If your dog is facing a wall and pressing its head on it, you need to call a vet and tell them what your dog is doing. It would be best to have Bimbi examined by his Veterinarian for a neurological examination and possibly some blood tests. One primary diagnostic procedure in cases of head pressing includes a fundic examination of the retina and other structures in the back of the eye, which may indicate infectious or inflammatory diseases, as well as irregularities in the brain. Head pressing in dogs doesn’t need to literally mean a “dog head against wall.” The dog may head press into any solid object. Sometimes, not often, a cat or dog starts pressing its head against the wall or another object. This generally indicates damage to the nervous system, which may result from a number of causes, including prosencephalon disease (in which the forebrain and thalamus parts of the brain are damaged), and some types of toxic poisoning. Here are a few of the common illnesses that can cause dogs to head press: Brain tumors. Love Me Some dogs are just snuggle-craving babies, and aren't suffering from any anxiety or feeling that they need to dominate you when they lean against you. Causes. If your dog walked over to a wall, pressed his head up against it and just stood there without moving, you might pass it off as a random oddity or your dog just being silly. The cause of head pressing in dogs can vary. Remember that the tell-tale sign of a health problem is abnormal behavior. Dogs who are head pressing against a wall or other hard surface may also have a neck injury, disk herniation or brain tumor. According to Pet MD, head pressing is "a condition characterized by the compulsive act of pressing the head against a wall or other object for no apparent reason." Head pressing could be a sign of brain diseases, toxic poisoning, tumors, or strokes, according to Dog Heirs. Specific diseases require various methods of follow up care; however repeat neurological examinations to monitor progress are generally the main requirement. This condition is seen in dogs, cats, cows, horses, and goats. When he has a "spell" he walks in circles, presses his head into the corner, and can't get comfortable. Some of these symptoms may lead to lesions, for example, sores on the feet as a result of compulsive pacing, or injuries to the face and head as a result of pressing the head against a surface for long periods of time. Head pressing is exactly what it sounds like: when a dog repeatedly presses its head against a wall or another object for no reason. A dog that falls asleep leaning their head against the wall is once more not a symptom of head pressing, and the head pressing tends to be repeated, prolonged, and a very active activity on the part of the dog, performed when they are awake and so, deliberately working their muscles to do it. Some will move along the length of a wall or piece of furniture until they reach a corner and become “stuck” with their head pressed against it. Our Black and Tan Coonhound has a liver shunt. It’s called “head pressing” and could indicate a dangerous neurological condition in your dog or cat. You should seek medical care for your pet right away to determine the cause of the head-pressing behavior. You will need to give a thorough history of your dog's health, the onset of symptoms, and possible incidents that might have preceded this condition. Pet owners who notice this behavior should immediately schedule a visit with a local veterinarian. The act of head pressing is just one sign of prosencephalon disease, in which the forebrain and thalamus parts of the brain are affected. If you notice your dog pressing its head against walls, pacing or standing facing a corner for extended periods of time, contact the veterinarian immediately. Pressing the Head Against Objects in Dogs. Is It Better Than Dehydrated Dog Food. Be prepared to give a detailed medical history of your pet, including any medications, surgical procedures, or recent visits at a kennel or pet hotel. Read more for diagnosis and causes . The act of head pressing is just one sign of prosencephalon disease, in which the forebrain and thalamus parts of the brain are affected. The dog may become very inactive and refuse to participate in favorite activities. The behavior is common in dogs and cats, but can also happen to cows, horses, and goats, among others. Head pressing is one of the biggest red flags that something is wrong. Head pressing is usually a sign of a neurological disorder, especially of the forebrain, or of toxicity due to liver damage, such as portosystemic shunt and hepatic encephalopathy. Gentle head butts are not the same, however. Other causes can include head trauma, such as from a car accident, or from exposure to toxins, such as lead. “Head pressing is a condition characterized by the compulsive act of pressing the head against a wall or other object for no apparent reason“ – petMD There are many conditions that can cause this to happen but the most widely recognized is hepatic encephalopathy. The dog will push his or her head against an object for an extended period of time, or over and over again. It almost always signifies significant illness. This is called “head pressing” and could be a big indicator of a serious underlying medical issue. It kind of looks adorable, but it isn’t something that should be taken lightly. If your dog is staring at the wall there are a number of possible reasons why, ranging from dog dementia to dog depression. Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam and lab work. Our Black and Tan Coonhound has a liver shunt. Have you ever seen a dog or cat press their head against the wall? The behavior is common in dogs and cats, but can also happen to cows, horses, and goats, among others. The same holds true for a dog staring at a wall – it could involve a dog staring at nothing. | iHeartRadio The conditions specifically cause continuous periods of head pressing. The term “head pressing” is actually pretty descriptive—the affected pet stands close to a wall or other hard surface (furniture, the corner, etc) and literally presses the top of her head against it. There are a number of reasons for why a dog might feel a compulsion to press its head against objects, depending on the primary cause that is leading to this symptom. However, head pressing in dogs is an unusual compulsive behavior that signals that something is physically wrong with your pup. 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