Have you wondered why your dog keeps shaking its head repeatedly? If so, you’re witnessing a behavior that can range from perfectly normal to a sign of a serious medical condition. As a dog parent, it’s important to understand this common canine behavior to determine when it warrants concern and ensure you get your best pal the care it needs.
Is it Normal or Problematic Head Shaking?
Dogs naturally shake their heads occasionally. Head shaking in dogs is a normal self-maintenance behavior—to adjust their ears, relieve an itch, or shake off dust and grass. But the real differentiation between normal head shaking in dogs and a cause for concern lies in intensity and frequency.
A few head shakes after getting wet or when a fly lands on an ear are completely normal. However, persistent, repeated head shaking throughout the day suggests that your dog may be experiencing discomfort that requires investigation.
Common Reasons Your Dog Keeps Shaking its Head
Ear Infections
Ear infections are among the most common reasons for dogs shaking their heads. The canine ear canal is shaped differently from ours, creating an environment where moisture, debris, and microorganisms can become trapped.
Typical signs of an ear infection include:
- Redness or swelling
- Yellow, brown, or bloody discharge
- Foul odor from the ears
- Scratching at the ear alongside head shaking
- Sensitivity when ears are touched
Dogs with large, floppy ears, such as Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Labrador Retrievers, are particularly susceptible to ear infections due to the reduced circulation of air in their ear canals.
Ear Mites
Ear mites are tiny parasites that can cause intense irritation, which can lead to head shaking in dogs. If your dog keeps shaking its head and you notice a dark substance in their ears that resembles coffee grounds, ear mites may be the culprit. These microscopic creatures live in the ear canal and feed on skin oils and wax.
Foreign Objects
Dogs are curious by nature, and it’s quite common that during their various misadventures, they may get foreign bodies lodged in their ears. Grass, foxtails, tiny insects, or even small bits of dirt can become trapped in the ear canal, leading to irritation and, consequently, head shaking. These objects can be difficult to see without proper equipment and may require veterinary assistance to remove them safely.
Allergies
Environmental allergies, food sensitivities, or contact allergies can manifest in itchiness and are a common reason why your dog keeps shaking its head. When canine allergies affect the ears, they can become extremely itchy, prompting your dog to shake its head repeatedly. Unlike infections, allergy-related ear problems often recur seasonally or correlate with exposure to specific triggers.
Water in the Ears
If your dog loves playing in the water, it will typically shake its head to remove any water from its ears. However, if it isn’t successful in removing all of it, the remaining moisture can create an environment conducive to the growth of bacteria. So, wonder no more—this is why your dog keeps shaking its head after swimming or bathing.
Trauma or Injury
Head shaking can also result from ear injuries or trauma. If your dog suddenly begins shaking its head without other symptoms, look for cuts, scratches, insect bites, or bruising around its ears.
Aural Hematomas
When a dog vigorously shakes its head, blood vessels may rupture in the ear flap, creating a blood-filled pocket known as an aural hematoma. This hematoma appears as a swollen, fluid-filled area on the ear flap that feels soft and warm to the touch. In such cases, veterinary attention is needed to avoid permanent ear deformity.
When To See a Veterinarian
- Head shaking is accompanied by whining, pawing at the ears, or obvious pain
- You notice discharge, redness, swelling, or an unusual odor from the ears
- The ear feels unusually warm to the touch
- Your dog tilts its head to one side even when not shaking
- There’s a visible injury to the ear
- Your dog loses balance or coordination in addition to shaking its head
- Your dog keeps shaking its head, and it’s been longer than a day or two
How To Prevent Excessive Head Shaking
As they say, prevention is better than cure, which also stands for head shaking in dogs. Here are some steps you can take to minimize the chance of your dog developing ear problems that can lead to head shaking:
Regular Ear Cleaning
Establish a regular ear cleaning schedule appropriate for your dog’s breed and lifestyle, especially if your dog keeps shaking its head. Dogs who swim frequently or have floppy ears generally need more frequent cleaning than others. Make sure to only use veterinarian-approved products and techniques to avoid inadvertently doing damage.
Thorough Drying After Water Activities
After a swim or a bath, use a soft towel to gently dry your dog’s ears. Your veterinarian might recommend an ear-drying solution for dogs prone to ear infections to help evaporate the remaining moisture and prevent head shaking in dogs.
Proper Grooming
For dogs with hair that grows in the ear canal, regular grooming to remove this excess hair can help improve air circulation and reduce trapped moisture. Again, don’t try to do this yourself if you’re not sure how, as you may do more harm than good. A professional groomer or veterinarian can do this for you and help prevent a situation where your dog keeps shaking its head.
Treating Underlying Allergies
If your dog’s head shaking is caused by allergies, work with your veterinarian to identify and manage these, as this can significantly reduce ear-related head shaking.
Regular Veterinary Check-ups
Routine check-ups with your vet are essential in detecting issues early, even before your dog starts shaking its head, before they become more severe and harder to treat.
Treatment Options For a Dog Shaking its Head
The treatment options that can provide relief will depend on the underlying cause of why your dog keeps shaking its head:
- Ear infections typically require prescription medications, including antibiotics, antifungals, or anti-inflammatories.
- Ear mites are treated with antiparasitic medications applied directly to the ear or given systematically.
- Foreign objects must be removed carefully, preferably by a veterinarian and sometimes under sedation if they’re deeply lodged.
- Depending on the specific allergen, allergies could benefit from treatment using antihistamines, immunotherapy, or dietary changes.
- Aural hematomas often need to be drained, sometimes followed by surgery to prevent them from recurring.
Why is Prompt Attention Important?
Prompt veterinary attention is crucial when your dog keeps shaking its head persistently. Ear problems can progress quickly, leading to more serious complications, including:
- Chronic pain
- Hearing loss
- Balance problems
- Spread of infection to deeper structures
- Permanent damage to the ear canal
Final Thoughts
Head shaking in dogs is a common behavior that often signals ear discomfort. By knowing what could be causing it and when to seek veterinary care, you can ensure your dog’s health and well-being. While occasional headshakes are absolutely normal, persistent head shaking requires attention sooner rather than later, as potential issues can progress quickly. With proper care and attention, most head shaking causes can be effectively treated, allowing your dog to return to comfort quickly.
