Head Pressing in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Care
Head pressing is a concerning neurological behaviour where a dog compulsively presses its head against walls, corners, floors, or furniture without apparent reason. This behaviour signals underlying illness affecting the brain or the nervous system, requiring immediate attention to safeguard your dog's health.
Understanding Head Pressing: What It Means
When your dog starts persistently pressing its head against objects, it is often a sign of significant neurological distress. Unlike normal behaviours such as bunting—where dogs gently nuzzle or rub their heads to express affection or exploration—head pressing is compulsive and self-injurious. This behaviour is usually linked to damage or disease in areas of the brain like the forebrain or thalamus, or systemic conditions affecting neurological function.
Common Causes of Head Pressing in Dogs
Several health issues can cause head pressing. Knowing these can help you understand why this symptom is serious:
- Neurological Disorders: Brain tumours, inflammatory diseases such as meningitis or encephalitis, strokes, hydrocephalus (accumulation of fluid in the brain), head trauma or infections of the nervous system can lead to abnormal brain activity causing head pressing.
- Liver Disease (Hepatic Encephalopathy): When the liver fails to filter toxins adequately, harmful substances build up and affect brain function, causing neurological symptoms including head pressing, disorientation, drooling, and lethargy.
- Toxic Exposure: Ingestion or exposure to harmful toxins like lead, household chemicals, or mould can inflame the brain or trigger seizures that cause head pressing.
- Metabolic Disorders: Imbalances like hyponatremia or hypernatremia (abnormally low or high sodium levels in blood) may interfere with brain function leading to head pressing.
- Infections: Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections affecting the nervous system can also cause this symptom.
Signs to Watch For Alongside Head Pressing
Dogs exhibiting head pressing often show other neurological signs that should not be ignored:
- Changes in behaviour such as increased aggression, aloofness, or unresponsiveness
- Walking in circles or pacing, indicating disorientation
- Seizures and ataxia (loss of coordination)
- Vision problems or blindness
- Lethargy, drooling, or confusion
- Injuries to the head or face due to repetitive pressing
Diagnosing Head Pressing in Dogs
Your vet will take a detailed history and conduct a thorough examination, including evaluating eye health for signs of neurological damage. Diagnostic tests used may include:
- Blood tests to check metabolic parameters and toxin levels
- Blood pressure measurement
- Urinalysis to identify metabolic or systemic issues
- Advanced imaging such as CT scans or MRI to detect brain abnormalities
Treatment Options and Supportive Care
Treatment depends on the underlying condition causing head pressing. Emergency hospitalisation may be necessary to stabilise your dog while providing intravenous fluids and supportive care. Treatments may include medication, surgery for tumours, or detoxification for poisoning. Following initial treatment, ongoing supportive care and regular veterinary check-ups are vital to monitor recovery and detect potential recurrence early.
Living with a Dog Affected by Head Pressing
Caring for a dog that has experienced head pressing involves patience and close veterinary collaboration. Provide a safe environment to prevent injury from head pressing behaviour, and ensure routine neurological assessments. Early intervention when symptoms reappear can improve your dog's quality of life.
When to Seek Veterinary Help
If you notice your dog pressing its head persistently or showing any neurological symptoms, contact your vet immediately. Head pressing is a veterinary emergency and early diagnosis and intervention can be lifesaving.
Responsible pet ownership includes prompt veterinary care for neurological signs and avoiding exposure to toxins or dangerous substances that can harm your dog.
