9 Serious Reasons for Head Pressing in Dogs

Head pressing in dogs is a serious symptom that always requires investigation. This is where a dog persistently presses its head against a wall or other hard surfaces, often signaling a serious underlying cause. It’s important to understand that head pressing isn’t normal behavior and requires immediate veterinary attention. Various causes, such as brain tumors, nervous system infections, and metabolic disorders, can lead to this symptom. If you observe head pressing in your dog, you should see your veterinarian as soon as possible. In this article, we’ll explore 9 serious reasons behind head pressing in dogs.

What exactly is head pressing in dogs?

It's a behavior where a dog compulsively presses their head against a solid object, such as a wall, floor, furniture, or even a person's leg, for no apparent reason and often for extended periods. This is different from normal nuzzling or rubbing. The pressing is persistent and often forceful.

1. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE)

Hepatic encephalopathy, often called HE, is a serious condition that occurs when your dog’s liver isn’t functioning properly. The liver is responsible for filtering toxins from the bloodstream.

When there’s liver disease or dysfunction, or if an abnormal blood vessel bypasses the liver (a portosystemic shunt), toxins like ammonia build up in the bloodstream.

These toxins reach the brain and interfere with its normal function, affecting the central nervous system and causing neurological signs like head pressing. Essentially, the dog’s brain is being affected by unfiltered blood.

Other potential signs:

• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Increased thirst and urination (“PU-PD”)
• Jaundice (yellowing of the gums, eyes, or skin)
• Lethargy and weakness
• Behavioral changes (confusion, disorientation)
• Seizures (in severe cases)
• Drooling

2. Encephalitis and meningitis (nervous system infections)

Conditions that cause brain inflammation, such as inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), can lead to head pressing.

Potential causes of encephalitis or meningitis in dogs are usually either infectious causes (viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic) or idiopathic (meaning a condition or disease that arises spontaneously or for which the cause is unknown).

The brain inflammation increases pressure within the skull and disrupts normal brain function. These are serious, often life-threatening conditions.

Other potential signs:

• Fever
• Stiff neck or back pain
• Lethargy and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Changes in behavior or mental state

3. Toxicities

Certain toxins, if ingested by your dog, can directly affect the nervous system and lead to neurological signs like head pressing.

The severity and specific symptoms will depend on the toxin and the amount ingested. Some particularly dangerous toxins include:

• Sago palm: All parts of this plant are highly toxic to dogs, especially the seeds. It causes liver failure, which can lead to hepatic encephalopathy and subsequent head pressing.
• Bromethalin: This is a common ingredient in rodenticides (rat poison). It causes brain swelling, leading to increased pressure and neurological signs.
• Lead: Found in old paint, some plumbing materials, and contaminated soil, lead can cause damage to various organs, including the nervous system.

Other potential signs (Vary Depending on the Toxin):

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea (may be bloody with Sago Palm)
• Tremors or muscle twitching
• Seizures
• Weakness or paralysis
• Lethargy or depression
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Ataxia (uncoordinated movements)

4. Hydrocephalus ("water on the brain")

Hydrocephalus in dogs is a condition where there's an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles (open spaces) of the brain. This excess fluid puts pressure on the brain tissue, leading to neurological signs like head pressing.

While more common in young puppies, especially certain breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers, it can sometimes occur in older dogs due to other underlying issues, such as a brain tumor or inflammation.

Other potential signs:

• Enlarged head (especially noticeable in puppies)
• "Setting sun" sign (eyes appear to be looking downwards)
• Seizures
• Behavioral changes (irritability, dullness)
• Difficulty learning or training
• Uncoordinated movements or ataxia
• Lethargy

5. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Severely low blood sugar, known as hypoglycemia, can directly impact brain function and lead to neurological signs, including head pressing. The brain relies on glucose (sugar) as its primary energy source.

When glucose levels drop too low, brain cells don't receive enough fuel to function properly. This can occur in young puppies, dogs with insulin-producing tumors, or dogs receiving too much insulin (in the case of diabetic dogs).

Other potential signs:

• Weakness and lethargy
• Tremors or shaking
• Seizures
• Disorientation and confusion
• Ataxia (uncoordinated movements)
• Collapse
• Coma (in severe cases)

6. Head trauma

Head trauma, even if it seems minor, can cause swelling or bleeding inside the skull. This leads to increased pressure on the brain, which can manifest as head pressing.

It's important to remember that the effects of a head injury might not be immediately obvious. Your dog might seem fine initially, but develop neurological signs like head pressing hours or even days later.

Any suspected head injury should be evaluated by your veterinarian.

Other potential signs:

• Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
• Disorientation or confusion
• Unequal pupil size (one pupil larger than the other)
• Bleeding from the nose or ears
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Difficulty walking or standing
• Lethargy or unresponsiveness

7. Brain tumors

A brain tumor, whether benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), can cause head pressing by increasing pressure within the skull. The development of brain tumors can be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, making it complex to identify a singular cause.

As the tumor grows, it takes up space and compresses the surrounding brain tissue. This pressure disrupts normal brain function and can lead to a variety of neurological signs, including head pressing, as the dog may be trying to alleviate the discomfort.

The specific signs will depend on the tumor’s location and size. Head pressing that occurs in senior dogs makes the possibility of a brain tumor more likely, unfortunately.

Other potential signs:

• Seizures
• Behavioral changes (aggression, depression, anxiety)
• Circling or stumbling
• Weakness or paralysis in one or more limbs
• Vision problems or blindness
• Changes in appetite or thirst
• Loss of balance and coordination
• Head tilt

8. Stroke (cerebrovascular accident)

A stroke, medically termed a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), happens when there is an interruption in the blood supply to a specific region of the brain. This can occur when a blood clot obstructs an artery (ischemic stroke) or when a blood vessel bursts (hemorrhagic stroke).

The lack of blood flow deprives brain cells of oxygen and nutrients, leading to damage and neurological signs, which may include head pressing.

Other potential signs:

• Sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
• Head tilt
• Circling or stumbling
• Loss of balance and coordination
• Vision problems or blindness
• Changes in consciousness (lethargy, stupor, coma)
• Facial drooping
• Seizures

9. Thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency

Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is needed for proper nerve function. A deficiency in thiamine can lead to neurological symptoms, including head pressing.

This deficiency is most often seen in dogs fed inappropriate diets, such as exclusively raw fish diets (some fish contain thiaminase, an enzyme that destroys thiamine) or homemade diets that are not properly balanced.

Other potential signs:

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Weakness, especially in the hind legs
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Dilated pupils
• Head tilt
• Ataxia (uncoordinated movements)
• Heart problems

What to do if your dog is head pressing

If you notice your dog pressing its head against objects such as the wall or furniture, I recommend seeing your regular veterinarian or emergency vet as soon as you can.

Do not give your dog medications, food, or water without consulting your veterinarian first. Doing so could inadvertently worsen the situation.

Head pressing is not normal behavior and is a strong indicator of a potentially serious underlying problem, often affecting the brain. It is often accompanied by other signs such as seizures and behavioral changes.

Please be careful as because brain function is compromised, your dog’s behavior may be unpredictable and they may respond differently than you would normally expect.

Head pressing in dogs is a serious symptom that should never be ignored as it often suggests a neurological issue. In this article, we outlined 9 possible causes, ranging from liver disease to brain tumors, but this is not an exhaustive list. Your veterinarian will work towards determining the cause and provide you with treatment options. Remember to observe your dog carefully, document any other symptoms, and contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately.