Do Dogs Have Soft Spots in Their Heads?

A puppy is born with a soft spot in his head, just like you were. By age 4 weeks, the puppy's skull plates should fuse, closing the depression. In a few dogs, this area -- the fontanel -- never closes. While many dogs with an open fontanel act normally, wanting to play as much as any canine, their heads must be protected from injury and possible brain damage.

  1. Fontanels

    • The fontanel is the place at the top of a dog's skull where three bone plates meet. An open fontanel allows easier passage of the whelping puppy through the birth canal, and by nature it close before the puppy weans. An open fontanel, also known as a molera, creates a hole at the apex of the skull. The hole size varies, ranging between the equivalent of large and small coins. Because genetics play a part in whether a fontanel closes, dogs with open fontanels should be withheld from the breeding pool.

    Affected Breeds

    • Although the fontanel might not close on any dog, certain breeds are more prone to this condition. These include the Chihuahua, Maltese, Yorkshire terrier, Manchester terrier, Pomeranian, toy poodle and cairn terrier, along with many of the brachycephalic, or short-nosed breeds. Brachycephalic dogs include the English bulldog, pug, Lhasa apso, Shih Tzu, Boston terrier and Pekingese.

    Hydrocephalus

    • Besides trauma, dogs with open fontanels might be affected by a condition known as hydrocephalus, also referred to as water on the brain. With hydrocephalus, cerebrospinal fluid cannot effectively drain from the brain, causing a buildup. Signs of hydrocephalus include the "setting sun" eye position, with the dog's eyes constantly looking downward. Affected dogs might experience vision loss, seizures and head pressing. Most dogs with hydrocephalus are almost impossible to housebreak. A vet can prescribe diuretics in milder cases, but most dogs will require surgery to install a shunt to draw the fluid into another part of the body.

    Precautions

    • If your dog's soft spot doesn't close, you'll need to take special precautions with him throughout his life. Be careful when petting or grooming the area near the soft spot. If you take him to a groomer, make sure the person who works on your dog is aware of the open fontanel. No matter how well he plays with others, avoid letting your dog interact with other dogs or little kids.