The owners of playful and sometimes hyperactive canines often get bumped by their pets during playtime. Most of the time, such collisions don’t result in permanent damage. But they can be super painful. This leaves many wondering, how tough are dogs’ heads?
Dog heads are tougher than a human. Because a dog’s skull is thicker than a human and has more muscle mass, they are less likely to experience trauma from collisions. Medium and large-sized dogs have tougher heads than miniature ones.
Rest assured your pet’s skull isn’t made of steel. Instead, dog heads are strong because of a few physiological differences. If you’re on the internet today trying to learn more about why canine heads feel so much harder than ours – you’re in the right place. Stick with us as we break down all there is to canine cranium science and other related info.
Are Dog Heads Strong
The truth is there’s no device to gauge exactly how strong your furbaby’s head is. Plus, it doesn’t help that there aren’t many scientists trying to calculate the strength of a canine’s cranium.
Nonetheless, experts state that dogs are less susceptible to certain types of head injuries. That means your furball’s head may be tougher than yours in certain aspects. But, this too comes with a caveat.
Not all dogs are created equal. It is likelier that medium to large-sized dogs with thicker bones are the ones with what we’d call ‘strong heads.’ This includes breeds like Border Collies, Vizslas, Dobermans, Akitas, and Bullmastiffs, among others.
Accordingly, toy dog breeds with smaller heads or canines with moleras (like Chihuahuas) are more prone to developing concussions.
Is A Dog’s Head Harder Than A Human’s
It would help if you kept in mind a couple of things when trying to learn whether a dog’s head is stronger than a human’s.
The first factor to keep in mind is the size of the canine. Smaller dogs with skulls proportionate to their bodies aren’t strong candidates for tougher heads. Their bones are smaller, and you can hurt them quite easily. For instance, Pomeranians need to be protected from bone fractures and breaks.
Another factor to consider is doggy brain size. Canines have smaller brains than human beings, so the shape of their skull is more compact. That’s one detail that adds to the strength of a canine’s head.
Finally, the last factor to consider is evolution. Dogs are descended from wolves. Their heads, necks, and jaws contain more muscles and tendons to give their teeth adequate bite power for protection. That’s why their heads need to be strong enough to accommodate all that extra baggage.
Humans, on the other hand, have skulls with a lot of space to accommodate our brains. That’s because, unlike canines, we don’t rely on bite power or muscles to survive. We think our way out of problems. And, even though human skulls aren’t precisely delicate – they’re not quite as strong as a canine’s – because we need our brains more than anything else.
What Dog Has The Thickest Skull
There are quite a few dogs that can boast of having thick skulls (no pun intended).
But, the dog with the thickest skull in the world is likely the Dogue de Bordeaux. The mastiff-like canine can grow up to 27 inches in height and 140 pounds in weight.
Suffice it to say, the Dogue de Bordeaux has a powerful build with an equally robust head. It also has sturdy musculature – which adds to its overall strength.
Another close second to the Dogue de Bordeaux is the American Staffordshire Terrier in terms of skull strength. Loving called, Amstaffs, these canines have broad heads and pronounced cheekbones. They also have massive necks and can weigh up to 70 pounds in weight.
What Type Of Skull Do Dogs Have
Dog heads are classified according to the cranial index, which notes the ratio of a dog’s head multiplied by its width.
Accordingly, canine heads fall into one of three categories:
1. Dolichocephalic: Canines with elongated skulls and long noses fall into this category, like Salukis and Borzois.
2. Mesaticephalic: Medium-nosed canines like Beagles and Border Collies fall into this category.
3. Brachycephalic: Canines with compressed skulls and flat noses are described as brachycephalic. This category includes breeds like French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus.
What Happens If A Dog Hits Their Head
Despite some dogs having thicker skulls and more muscle mass on their heads – they can still suffer from head trauma if they hit their heads hard enough.
Head injuries will typically develop due to a blow to the head and can result in swelling in the brain. That is why, if you suspect your canine has hurt its head, you shouldn’t take it lightly.
Watch out for signs, such as bleeding from the nose or ears, facial muscle weakness, lethargy, disorientation, stumbling, etc. If your pet displays one or more of these signs, take it to the vet asap for diagnosis and treatment.
What Should I Do If My Dog Bumps His Head
If you think your dog has bumped its head or has sustained visible injuries – the first step is to remain calm. Dogs can pick up human anxiety, and this can make your pet feel more uneasy.
Next, call your veterinarian’s office and explain the situation. If your pet is bleeding profusely, get help from your friend or family member to apply pressure on the injury with a clean cloth.
Once the vet’s office is expecting you, transfer your canine to your car with care. It’s best to have someone seated with them on the backseat to keep your pet from moving around too much.
Always have your dog checked over by the vet following a head injury – even if there are no visible cuts or bruises. Head trauma can cause internal injuries and need to be checked out by a veterinarian to ensure there is no cause for worry.
How Do You Know If Your Dog Has A Concussion
Identifying whether your dog has a concussion isn’t always easy since your pet can’t communicate its pain. However, you can tell whether or not there’s a cause for concern by looking out for symptoms.
Canine symptoms of concussion aren’t too different from the human ones and include:
● Lethargy or weakness
● Dull responses
● Vomiting after injury
● Different sized pupils
● Paralysis
● Rapid eye movement (side to side)
● Seizures
● Trouble standing or walking
Things To Consider
Dogs are self-sufficient and will generally keep their pain to themselves until it’s beyond bearing. For this reason, it’s not always easy for dog owners to be aware of head injuries straightaway.
However, there are certain factors you should keep in mind to ensure your pet’s well-being.
Take Extra Care of Toy Or Small-Sized Dogs
Toy and small-dog breeds have delicate bone structures that are more susceptible to breaks and fractures. Even simple actions like jumping can cause severe injuries in small canines and lead to severe consequences.
To avoid any such outcomes, make sure you’ve done all you can to keep your furbaby safe. That includes covering sharp corners at head-level with your pet, blocking off access to balconies, etc. Also, always use a harness when you go out walking with your dog to avoid any chances of your pet running off.
Don’t Leave Your Dog Unsupervised For Long
Canines love exploring the outdoors. Unfortunately, that’s also where they get into the most trouble. Be it fighting with other neighborhood dogs, jumping over fences, and running out to the main road – never trust your dog to look after its well-being.
Don’t leave your pet out unsupervised, even in the backyard – for long periods. It’s always best to have your dog watched over by a family member to ensure it doesn’t do anything to hurt itself.
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