Like humans, dogs can experience migraines or tension-type headaches from time to time. Over-the-counter pain medication will help with the pain, but sometimes it can be hard to tell if your dog is experiencing a headache at all. Dogs might show some signs that they’re experiencing headaches and not just regular discomfort, such as scratching, licking their face, and rubbing their head against furniture or walls. There are some simple steps you can take to prevent your dog from getting headaches in the first place. Here are 5 tips to keep your dog headache-free.
1) Feed a high-quality diet
It is crucial that you feed your dog a high-quality diet. It provides them with the nutrients and the ingredients that are best for their body. The food should be wholesome, made from fresh ingredients, and have no additives or preservatives. This will not only help keep your dog healthy but it can also help prevent problems like headaches. Make sure to speak with a veterinarian about what would be the best type of food for your pup! Give your pup plenty of exercises: When we talk about exercising, this means things like walking on a leash (or off-leash if you’re lucky), fetching games, agility courses, and swimming.
2) Add nutritional supplements
An easy way to help your dog have a headache-free life is by giving them the right nutrients. Here are a few supplements that can help:
B Vitamins – Low levels of vitamins B6, B12, and folate can lead to headaches in dogs. Give your dog half of a 250 milligrams tablet two times per day. For example, if you get 100 mg tablets, give each dose 50 mg. Omega 3 Fatty Acids – Dogs that suffer from recurrent headaches may need Omega 3 fatty acids. These acids can be found in salmon oil, which you should mix with some of your dog’s food or add to their water bowl.
3) Add Omega 3 oils
Omega 3 oils are found in a variety of sources like salmon, tuna, and sardines. However, there are also plant sources of Omega 3 oils that you can get from flax seed oil or walnuts. These plant sources will not provide as many benefits as animal sources but they will still help your dog out in the long run. It is important to talk with your veterinarian about what is best for your pup. They will know if they need to take supplements or if it is possible to include more fish in their diet. When picking an Omega 3 supplement make sure it is safe for pets and has been tested by the FDA. If you’re unsure then check with your vet before going any further. Once again, when talking to your vet make sure they know exactly how much your pet weighs so that they can determine how much of each pill needs to be taken per day.
4) Exercise as much as possible
Exercising can be an effective way to keep your dog healthy and happy. Regular exercise is important for both physical and mental health. Exercising has benefits such as improved cardiovascular health, better sleep habits, increased energy levels, and relief from stress. Exercise can also help your dog learn new skills or overcome behavioral problems. It is important for you to set aside time in your day for exercising with your dog. If you do not have the time during the day, it is recommended that you take a 30-minute walk with your pup after work or at night before bedtime.
5) Massage your dog
Massaging your dog is a great way to help them release toxins and tension in its body. It also helps with blood circulation and pain relief. You can do this by rubbing your hands together, then putting them on the dog’s skin in a circular motion. This will help increase the production of natural chemicals like serotonin, which is known for its calming effects. Make sure to give your pup a belly rub as well – they love it! Additionally, you could try giving your dog some yummy treats that have a lot of antioxidants or other nutrients that are beneficial for relieving headaches. Be careful not to overdo it though – too many treats can lead to obesity.