When bored, it often happens that you turn an object over in your hands unknowingly, or tap on a surface for no real reason. This fact could lead us to think that our dogs’ tendency to put pressure on objects with their heads is also a matter of boredom . Unfortunately, we are sorry to inform you that there is no more wrong hypothesis. It is in fact a gesture to which due attention must be paid.
When we don’t see them
Nobody spends 24 hours a day with their pet, which is why the habit of exerting pressure with their head on objects or walls sometimes goes unnoticed. There are, however, a number of other signs that can accompany this phenomenon , which may suggest that your dog behaves this way when you don’t see him. The signs are as follows:
- It turns on itself with compulsive movements . The fact that your dog starts jogging, spinning or making uncoordinated gestures without ever having done them before, could indicate a more serious ailment, which we will discuss later.
- You forget the notions learned. Your dog seems to forget everything he has learned and no longer obeys your orders as he once did.
- Has convulsions. This is a clear sign that your dog is rubbing his head on objects when you don’t see him.
- Show problems with eyesight and slow reflexes . If you notice this type of problem in your pet, it is likely that it will always rub its head against objects.
So you are wondering if your pet pressing its head against objects may indicate a more serious health problem… The answer is yes.
Causes for which they press the head
The fact that an animal exerts pressure on objects with its head may, on the surface, seem like a minor fact, as it is often associated with depression. In reality, it is a phenomenon generally linked to internal damage to the animal, such as a malfunction of the nervous system. This type of disturbance is sometimes the consequence of poisoning; however there are also other causes, more or less serious.
- Hyponatremia
- Brain tumor
- Trauma caused by a strong blow
- Nervous system infection
If you suspect that your dog is pressing his head on objects when you are not seeing him, the safest and safest thing you can do is to go to the vet right away so that he can examine him and make a precise diagnosis.
Analysis and treatment
The main tests your pet will undergo will be as follows:
- Retinal analysis
- High blood pressure tests
- Tomography
- Magnetic resonance
- Urine analysis
- Follow-up tests to detect the presence of lead in the blood
Each examination aims to identify the causes that could have triggered the tendency of the animal to press its head on objects; depending on the results of each, your vet will be able to determine the appropriate treatment.
In severe cases, such as when the animal is diagnosed with a brain tumor, hospitalization and administration of potent medicines will be required. In other situations, a short treatment and some extra attention may be sufficient. Of course, it is strictly forbidden to medicate the dog without the supervision of the veterinarian.
It happens to know people who, having owned animals affected by the same disease, try to recommend a treatment for your dog, perhaps full of good intentions. Well, following their recommendations will not be prudent for him or even less useful. Whenever your pet has a health problem, take him to the vet and follow his instructions only.
As we have seen in this article, our pets’ bizarre behaviors, however insignificant they may seem, can have a huge impact on their health. For this reason it is good to always be on the alert and not ignore even the slightest change in your little friend’s habits. Please act immediately!
