One of the most loved doggy expressions is the endearing “head tilt”. It’s that attentive look with straight ears and, of course, the tilted head. Ask any generation of puppy parents and they will tell you how delightful the sight can be. Dog owners have often encouraged their furry little ones to tilt their fuzzy heads by showering them with treats and praises.
However, the question remains as to why puppies tilt their heads. We do agree it looks cute but is there any deep reason for this behavior? Probably! Perhaps your fur companion has a hearing issue, is suffering from an ear infection or is just dealing with a behavioral problem. In times of doubt contact your vet for medical assistance. Dog insurance NZ covers a canine’s healthcare during accidents, injuries, and other non-routine vet visits.
Also, it’s worth noting that even cheap pup insurance policies don’t cover behavioral issues unless they are the outcome of some underlying health condition that can be treated and is covered under the policy. So, consider purchasing pet insurance that can help manage your furry baby’s health expenses effectively while providing them quality medical care. Meanwhile, read this article to learn why your pup tilts its head
Why does my puppy tilt its head?
One reason a puppy tilts its head is to communicate with others, humans or other animals. In such a case, a puppy may bend its head to listen carefully to what others are saying or doing. It is a gesture that reflects a puppy’s eagerness to understand what’s cooking and is perfectly normal for a domestic dog.
Second, a puppy with a long nose (Ex: A golden retriever) might tilt its head while looking at its owner directly because its nose may obstruct the view. It is precisely why short-nosed dogs tilt their heads less often than long-nosed dogs. In short, tilting can help a puppy focus on something.
Third, a puppy might tilt its head to locate the source of particular sounds, whether or not it is familiar with them. For instance, sounds related to food, toys, other creatures, strangers, and activities around the house can perk up your fur baby’s ears.
Fourth, a puppy suffering from specific medical complaints tilts its head often, even when there is no eye contact with people, sounds, or objects around. A doggo with such an issue can have additional symptoms like loss of odor, body balance, infections, etc.
So, if your puppy tilts its head needlessly or more frequently, have it tested by your vet asap.
Does my puppy’s hearing ability improve with head tilting?
Yes, that is usually the case. Rotating the head or ears helps collect sound signals, enabling clear hearing. For instance, German Shepherds have large ears; Cocker Spaniels have thick and heavy ear flaps that almost cover the ear canals, making it difficult for them to hear the sounds correctly.
When a puppy can’t hear properly it can move its ears or tilt its head subtly or aggressively. Also, puppy owners can lift their fur baby’s ears to help them with audibility.
However, if your puppy tilts its head for long periods or shows other symptoms like falling over or a lack of body balance it may be worth consulting your vet. Costs attached to unplanned vet visits can add up quickly. Dog insurance in NZ can help ease the pressure, covering your pup for accidental injuries, sickness, dental conditions and more, depending on the level of cover you choose.
Cheap pup insurance covers your canine for basic health benefits while the best pup insurance provides your pooch with comprehensive health coverage. Contemplate the benefits of various pet policies and your budget so you can sign up for the plan that best suits your puppy’s health needs.
