If your dog occiput getting bigger ,don’t take it lightly. If your dog is in your lap and you move your hands around the head of your dog, you will find a prominent bump on your dog’s head. This bump is called occiput.
It is supposed that a dog’s occiput remain same in size and look and about the remain same for most of their lives. While it can for a short time appear bigger when the dog grows from a puppy to adult. So, occiput getting bigger can reveal a growing dog and it can also sign of a bigger problem.
In this article we will share what Occiput is and why it is getting bigger. Let’s dive in!
What is an Occiput?
The word occiput means the back part of the skull and head.It can be present in most mammals like humans and dogs.
A dog’s occiput works like a protective shield for its skull and brain. When carnivores fight they attack each other’s head. Dogs occiput help to protect their brain and skull.
Some people say that the occiput of the dog is related to the animals intelligence also.As human’s wisdom tooth is related to its wisdom the,this occiput is said to have a visible difference between dogs having and not having them.
Dogs’ occiput has different names such as wisdom bump, jumpers bump or cone head. This is also the area of the head where all the nerves end so by giving head massage in this area will do wonders for your dog’s mood.
Dog Breed of Bigger Occiput
There is a breed that has a clear jumper’s bump.Male dogs have larger occiput and female have small,some dogs have large occult in small age and when they grow the size of their head become normal.
Some breeds such as Labrador and boxers have naturally visible occiput,and have cone shaped heads.Some breeds with bigger occiput include:
- golden retrievers
- pointers
- Bloodhounds
- German shepherd
- Doberman
- collies
- Spaniels
Does occipital bone in dogs indicate a health issue?
As we said, the big occiput is normal but not always,sometimes it needs attention too.If you find other symptoms with the big occiput take the help of your vet.
The symptoms can include:
- A less energetic and lazy dog
- Loss of hunger
- Getting weaker day by day
- Hard bump on top of its head
- Feel difficulty in barking or eating
Occiput is directly related to the head and nerves muscles, any issue can affect the head and its function. By these muscles the dog moves its neck. So, in sickness your dog can’t move its neck.
Why do Dog Occiput Getting Bigger?
A dog’s occiput getting bigger from its normal size some time it could be alarming situation .The reasons why it’s getting bigger mentioned below:
1.Torn Muscles
As we have a bump somewhere and get swelling, it can also happen in dogs, Swelling in muscles can cause the occiput to look larger.
2.Due to Bruising
Sometimes dogs get injured and the bruising makes the occiput make bigger in size. Find the swelling, if it does not heal after proper care consult with your vet.
3.Adult Age
When dogs grow the muscle size decrease.The muscles cover the occiput.With the passage of time and muscles atrophy,the bump may be more prominent than before.With the aging the dogs hair falls causing the bump more visible.
4.Masticatory Muscle myositis
This is an immune disease in dogs,in which jaw muscles get infected and dogs will face difficulty in barking,chewing,etc.
In this condition your dogs require special attention.Although it’s a very hard time for your pup, but recovery is not impossible.Your dog can get weak due to less food intake.It may feed on liquids only.Its an inflammatory disease can cause pain and swelling.
In the early stages this can be cured.Masticatory muscle myositis is diagnosed through blood test or biopsy,so consult your vet as soon as possible when you find any symptoms.If not treated on time the MMM can change into cancer .Generally,dogs having MMM in the age of 3 years expectedly.
Occipital Bone Defect
Dogs can have defects by birth too.They may be born by occipital bone defect.This can create other medical issues and syndromes.The symptoms of occipital bone defect will be prominent within 6 months to 2 years of dog’s age.So,if your puppy is above 6 months and still has bigger occiput, it can be an alarming situation which dangerous health threats.
If your dog has a bigger occiput and often scratches its shoulder,it can be a symptom of occipital bone defects.
Is Massaging Your Dog’s Occiput Safe?
It’s safe because when you massage your dog’s occiput, it will relax its muscles and increase blood circulation. Your dog deserves a chumpy session it will get your dog fresh. Well, massaging can not have any bad impact on dogs. Though if you find hard bump and two lumps on the area, it will be dangerous. So, if you find this you must go to your vet to checkup.
What to do when your dog has a swollen occiput?
First of all, keep relaxed, don’t worry, thoroughly check if the matter looks serious. As a caring owner you feel that hard bump on top of the dog’s head. In adult dogs occiput can be prominent due to muscle atrophy, but if its the young puppy and the head is bigger than normal, take vet help. its better the matter is clear in early stage.
We suggest firstly check by yourself. Look for the head area if it has something difference. If he is a young pup the occiput will go away with the passage of time, but still you need to consult your vet in 1st check ups.
Some Common Dog Head Shape
Some common dog head shape is including:
- Wedge shape
- Blocky or square shape head
- Snippy head
- Apple head
- Egg shaped head
- Dome shaped head
- Pear shapes head
- Brick shapes head
- Otter shaped head
Conclusion
The word occiput means the back part of the skull and head.It can be present in most mammals like humans and dogs.Sometime move your hands around the head of your dog,you will find a prominent bump on your dog’s head.This bump is called occiput.Dogs can have defects by birth too.They may be born by occipital bone defect.
It is supposed that a dog’s occiput remain same in size and look and about the remain same for most of their lives.While it can for a short time appear bigger when the dog grows from a puppy to adult. So,occiput getting bigger can reveal a growing dog and it can also sign of a bigger problem.
A dog’s occiput works like a protective shield for its skull and brain.When carnivores fight they attack each other’s head.Dogs occiput help to protect their brain and skull.
As a caring owner you feel that hard bump on top of the dog’s head.In adult dogs occiput can be prominent due to muscle atrophy,but if its the young puppy and the head is bigger than normal,take vet help.its better the matter should be clear in early stage.
FAQs of Dog Occiput Getting Bigger
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