Most dog owners are familiar with the sudden jolt of being woken up by their furry friend vigorously shaking their head. It’s a common canine behavior, and sometimes it’s just a dog being a dog. They might be shaking off water after a drink, dislodging a pesky fly, or simply responding to an itch. While occasional head shaking is perfectly normal, frequent or excessive head shaking in dogs can be a signal that something more serious is going on.
Ignoring persistent head shaking can lead to significant discomfort and pain for your dog. In some cases, untreated issues can even result in more severe complications, including hearing loss. Understanding why dogs shake their heads and knowing when it’s a cause for concern is crucial for responsible pet ownership.
Head shaking and ear scratching often go hand-in-hand, but the underlying causes can be varied. This article will delve into the common reasons behind head shaking in dogs, helping you differentiate between normal behavior and potential health problems, and guide you on when to seek veterinary attention.
Decoding the Doggy Head Shake: Normal Behavior vs. Cause for Concern
Dogs shake their heads as a natural reflex to try and remove irritants from their ears. It’s an effective way for them to dislodge things that don’t belong there. Think of it as their way of saying, “Something’s in my ear, and it’s bugging me!”
Sometimes, a head shake is simply a successful attempt to get rid of a minor annoyance. Perhaps a bit of water got trapped in their ear canal after drinking from their bowl, or a blade of grass found its way in during a romp in the yard. In these instances, a quick head shake usually resolves the issue, and your dog returns to their normal happy self.
However, when head shaking becomes repetitive, vigorous, or persists for an extended period, it’s a clear indication that the irritation is ongoing and not easily resolved. This type of persistent head shaking should not be ignored. It’s your dog’s way of communicating that they need your help and potentially veterinary intervention.
Common Reasons Why Your Dog Keeps Shaking Their Head
There are a number of reasons why a dog might shake their head excessively. Identifying the potential cause is the first step in getting your dog the relief they need. Here are some of the most frequent culprits:
It’s important to remember that regardless of the cause, persistent or repetitive head shaking warrants a veterinary examination. Each underlying issue requires a different approach to treatment, and only a veterinarian can accurately diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate course of action. Attempting to self-diagnose or treat your dog’s head shaking can delay proper care and potentially worsen the condition.
1. Ear Infections: A Frequent Cause of Head Shaking
Ear infections are by far the most common medical reason behind excessive head shaking in dogs. These infections, often caused by bacteria or yeast overgrowth, can be incredibly irritating and uncomfortable for your canine companion.
Ear infections create an intensely itchy environment within the ear canal. They also typically produce discharge and inflammation, all of which contribute to the overwhelming urge for a dog to shake their head in an attempt to find relief.
A visual inspection of your dog’s ears can sometimes provide clues about a potential ear infection. Gently lift the ear flap and look inside. Signs of an ear infection may include:
- Redness: The skin inside the ear flap and canal may appear inflamed and redder than usual.
- Swelling: The ear canal itself might look swollen or puffy.
- Discharge: You might notice discharge ranging in color from yellow or brown to even black, and it can have a noticeable odor.
While ear infections are more common, it’s also worth noting that ear mites can cause similar symptoms, including head shaking and ear scratching. However, ear mites are less frequent in adult dogs compared to bacterial or yeast infections.
It’s crucial to understand that ear infections can occur deep within the ear canal, beyond what you can easily see with the naked eye. Therefore, even if you don’t observe obvious signs of infection, an ear infection could still be the underlying cause of your dog’s head shaking. A veterinarian has the tools and expertise to properly examine the entire ear canal.
2. Allergies: Itchy Ears and Head Shaking
Allergies are another very common health concern in dogs and can manifest in a variety of ways, including persistent head shaking. Dogs can develop allergies to various substances, broadly categorized as food allergies and environmental allergies.
Food allergies are triggered by specific ingredients in a dog’s diet. Common culprits include certain proteins like beef or chicken, or grains like wheat or corn.
Environmental allergies are reactions to allergens present in the dog’s surroundings. These can include pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, mold spores, dust mites, and storage mites.
Allergic reactions in dogs often lead to a cascade of symptoms, and itchy skin is a hallmark sign. This itchiness frequently extends to the ears, leading to scratching and, you guessed it, head shaking. Beyond head shaking, other common symptoms of allergies in dogs can include:
- Itchy skin (generalized or localized): Dogs may scratch, lick, or bite at their skin excessively.
- Hair loss: Patches of hair loss can develop due to scratching and skin irritation.
- Recurrent skin and ear infections: Allergies can weaken the skin barrier, making dogs more susceptible to infections.
- Scratching at the ears: Similar to head shaking, ear scratching is a common response to ear irritation.
- Chewing at the feet: Paws can become itchy and inflamed due to allergies.
- Rubbing at the face: Dogs may rub their faces on furniture or carpets to relieve facial itching.
If your dog exhibits a combination of these symptoms along with head shaking, allergies could be a primary cause. Identifying and managing allergies often requires a multi-faceted approach, working closely with your veterinarian to pinpoint the specific allergens and develop a tailored treatment plan.
3. Water Trapped in the Ears: A Simple Fix
Sometimes, the reason for head shaking is much simpler and easily addressed: water trapped in the ears. This is particularly common after bathing or swimming. Water in the ear canal can be irritating and create a sloshing sensation that dogs find uncomfortable, prompting them to shake their heads to dislodge it.
Fortunately, preventing water from entering your dog’s ears is relatively straightforward. A simple yet effective method is to place cotton balls (or half a cotton ball for smaller breeds) gently in your dog’s ears before bathing or swimming. The cotton acts as a barrier, preventing water from entering the ear canal.
When bathing your dog, avoid directly spraying or pouring water on their head. Instead, focus on bathing their body from the neck down. For their face and ears, use a damp washcloth to gently wipe them clean.
If your dog is resistant to cotton balls in their ears during swimming, consider using a specialized dog ear band designed to keep water out. Alternatively, cleaning their ears with a veterinarian-approved ear drying solution immediately after swimming can help remove any trapped water and prevent potential issues. Your veterinarian can recommend a safe and effective ear drying product suited to your dog’s specific needs.
Serious Conditions Associated with Head Shaking
While ear infections, allergies, and water in the ears are common and often manageable causes of head shaking, it’s important to be aware that persistent head shaking can sometimes be a symptom of more serious underlying health conditions. These conditions require prompt veterinary attention and may include:
1. Foreign Objects in the Ear Canal: An Uncomfortable Intruder
Dogs are naturally curious and love to explore the world around them, often with their noses (and ears) leading the way. This adventurous spirit, unfortunately, can lead to foreign objects becoming lodged in their ear canals. Dirt, debris, plant material like seeds and burrs, and even insects can find their way into a dog’s ear, causing significant irritation and triggering head shaking.
A foreign object in the ear canal is not only uncomfortable but can also be painful. The dog will instinctively try to shake their head vigorously to dislodge the intruder. Besides head shaking, you might also observe your dog pawing at their ear, rubbing their head on the ground or furniture, or tilting their head to one side.
If you suspect a foreign object is lodged in your dog’s ear, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care. Attempting to remove it yourself could push it further into the ear canal or cause injury. A veterinarian has the specialized tools and expertise to safely and effectively remove foreign objects from a dog’s ear.
2. Inflammatory Diseases: Systemic Issues Manifesting in Head Shaking
Certain inflammatory conditions and autoimmune diseases can also contribute to head shaking in dogs. Conditions like pemphigus, an autoimmune skin disease, can cause itching, scratching, and head shaking as part of a broader set of symptoms.
Inflammatory diseases often affect more than just the ears. They typically present with a range of symptoms affecting other parts of the body as well. These accompanying symptoms can include:
- Crusts and ulcers on the skin: Lesions may appear on the skin, often accompanied by crusting and ulceration.
- Redness of other parts of the body: Inflammation may be evident in areas beyond the ears, such as the skin, paws, or mucous membranes.
Diagnosing inflammatory diseases can be complex and often requires a process of elimination to rule out other potential medical conditions. A skin biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. If an inflammatory disease is identified, your veterinarian will develop a treatment plan to manage the condition and alleviate symptoms, including head shaking.
3. Neurological Disorders: When Head Shaking is More Than It Seems
In some cases, head shaking, or what appears to be head shaking, can be related to underlying neurological disorders. Certain neurological conditions can manifest as head tremors or head bobbing, which can be easily mistaken for intentional head shaking.
It’s important to differentiate between true head shaking and head tremors. Head shaking is a voluntary action, a conscious effort by the dog to dislodge an irritant. Head tremors, on the other hand, are involuntary, rhythmic movements of the head caused by neurological issues.
Tremors are often accompanied by other neurological symptoms. These may include:
- Trouble walking (ataxia): Uncoordinated or wobbly gait.
- Falling over: Loss of balance and difficulty staying upright.
- Seizures: Uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain leading to convulsions.
If you observe head shaking accompanied by any of these neurological signs, it’s essential to seek immediate veterinary attention. A consultation with a veterinary neurologist may be warranted for further specialized testing and treatment. Video recording your dog’s behavior can be helpful for your veterinarian in distinguishing between head shaking and tremors and aiding in diagnosis.
Head Tremors vs. Dog Shaking His Head: Recognizing the Difference
Distinguishing between head shaking and head tremors is crucial for understanding the underlying cause and seeking appropriate veterinary care. As mentioned earlier, the key difference lies in the voluntary versus involuntary nature of the movements.
Dog Shaking Head:
- Voluntary: The dog is intentionally shaking their head to achieve a purpose, such as dislodging something from their ear.
- Purposeful: The shaking is often a response to a perceived irritation or discomfort in the ear.
- Usually intermittent: Shaking episodes may occur in response to specific triggers and then subside.
- Often accompanied by ear scratching: Dogs may scratch at their ears along with head shaking.
Head Tremors:
- Involuntary: The dog has no conscious control over the tremors.
- Rhythmic and repetitive: Tremors typically involve rhythmic, back-and-forth or up-and-down movements of the head.
- May be constant or episodic: Tremors can be persistent or occur in episodes.
- Often accompanied by other neurological signs: As listed above, tremors may be part of a broader neurological syndrome.
Observing your dog’s behavior closely and noting any accompanying symptoms will help you differentiate between head shaking and tremors and provide valuable information to your veterinarian.
When To Worry About a Dog Shaking His Head: Red Flags to Watch For
While a single head shake here and there is usually nothing to worry about, there are specific situations and patterns of head shaking that should raise concern and prompt a veterinary visit. Here are some red flags to watch for:
- Repeated and persistent head shaking: If your dog is shaking their head frequently and the behavior continues for more than a day or so without improvement.
- Vigorous or violent head shaking: If the head shaking is intense and forceful, suggesting significant irritation or pain.
- Head shaking accompanied by other symptoms: If you notice any additional signs like ear scratching, discharge, redness, odor from the ears, changes in balance or coordination, or other signs of illness.
- Changes in behavior: If your dog becomes withdrawn, lethargic, loses appetite, or shows other signs of being unwell along with head shaking.
- Head tilting: Holding the head consistently tilted to one side can indicate an ear problem or neurological issue.
If you observe any of these red flags, it’s time to schedule a veterinary appointment promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for resolving underlying issues and preventing potential complications.
How Veterinarians Diagnose the Cause of Head Shaking
When you bring your dog to the veterinarian for head shaking, they will conduct a thorough examination to determine the underlying cause. The diagnostic process typically involves several steps:
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Otoscopic Examination: This is a key part of the examination. Your veterinarian will use an otoscope, a handheld instrument with a light and magnifying lens, to look inside your dog’s ear canal. This allows them to visualize the ear canal and eardrum, checking for:
- Foreign objects: Presence of debris, plant material, insects, or other foreign bodies.
- Water or discharge: Evidence of moisture or abnormal discharge.
- Inflammation and redness: Signs of infection or irritation.
- Ear mites: In some cases, mites may be visible under magnification.
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Ear Cleaning (if necessary): If excessive debris or discharge is present in the ear canal, cleaning may be required to allow for a better examination and to remove irritants. Sedation may be necessary if the dog is in pain or uncooperative.
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Microscopic Examination of Ear Swab: If an ear infection is suspected, your veterinarian will collect a sample of ear discharge using a swab. This sample is then examined under a microscope to identify:
- Bacteria: To determine if a bacterial infection is present and the type of bacteria involved.
- Yeast: To check for yeast overgrowth, another common cause of ear infections.
- Ear mites: To confirm or rule out ear mite infestation.
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Allergy Testing (if allergies are suspected): If allergies are suspected as the cause of recurrent ear infections or head shaking, your veterinarian may recommend allergy testing. This can include:
- Food Trial: A dietary elimination trial using a hypoallergenic diet to identify potential food allergens. This involves feeding a strict diet with a novel protein and carbohydrate source for several weeks to see if symptoms improve.
- Intradermal Skin Testing: Considered the gold standard for environmental allergy testing, this involves injecting small amounts of allergens into the skin to observe reactions.
- Blood Testing (serology): Blood tests can measure antibody levels to specific allergens, providing an alternative to skin testing for environmental allergies.
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Further Diagnostic Tests (if needed): In cases where neurological issues or other underlying conditions are suspected, further diagnostic tests may be necessary, such as:
- Neurological examination: To assess reflexes, coordination, and other neurological functions.
- Imaging (radiographs, CT scan, MRI): To visualize the brain and surrounding structures if neurological disease is suspected.
- Bloodwork and other lab tests: To rule out systemic illnesses or inflammatory conditions.
By combining a thorough physical examination with appropriate diagnostic tests, your veterinarian can pinpoint the reason behind your dog’s head shaking and develop an effective treatment plan to bring them relief and get their head shaking under control.
WRITTEN BY JENNIFER COATES, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Jennifer Coates is an accomplished veterinarian, writer, editor, and consultant with years of experience in the fields of veterinary medicine and pet health communication.
