Vizsla is a Hungarian hunting dog that originated in the mid-1800s. It was an all-purpose gun dog, and today, they are still popular with hunters and families who enjoy their company. However, if you own a Vizsla, you might have noticed that sometimes your pet’s head will shake involuntarily. So Why is your Vizsla Dogs’ head shaking?
An ear infection, injury to the head, or some neurological problems such as epilepsy or encephalitis might be the reasons behind Vizsla head shaking. Many people notice that their dog has a head tremor now and then. Still, since these tremors can be related to several health issues, you must determine the underlying cause of what’s causing your Vizsla dog’s head tremor.
If it is an ear problem, your dog will have discomfort in his ears and might even be sensitive to loud noises. If there is a neurological issue, he could also exhibit other symptoms such as loss of balance or lack of coordination.
It should not hurt your pet if they are shaking their heads now and then, but when this behavior becomes more frequent, you should consider taking your dog to the vet for an examination.
This blog post will discuss what causes this shaking and help reduce it or even get rid of it completely!
Vizsla Head-Shaking
Dogs who are suffering from head tremors will have a nervous shake to their head. The shakes can come at any time and be either voluntary or involuntary. They might also occur in response to something. It is not necessarily indicative of something serious, but it could be the symptom of a neurological disorder.
Head tremors can be caused by things like dehydration, low blood sugar, Cushing’s disease or a brain tumor. Head tremors might also be an indicator of something else like epilepsy or a stroke.
The shakes are challenging to control and usually do not pose any danger to the dog or his surroundings, but they can seem scary for the owner leading them to go undiagnosed for quite some time.
Why Is My Vizsla Dogs’ Head Trembling?
Vizslas are among the most popular breeds in the U.S. First, they were dogs for bird hunting, but today they are known to be excellent family pets and companions! However, one common complaint about this breed is that their heads shake non-stop. This can be alarming and confusing – why are Vizsla dogs shaking their heads?
What Causes The Head Tremors In Vizsla?
Some causes of common head tremors include:
Dehydration Or Low Blood Sugar
Dehydration or low blood sugar can cause tremors. Dogs will shake their heads to encourage water consumption and speed up the metabolism to regulate sugar levels. So if your Vizsla is shaking his head and drinking more than usual, then it might just be an indication of this and not anything serious like a brain tumor.
Cushing’s disease (a common hormone disorder)
Cushing’s disease can cause a dog to shake its head. This is because the hormone cortisol, which Cushing causes, affects pressure in the brain and spinal cord.
Brain Tumors (rare, but possible)
Brain tumors can be caused by cancer of any type or due to an accidental injury like bumping into something or being hit by a car.
Epilepsy or Stroke
Epilepsy or stroke can cause a dog to shake its head. Sudden, uncontrolled electrical discharges cause epileptic seizures to get in the brain. They can also lead to shaking of the body and loss of consciousness for periods at a time. Strokes happen when blood flow is blocked from reaching certain parts of the brain due to a blockage or tear.
Head Injury
Head injuries can cause head tremors. This could be from bumping into something, being hit by a car or falling down stairs, for example.
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is a condition in which too much cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulates inside the skull. It can increase pressure and cause shaking of the head or body and other symptoms like vomiting, seizures, difficulty swallowing water or food, lethargy, sleepiness, lack of coordination, and sometimes excess thirst.
Aseptic Meningitis
Aseptic meningitis is the inflammation of membranes that line and protect the brain and spinal cord. It can lead to symptoms like fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and confusion or sleepiness. Head tremors are a possible symptom, too – it begins with sudden involuntary shaking of the head and neck, which then gradually spreads into other parts
Do Head Tremors Hurt Vizsla Dogs?
Vizslas often shake their heads because they are overheated, but some head tremors happen for other reasons as well! For example, if the dog is experiencing pain from a head tremor, it will shake its head less, and the shaking motion might be quicker. If the Vizsla is in much pain, they may also have neurological symptoms like drooling or walking on their toes.
What Can I Do For My Vizsla Dogs’ Head Tremors?
If your dog is shaking his head because he’s overheated, you can help him cool off by giving the dog a bath in cold water and turning up the air conditioning if possible.
-You should also remove any items that may be causing your dog to overheat.
-If the head tremors are due to a symptom like dehydration or low blood sugar, you should give him some water and feed him something sugary (a cookie is OK).
-In case of any other medical condition, you’ll want to take your Vizsla to the vet.
How Long Do Head Tremors Last In Vizsla?
Head tremors can happen for a time, but they usually last less than 24 hours in some sources. After that, they might start to get better on their own, or your vet may be able to give you medication that will help.
Can Head Tremors In Vizsla Go Away?
Head tremors might go away on their own, but they could also be a sign of something more severe and require veterinary attention. They can come back again, too, if you have not treated their underlying medical condition.
If your dog has been diagnosed with a neurological disorder, then the prognosis for recovery is likely not good and it’s unlikely that head tremors will go away. However, if they are just dehydrated or low on blood sugar, then these can be treated with food or fluids, and your dog’s head tremors will probably go away.
Do Vizslas Grow Out Of Head Tremors?
Some medical conditions that cause shaking can’t be fixed, but many of them can! If you take care of the initial condition (like dehydration), then the head tremor should stop in most cases.
How To Prevent Head Tremors In Vizsla?
Heat can cause a Vizsla’s head to tremble. One of the best ways to prevent heat-related head tremors is to ensure your pup is drinking enough water, groomed, and has access to potty breaks before they get overheated. If the head tremor is due to other conditions, you should consult with your vet about what measures should be taken.
Never Leave Vizsla In The Hot Car
You should never leave your dog in a hot car, especially when the outside temperature is high and even more so if there’s no breeze or air conditioning on. When you get home from an outing with them, be sure to bring them inside where it’ll be cooler.
Make Them Drink More Water
If your Vizsla spends a lot of time in the sun, you should make sure they have enough shade and water to drink.
Groom Them
In hot weather, it’s important to groom your dog regularly so that there are no mats or tangles on their b, increasing as heat buildup. You can also use conditioners for dogs to keep their fur soft, which will also help them cool off.
Always Have A Backup Plan For Potty Breaks
If you’re out and about with your Vizsla on a hot day, be sure that there are places they can go potty before the heat becomes too much for them. Bring water and some treats so you can reward them for going to the bathroom outside.
How To Stop The Vizsla Head-Shaking?
If your dog’s shaking their head because they’re hot, you can help him cool off by giving him a bath in cold water and turning up the air conditioning if possible. And, if it’s due to another condition like dehydration or low blood sugar, you should give him some water and feed them something sugary (a cookie is fine). If the head tremor is due to a neurological disorder, then the prognosis for recovery isn’t good.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vizsla head-shaking is more common than you might think. Head tremors are usually harmless but can be a sign of other conditions that need to be dealt with by your vet. To prevent heat-related head shaking in Vizslas, make sure they drink plenty of water and have access to shade outdoors on hot days.
