A dog that yelps when touched on the side of the face is almost always in pain there. The most common causes are dental problems (such as a tooth root abscess or broken tooth), an ear infection, a wound or abscess, jaw or chewing-muscle problems, and neck pain that hurts when the head is moved. Book a vet visit soon, and go the same day if you see facial swelling, your dog won’t eat, or he seems very painful.
Let’s take a look at a few key points.
- If your dog is yelping when touched on the side of their face, it’s important to take them to the vet to find the cause.
- Possible causes include dental disease, ear problems, injuries, jaw problems, neck pain, and, less often, nerve problems or tumors.
- To treat your dog when they are yelping, take them to the vet for a checkup and follow any recommended treatment plan. Never give human painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which are toxic to dogs.
- You can lower the risk of some causes with regular dental care, routine ear checks, and yearly vet exams.
Possible causes of dog yelping when touched on side of face
One possible cause of your dog yelping, when touched on the side of their face, is that they are experiencing pain. This could be due to
- An injury, such as a bite wound, scratch, or abscess under the skin
- Infection, especially an ear infection; dogs with sore ears often shake their head, scratch at the ear, or have a smelly discharge
- Toothache (if your dog recently had dental work, see what to do when a dog won't drink water after dental surgery). An infected upper tooth root can cause painful swelling below the eye, and broken teeth are very sore
- Jaw or chewing-muscle problems, which can make it painful for your dog to open his mouth, chew, or pick up toys
- Neck pain, for example from a slipped disc; these dogs may yelp when their head is touched or turned, hold their head low, or be reluctant to lower their head to the food bowl
- Something stuck, like a grass seed in the ear or a stick wedged in the mouth
If your dog is in pain, they may also display other symptoms such as whimpering, crying, pawing at the face, drooling, eating on one side or dropping food, and avoidance of being touched. If the yelping started after a grooming appointment, see how to soothe a dog's ears after grooming.
Another possible cause of your dog yelping, when touched on the side of their face, is an underlying health condition.
For example, although less common, a tumor in the mouth, jaw, or nasal area can cause pain when the face is touched. If your dog has a neurological condition affecting the facial nerves, they may also yelp when touched due to the sensitivity of their nerves.
How to treat your dog when yelping
If your dog is yelping when touched on the side of their face, it’s important to take them to the vet for a check-up. This will help to rule out any potential health problems and determine the best course of treatment. Your vet will likely look in the ears and mouth, feel the jaw and neck, and may recommend X-rays or a dental exam under anesthesia.
If your dog is in pain, the vet may prescribe medication to help relieve their symptoms. If an underlying health condition is causing your dog’s pain, the vet will develop a treatment plan to manage the condition. In some cases, dogs may need to undergo surgery to correct the problem.
Regardless of the cause of your dog’s pain, it’s important to provide them with plenty of TLC. Dogs are social creatures, so spending quiet time with them can help them feel better. Avoid touching the sore area until your vet has examined it, though, since even gentle dogs may snap when something hurts.
It’s also important to give them a comfortable place to rest. If chewing seems painful, offering soft or moistened food can help them keep eating. Don’t give any human pain medication, as common painkillers like ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen can be very dangerous for dogs. With patience and love, you can help your furry friend feel better in no time.
Prevention of Dog Yelps When Touched On Side Of Face
There are a few things you can do to prevent your dog from yelping when touched on the side of their face.
First, make sure that your dog keeps up with routine vet check-ups. Your vet can spot dental disease, ear problems, and lumps early, before they become painful.
Second, look after your dog’s teeth and ears at home. Daily tooth brushing and professional dental cleanings when your vet recommends them help prevent painful tooth infections, and checking and cleaning the ears regularly (especially in floppy-eared breeds and dogs that swim) can catch infections early. Avoid letting your dog chew very hard items like antlers, bones, or hooves, which are a common cause of broken teeth.
Third, if your dog has a neurological condition, talk to your vet about how to best manage the condition. This may involve changes to their diet, medication, or exercise routine.
Following these tips will help lower the chances of your dog yelping when touched on the side of their face. However, if your dog does start yelping, it’s important to take them to the vet so that any underlying health problems can be ruled out and treated accordingly.
How do I know if my dog is seriously in pain?
Dogs are good at hiding pain, but there are some tell-tale signs that your pup is hurting. For example, if your dog is typically active but is now reluctant to move, this may be a sign that they’re in pain. If the pain followed an accident, see what to do if you accidentally stepped on your puppy's stomach.
Additionally, if your dog is panting more than usual or having trouble breathing, this could be a sign of serious pain or discomfort. If your dog is vocalizing more than usual, this may also be an indication that they’re in pain. Other signs include hiding, trembling, a hunched posture, loss of appetite, and growling or snapping when touched. Facial swelling, refusing food, a head tilt, or loss of balance warrant a same-day vet visit.
To be sure, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian if you think your dog may be in pain. They can give you professional guidance on how to best care for your furry friend.
Final word
If your dog is yelping when touched on the side of their face, it’s important to take them to the vet for a check-up. This will help to rule out any potential health problems and determine the best course of treatment. If your dog is in pain, the vet may prescribe medication to help relieve their symptoms. With patience and love, you can help your furry friend feel better in no time.
