wish You Knew

Ever wondered, can dogs get migraines or headaches? I definitely have—especially after seeing pups squinting under the lights or acting unusually withdrawn during my shifts as a vet assistant. With a strong focus on canine nutrition, I’ve come to realize that many pet parents overlook the subtle signs of discomfort in their dogs that might be linked to head pain. It’s not always as obvious as limping or vomiting, but it’s there if you know what to look for. And yes—dogs absolutely can experience head pain, even though they can’t exactly say, “Hey, my head hurts.”

Reading Between the Woofs: What We Know About Headaches in Dogs

Let’s clear something up right away—there’s no official diagnosis of “migraine” in dogs the way we see it in humans. But clinical signs and veterinary observations strongly suggest that dogs can suffer from migraine-like symptoms or headaches due to various triggers. From my time working in clinics, I’ve seen dogs act sensitive to light and sound, become lethargic, and even refuse food—classic red flags in human migraine cases too.

Canine Headaches vs. Migraines: Is There a Difference?

This is where it gets a little nuanced. Headaches in dogs are typically referred to in broader terms—think more like pressure-related discomfort, inflammation, or pain that originates around the head or neck. A migraine, on the other hand, is a specific type of headache in humans involving vascular changes, often with sensory disturbances like auras. While we can’t confirm dogs experience migraines exactly like us, the evidence points to similar suffering, especially when certain triggers are involved.

Spotting the Signs: What Does a Dog with a Headache Look Like?

Dogs are stoic by nature, but trust me—they’re not immune to pain. And as someone who’s spent countless hours assisting vets, I can tell you: there’s a look a dog gives when their head hurts. It’s this mix of glassy eyes, irritability, and just wanting to be left alone. Sometimes, they’ll press their head against walls, seek out dark quiet spots, or flinch when touched on the head or neck.

• Light and sound sensitivity (they’ll avoid bright rooms or noisy areas)
• Decreased appetite or skipping meals entirely
• Lethargy or unusual tiredness
• Frequent squinting or closing one eye
• Head pressing or rubbing their face on furniture

I remember a senior Labrador named Daisy—sweetest girl ever. One day, she just wasn’t herself. Her tail didn’t wag when her favorite treat came out, and she laid down facing the corner of the exam room. No fever, no tummy issues. After a full check-up, the vet suspected a headache brought on by cervical spine tension. With a few gentle therapies and a little nutritional support (hello, Omega-3s!), she bounced back in a few days.

What Causes Headaches in Dogs?

Lots of things can set off headaches in dogs. Some are temporary and harmless, while others could be red flags. As someone who’s monitored post-surgery recoveries and tricky allergy cases, I’ve seen how diverse the root causes can be.

1. Stress or anxiety: Big changes at home, new pets, or even your own emotional stress can rub off on your pup.
2. Environmental triggers: Loud noises, bright lights, poor ventilation—yep, sensory overload gets to dogs too.
3. Infections or inflammation: Ear infections, dental issues, or sinus pressure can all lead to headache-like symptoms.
4. Neck or spinal issues: Tension or injury in the cervical spine can radiate pain toward the head. I’ve seen this a lot in older breeds with arthritis.
5. Dietary imbalances: Believe it or not, poor nutrition can increase inflammation and neurological symptoms. That’s why I always push for anti-inflammatory diets with clients whose dogs have recurring mystery ailments.

Headaches aren’t just a “people problem.” They’re just harder to detect in dogs. But with the right attention and a good eye (which you absolutely develop working in vet clinics), it’s totally possible to notice the signs early and help your dog feel better faster.

How to Help Your Dog if You Suspect a Headache

Alright, so you’ve noticed something’s off—maybe your dog is hiding out in dark corners, flinching when you reach for their head, or just not their usual goofy self. Been there. The first instinct is to panic (I totally get it), but there are some gentle, practical things you can try first while keeping your vet in the loop.

Set the Mood: Make the Environment Headache-Friendly

Sounds a little fancy, right? But trust me—it works. When we had a senior Shih Tzu named Benny come into the clinic for recurring “bad days,” his pet parent swore he got worse under bright lights or during thunderstorms. We dimmed the exam lights, and he visibly relaxed. Just like us, dogs can feel relief when the environment supports their recovery.

• Turn off harsh lights or close blinds to reduce visual stimulation.
• Use white noise machines or calming music (I love classical playlists for dogs—Spotify has great ones).
• Keep things low-stress—avoid visitors, loud TVs, or chaotic energy.

Gentle Touches & Massage

This one’s tricky, but incredibly rewarding. If your dog allows it, use your fingertips to gently rub the base of the skull, temples, and neck. I’ve used this technique countless times when assisting post-surgery pups or during quiet moments in recovery kennels. Just go slow, watch for signs of discomfort, and stop if they pull away.

Vet-Approved Pain Relief & Medications

Here’s where I have to stress something important—never give your dog human pain meds. I can’t tell you how many times a well-meaning pet parent gave their dog Tylenol or Advil and ended up rushing to emergency. Dogs metabolize meds differently, and it can go downhill fast.

If your vet suspects headaches or head-related pain, they may prescribe:

• Gabapentin – commonly used for nerve pain, often well-tolerated.
• NSAIDs made for dogs – like carprofen, but only under supervision.
• Anti-nausea meds – especially helpful if your dog seems dizzy or off-balance.

One case that stuck with me was a husky named Luna. She started showing signs of discomfort after long hikes—head shaking, glassy eyes, the works. Her vet prescribed gabapentin paired with rest and hydration, and within two days she was back to her chatty, bossy self. It reminded me how much proper vet guidance matters.

Can Diet Really Help Prevent Headaches?

As someone who leans into nutrition big time (like, I geek out over ingredient labels), this part lights me up. Nutrition has a huge impact on inflammation, and yes—that includes inflammation that can affect the brain and nerves.

Foods That Can Help

While there’s no magical anti-headache diet for dogs, there are definitely ingredients and nutrients that support brain and nerve health. Here’s what I recommend and personally use for my clients:

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Found in fish oil or salmon-based diets. These are anti-inflammatory powerhouses.
2. Magnesium – Plays a role in nerve function and muscle relaxation. Some quality supplements for dogs include this, but check with your vet.
3. Turmeric (Curcumin) – A natural anti-inflammatory. I love using golden paste (a turmeric blend) in moderation.
4. High-quality protein – Supports healing and reduces systemic stress on the body.

We had a rescue shepherd named Max who was suffering from chronic pain that seemed to spike randomly. Once we cleaned up his kibble (swapped cheap fillers for real meat and fish oils), his behavior and energy shifted. Nutrition won’t solve everything, but it absolutely lays the foundation for healing.

What to Avoid

There are also ingredients that may contribute to inflammation or neurological issues in sensitive dogs:

• Artificial colors and preservatives
• Grains high in gluten – in rare cases, they can irritate the gut-brain axis
• Excess salt or processed treats – especially jerky-style treats from unknown sources

Nutrition is powerful. Combine it with environmental support and vet care, and you’re giving your pup the best shot at a comfy, happy recovery.

When to Worry: Signs It’s More Than Just a Headache

Sometimes, symptoms that look like headaches can actually point to something more serious. I always tell pet parents—trust your gut. You know your dog. If something feels off beyond a “bad day,” don’t hesitate to call your vet.

• Sudden collapse or loss of balance
• Seizures or twitching
• Vomiting paired with confusion or lethargy
• One eye dilated or abnormal eye movements
• Stiff neck or yelping when moving the head

I’ve seen dogs come in for what looked like migraines but turned out to be ear infections, meningitis, or even tick-borne illnesses. A full exam and sometimes even imaging (like X-rays or MRIs) can help your vet rule out more serious causes.

Long-Term Care: Helping Your Dog Thrive Beyond the Headache

When you’ve seen your dog suffer through what seems like a headache or migraine episode, it sticks with you. I’ve been there—watching a sweet pup squinting in the corner, turning down their favorite snacks. Once you’ve ruled out serious medical issues and gotten your vet’s go-ahead, it’s time to shift into long-term care mode. Because trust me, there’s so much you can do at home to make your dog’s world calmer, healthier, and yes—less headache-prone.

Keep a Headache Journal (Yes, Really)

This might sound a little extra, but keeping a simple log of your dog’s symptoms can reveal surprising patterns. Back when I was helping care for a reactive Border Collie named Finn, we started jotting down everything—weather changes, diet tweaks, stressors like grooming days. Turns out, barometric pressure drops were a major trigger. Who knew?

• Note the date and time of unusual behavior
• Include environmental changes (new sounds, guests, weather)
• Track diet changes or missed meals
• Record any meds or supplements given

Over time, patterns emerge. And you’ll be better prepared to adjust routines and talk to your vet with actual data in hand.

Supplements That May Support Headache-Prone Dogs

Supplements aren’t a cure, but they can absolutely support a dog’s nervous system, reduce inflammation, and boost recovery. As always, talk to your vet first—especially if your dog’s on other medications. But here are some I’ve personally seen help in clinical settings and with my own foster pups:

1. CBD Oil (Vet-formulated) – Helps with anxiety, pain, and overall calming. Great for noise-sensitive dogs.
2. Omega-3s (from fish oil) – Anti-inflammatory benefits that support joint and brain health.
3. Magnesium Bisglycinate – Supports nerve health and muscle relaxation (ask your vet about dog-safe forms).
4. L-Theanine or calming chews – Naturally ease stress and tension without sedating.

I used to foster a Boxer who’d get super tense after thunderstorms. We started a regimen of CBD, Omega-3s, and calming treats, and within two weeks, the difference was night and day. He was still his goofy self—but way less reactive to environmental stress.

Creating a Headache-Friendly Lifestyle

Dogs are sensitive creatures. They pick up on our energy, our routines, and even our chaos. So making small changes around your home can go a long way. These aren’t just “nice to haves”—they’re part of a holistic support plan.

• Stick to consistent routines – Feeding, walking, bedtime. Dogs thrive on predictability.
• Minimize overstimulation – Avoid loud music, screaming TVs, or chaotic play when your pup is resting.
• Invest in orthopedic or cooling beds – Especially if spinal tension might be a trigger.
• Use calming scents – Lavender or chamomile sprays made for dogs can work wonders.

Little things really do add up. Whether it’s avoiding harsh cleaning products or just adding a chill-out corner with soft lighting, your dog will thank you in tail wags and happy snoozes.

Talking to Your Vet: Advocate Like a Pro

One of the most important things I’ve learned in my years working alongside veterinarians is this: you are your dog’s voice. If you feel like something’s not right—even if it sounds a little “out there”—speak up.

Don’t be afraid to mention headaches or migraines. While they might not be a textbook diagnosis, many vets are seeing more neurological and sensory-related issues in dogs, especially as we learn more about canine cognition and pain perception.

Bring your journal, share video clips if you have them, and don’t settle for “It’s probably nothing” if your gut says otherwise. I’ve seen dogs finally get relief just because a persistent pet parent asked the right questions.

References

• https://www.avma.org
• https://www.gastro.org
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• https://www.akc.org
• https://www.vet.cornell.edu

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. If you suspect your dog may be suffering from headaches, migraines, or any other health concern, always consult with a licensed veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. Do not administer any medications or supplements without proper guidance.