Head Pressing in Dogs: Should You Be Concerned?

by Kate Barrington

Published: March 16th, 2019

head pressing in dogs should you be concerned

It sounds like a harmless behavior, but head pressing in dogs can point to something more serious. Here’s what to watch out for and how to treat it.

Dogs are known for doing some pretty strange things and, for the most part, their odd behaviors are harmless. As a dog owner, however, it is your job to know when a change in behavior is nothing to worry about and when it could be an indication that something is wrong. Head pressing is one of those behaviors that should not be ignored because it could be a sign of something serious. Keep reading to learn more about head pressing in dogs and what it means.

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What is Head Pressing in Dogs?

A change in behavior is often the first indication of illness in dogs, though the behavior itself may not always make it obvious what the underlying problem is. Signs of weakness, low energy, or loss of appetite are common symptoms but one that is less common but still serious is head pressing. Head pressing is when your dog stands near a wall or in a corner, hanging his head low and not moving. He doesn’t actually have to press his head against the wall for it to count as head pressing.

Head pressing is typically a sign that something isn’t right with your dog’s nervous system. It could be an indication that a previously existing condition has progressed to include neurological involvement, or it could be a sign of a nervous system-specific ailment. Head pressing behavior won’t go away on its own and it is usually an indication that something is wrong which requires treatment. Contact your veterinarian right away to determine the cause of the problem and the solution.

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What Are the Causes of Head Pressing?

In addition to pressing his head against the wall, related symptoms may include reduced reflexes, compulsive pacing, seizures, visual problems, and other changes in behavior. Here are some of the potential causes for head pressing in dogs:

Neurological disorder
Canine distemper virus
Metabolic disorders
Brain tumor
Cancer of the nervous system
Infections of the nervous system
Myelitis or meningitis
Poisoning or toxicity
Trauma
Degenerative disease

To diagnose your dog’s problem, your vet will need a detailed history of his symptoms including any other changes in behavior. Be sure to tell your vet about any recent changes in medication, injuries, or visits to a kennel. You should also let your vet know if you suspect that your dog has ingested something which could be causing the problem.

How Should You Handle It?

The only treatment for head pressing is to resolve the underlying cause of the behavior. If poisoning is the cause, your vet will try to identify the offending toxin and offer a treatment to counter it. Neurological causes for head pressing may require additional testing to identify the specific disease, after which your vet can recommend a treatment. Your dog’s prognosis and recovery will depend on the underlying cause for his head pressing as well as the treatment.

If you notice head pressing behavior in your dog, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian. This seemingly simple behavior is often a sign of a serious problem, so don’t ignore it!

Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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Missing any cash? An owner from Swindon in the UK did and was shocked when he discovered how his money went missing. The vets were equally shocked because they discovered that Charlie, the little  Bichon Frise, had eaten 133 coins, equalling more than £18!The mischievous little Bichon was taken to Thameswood Vets in Swindon, after the owners became concerned for his health, thinking he was ill. Their doubts proved true. A quick ultrasound revealed an obvious obstruction in the pet’s tummy. At first, the vet thought it was a piece of plastic, and scheduled an operation to remove the obstruction. But the surgery left him shocked. "It was a surprise for everybody,"  said vet Matheus Nerone, who carried out the surgery. Because once the stomach was opened, a “hoard” of 133 coins was discovered, adding up to £18 and 20 pence. "We opened his stomach and found 133 coins inside him," Dr. Nerone explained. "We did find some pieces of plastic there as well - but the owners had no idea that he had eaten the coins."Everyone was left scratching their head, wondering how on earth did Charlie ingest so many coins. "I don't think they had been there that long - maybe the night or two nights before he came in - because of the size of the obstruction there.” the Dr. said. "He felt sick so if he had eaten those coins a few days ago, he would have been sick before then."Of course, the doctor revealed that it is not uncommon for dogs to  ingest all sorts of things, especially loose change. "It does happen but usually they stop after having a couple of them [coins] - but 133 coins is an impressive amount!"Luckily, the surgery went well, and mischievous little Charlie is now making a good recovery. Thanks to the owner’s keen eye, a real tragedy was prevented, as Charlie could have been in big trouble without quick attention. "Many coins contain zinc which can be poisonous and lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and a lack of appetite," Dr. Nerone clarified. "We are monitoring his blood, but we are hopeful that everything's going to be fine."So next time you’re missing some change, consider all the possibilities!

What Are the Benefits of Dog Massage?

Everyone likes a nice, relaxing massage – no doubt about it. It helps us unwind, soothes sore muscles, and can promote the release of “happy hormones” such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. So why shouldn’t our four-legged friends enjoy the same perks as we do? That’s right, dogs can enjoy getting a massage as well, and can also provide a range of benefits for our four-legged besties, the same as it does for us.What Are the Benefits of Dog Massage?Canine massage can offer several benefits to dogs, both physically and emotionally. Just like us, our dogs can be tired, sore, grumpy, or sad. And a good massage can really help them shake it off and feel more at ease and relaxed. But people often wonder if there are any additional benefits for dogs who enjoy a massage – apart from it feeling nice, that is. And the answer is yes! Here are just some of the advantages they get from a massage:Stress and Tension Relief:A nice soothing massage can help relax tense muscles and reduce stress in dogs. This is especially beneficial for dogs that may be anxious or nervous.Better Circulation:Massage can enhance blood circulation, promoting better oxygen and nutrient delivery to cells and tissues. Improved circulation can aid in the healing process and contribute to overall well-being.Pain Relief:Massaging sore or tight muscles can help alleviate pain and discomfort. This is particularly relevant for dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other musculoskeletal issues.Better Flexibility and Range of Motion:Regular massage may enhance a dog's flexibility and improve their range of motion. If you have a senior dog or a dog recovering from injuries, a massage can be of great help with improving their overall mobility.Better Joint Health:Massage can contribute to the health of joints by promoting synovial fluid production, which lubricates and nourishes the joints. Senior dogs can benefit from regular massages either to treat existing joint issues or to prevent them in the first place.  Pet-Owner Bonding:Massage provides an opportunity for bonding between the dog and their owner and can improve and strengthen your relationship. It can also help with socialization, especially for dogs that may be timid or have trust issues as it will help them relax when petted.A Stronger Immune System:Some experts suggest that massage may stimulate the lymphatic system, potentially boosting the immune system's function in dogs. While there aren’t any extensive studies done that could confirm this, it would be great if a “side effect” of canine massage is better overall health!Spotting Health Issues:Through massage, you may identify lumps, bumps, or other abnormalities that may require veterinary attention. Regular massage can help in the early detection of potential health issues on time to provide the right treatment.Postoperative Recovery:Dogs recovering from surgery may benefit from gentle massage to reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and aid in the healing process. Just don’t apply too much pressure or any pressure on the incision site – and be sure to get your vet’s approval (and possible instructions) before doing anything on your own,It's important to note that while a dog massage can be beneficial, it should not be used as a substitute for veterinary care or, in some cases, without the go-ahead from your pet’s vet. Before starting any massage regimen, it's advisable to consult with a veterinarian or a professional canine massage therapist, especially if your dog has pre-existing health conditions. Additionally, learning proper massage techniques is crucial to ensure that you are providing a safe and effective experience for your dog.

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