Dog Shaking Head? Here’s When To Worry & Act

Is your dog shaking its head more than usual? This might signal a problem needing a vet’s eye. A little head shaking is okay, but if it happens a lot, something’s not right. Look out for when shaking needs a vet’s attention.

Key Takeaways:

• Ear infections are the most frequently diagnosed health issue that causes excessive head shaking in dogs.
• Bacterial and yeast infections in the ear are more common in adult dogs than ear mite infestations.
• Allergies are another common problem that leads to head shaking in dogs, with symptoms including itchy skin, hair loss, and ear infections among others.
• Dogs may experience head shaking due to water getting into their ears, which can be prevented by using cotton balls or ear bands during bathing or swimming.
• Other health conditions that can make dogs excessively shake their heads include foreign objects in the ear canal, inflammatory diseases, and neurological disorders.

When a dog shakes its head non-stop, and it continues for a day or so, see a vet. Vets will check the dog’s ears for things like water, dirt, and signs of infection. Some dogs might need to be asleep for their ear check or cleaning. Dogs with head shaking might also undergo tests to find food or environmental allergies¹.

Ear infections show up as redness, swelling, and a bad smell from the ears. See a vet right away. Dogs with allergies often scratch themselves, get watery eyes, sneeze, and shake their heads. Keeping these dogs away from allergens and seeing a vet is best².

If your dog suddenly starts shaking its head a lot, it might have something stuck in its ear. This needs a vet’s help right away. Ear mites cause lots of scratching and a dark ear discharge. A vet visit will clear things up. Dry skin can make dogs scratch and shake their heads. While supplements can help, a vet’s advice is best. Soap or water trapped in a dog’s ears might lead to infections that cause head shaking. Dry the ears well and see a vet if needed. Hematomas can make the ear flap swell and cause constant head shaking. In such cases, vet help is urgent. Impacted earwax can also lead to head shaking. A vet will need to clean the ears and maybe treat the dog. Dogs can shake their heads from pain due to various issues, like tooth problems. See a vet for this. Stress or anxiety might also cause head shaking in dogs. A vet can help with these behaviors, too. Don’t ignore signs like head shaking, ear discharge, or changes in behavior. They need immediate vet care².

Ear infections are a top cause for dogs to shake their heads. Many need vet care. Signs include ear scratching, pain, and swollen ears, sometimes needing surgery. Ear mites bring discomfort, itching, and a dark discharge, treated with drops and cleaning. Polyps in the ear can cause shaking and might be removed by a vet. Dogs playing outside can catch foreign objects in their ears, causing infection. A vet can help take these out, sometimes needing the dog to be asleep. When dogs keep shaking their heads, it could signal several issues needing a vet. Without care, this can lead to worse infections or ear problems. Ignoring head shaking can result in ear damage and pain for your dog, leading to costly treatments or surgeries if not tackled in time³.

Why Do Dogs Shake Their Heads?

Dogs shake their heads to get rid of ear irritants. This natural instinct helps if they feel itchiness or irritation. It dislodges any objects causing discomfort. But, if dogs keep shaking their heads, they might need a vet’s help. Knowing why they do this is key to their care.

Dogs might shake their heads for many reasons. Each reason needs a different treatment. Often, ear infections cause excessive head shaking¹. This brings itching, discomfort, and swelling. Another big cause is allergies, leading to itchy skin and more shaking¹.

Water in the ears also makes dogs shake their heads¹. To stop this, put cotton balls in their ears before they swim or bathe. Also, things like dirt in their ear canal can cause trouble. Some health issues, like inflammatory diseases or neurological disorders, need a vet’s care¹.

If you think your dog’s shaking is due to food allergies, a food trial might help¹. This test finds out if certain foods are the problem. For environmental allergies, skin or blood tests can pinpoint the cause¹.

Knowing why dogs shake their heads helps us know when to see a vet⁴. Frequent shaking can cause problems like swollen ears⁴. The vet might check for infections or give special medications⁴. Also, dogs might shake after tense moments to feel better or when meeting new dogs⁴.

In short, dogs shake their heads due to discomfort or irritants in their ears. While some shaking is okay, too much might mean there’s a bigger problem. By understanding head shaking in dogs¹⁴, we can make sure they stay healthy and happy.

Bacterial and Yeast Infections in the Ear

Dogs often shake their heads because of ear infections. These infections are itchy, cause discharge, and make the ears red and swollen (Source:¹). If you see redness, swelling, or any discharge, your dog might have an infection. Bacterial and yeast infections are common in adult dogs, more so than ear mites (Source:¹). They can be really painful and make your dog uncomfortable, so it’s important to get them treated quickly.

To figure out the exact infection, a vet needs to check your dog. They might look inside the ear with a special tool and take samples to test for bacteria or yeast (Source:¹). They might also test for food allergies if your dog gets ear infections a lot (Source:¹).

To treat these infections, vets usually use antibiotics and special ear drops. For yeast, they often prescribe meds like Miconazole or ketoconazole (Source:⁵). Cleaning your dog’s ears regularly with a medicated cleanser can prevent future infections (Source:⁶). It’s also helpful to use a collar to stop them from scratching their ears and making things worse (Source:⁶).

If your dog keeps shaking its head or shows infection signs, see a vet right away. If not treated, it can lead to bigger problems (Source:¹,⁶). Vets will do the necessary tests to find out what’s wrong. Acting quickly with a vet’s help can manage ear infections well and keep your dog happy (Source:⁶).

Itchiness in the Ear Due to Allergies

Allergies might make dogs shake their heads a lot. Dogs, like us, can react to many things around them or in their food. This can make their ears itchy and uncomfortable, making them shake their heads and show other signs.

Dogs with allergies may scratch their ears, shake their heads, and get itchy skin⁷. It’s key to figure out what’s causing the allergy to help your dog. A vet’s advice is crucial for finding out the cause and how to treat it.

Vets can use skin tests, blood tests, or change the dog’s diet to find the allergy⁷. A skin test checks how the dog’s skin reacts to different things. Blood tests look for special immune responses to allergens. Changing the dog’s diet helps find food allergies.

After finding what causes the allergy, various treatments are available⁷. Treatments may include antihistamines, corticosteroids, or special diets. Some dogs might need advanced treatments like monoclonal antibody therapy or hyposensitization, a method to make them less sensitive to the allergen.

Managing allergies in dogs is possible, but not always preventable². Dogs with seasonal allergies may need ongoing medication during those times². The type of treatment depends on how severe the allergies are and how the dog reacts to them.

If your dog is shaking its head or seems uncomfortable, like with itching or ear infections, allergies might be the cause⁷. It’s important to talk to a vet for the right diagnosis and treatment plan. This can help your dog feel better and live a happier life.

Water in the Ears

Dogs often shake their heads when water gets into their ears, like after a swim or bath. This can make them feel uncomfortable and annoyed². There are ways to stop water from getting into their ears, though.

Before your dog goes into water, try putting cotton balls in their ears. These cotton balls act like a shield, keeping the inner ear dry. This easy step can lower the chance of your dog shaking their head because of water².

When you’re giving your dog a bath, don’t spray water directly on their head. Use a soft and steady water stream and keep it away from the ears. Doing this lessens the chance of water getting into the ear canal and bothering them².

Be careful with drying solutions or ear bands after your dog swims. It’s a good idea to talk to your vet about what products are safe and can help keep the ears dry and free from irritation.

There are special ear-drying solutions that can remove leftover moisture in the ear canal. This can stop your dog from shaking its head too much. Ask your vet to suggest the best products for your dog².

Keeping your dog’s ears dry is key to avoiding problems caused by water. By using these tips, you can make your dog feel better and shake their head less. Always check with your vet for advice that fits your dog’s needs².

Taking these steps can keep your dog comfy and cut down on head shaking from water in their ears. Make ear care a part of your routine to keep your dog happy and healthy.

Foreign Objects in the Ear Canal

Dogs can shake their heads hard if things like dirt, seeds, or bugs get stuck in their ears. This can make them feel bothered and uncomfortable.

If something is in a dog’s ear, you might see them shake their head a lot. They might also try to scratch their ears to feel better. These are ways dogs try to get rid of the irritation.

Never try to take the object out by yourself, as it can harm your dog. It’s important to see a vet right away. The vet can safely remove the object while the dog is asleep, preventing any harm.

Sometimes, these objects can lead to infections. After taking the object out, the vet might give antibiotics. This is to stop or treat any infections that might happen².

To keep stuff from getting into your dog’s ears, watch them closely when they play outside. You can use ear covers or keep them away from risky areas to help protect them.

Inflammatory Diseases

Dogs shake their heads for many reasons. Inflammatory diseases like pemphigus cause itchiness, leading to a lot of head shaking¹. These illnesses might also bring on crusts, ulcers, and redness. Vets sometimes have to exclude other health issues and do a skin biopsy to identify these diseases. Treatments vary, including medicines and creams that suppress the immune system¹.

If your pet is shaking its head and shows other worrisome signs, see a vet quickly. Getting help early and following the right treatment plan can ease the inflammation. This brings comfort to your dog¹.

Certain inflammatory ailments like pemphigus can cause dogs to shake their heads. They may deal with crusts, ulcers, and redness too. Diagnosing these issues involves thorough checks and sometimes a skin biopsy. The type of treatment chosen depends on the specific disease.

Watching how your dog behaves is important. If shaking continues or gets worse, talk to a vet. They’ll do exams to find the problem, like looking inside the ears. They might also test for allergies or suggest a different diet¹.

Your dog’s health is very important. Addressing any inflammatory conditions helps your pet feel better. It lowers their discomfort and boosts their life quality.

Neurological Disorders

Sometimes, dogs shake their heads on purpose. However, certain neurologic disorders can make them shake their heads, tremble, or bob without control. These issues aren’t something the dog can manage. They might also have trouble walking, fall down, or have seizures. To figure out and treat these issues, tests and a specialist’s help might be needed.¹

“It’s key to remember that dogs shake their heads by choice, but tremors happen without their control.”¹

Various factors can cause head tremors in dogs because of neurological disorders. For example, some diseases that inflame the nervous system can make dogs itch. This leads them to scratch and shake their heads. Diseases like pemphigus can cause these symptoms and more, such as crusts and ulcers or red patches on the body. A vet’s careful diagnosis is vital for the right treatment.¹

Additionally, some neurological issues directly lead to behaviors like head shaking or tremors in dogs. These problems show up as unusual brain functions and need special care. Consulting with a vet who knows a lot about neurology is critical. They can figure out why the shaking is happening. Then, they can create a plan to treat it.¹

When To Worry About a Dog Shaking His Head

If your dog keeps shaking his head and it lasts more than a day, see a vet. This could mean there’s a health issue needing attention. Quick action is needed to stop any serious problems.

Dogs shake their heads for several reasons. These include¹ear infections,¹allergies, stuff stuck in their ears, and⁸balance troubles. These issues can make your dog uncomfortable or even sick. Figuring out why your dog is shaking its head helps the vet fix the problem.

How Vets Diagnose a Dog Shaking His Head

Vets use many methods to find out why a dog shakes his head. They look for things that bother the dog’s ears. It’s important to check well to know what’s wrong and how to treat it.

First, the vet does a physical check-up. They look at the dog’s overall health and check the ears for redness or swelling. By feeling the dog’s head and neck, the vet checks for anything unusual. This check-up gives a good start to know what’s next.

Using an otoscope is a main way vets look closer. This tool lets them see inside the ear. It shows if there’s something irritating the ear, like dirt or a foreign object. The otoscope helps spot signs like redness or swelling.

Before looking deeper, the vet might clean the dog’s ears. This removes wax or dirt. Cleaning helps the vet see better and make the right diagnosis.

Sometimes, a swab test is done to check for germs or yeast. The vet looks at the sample under a microscope. This shows if an infection is why the dog shakes his head. Detecting the bug causing the trouble is key to treating it right.¹

If allergies might be the problem, the vet could suggest different tests. They might try different foods or test for allergies. This way, they can find out if allergies make the dog shake his head.⁷

Summary:

Figuring out why dogs shake their heads includes checking them, using an otoscope, and maybe swabbing the ear. Vets look carefully at the dog’s ears and use tests to find the problem. Then, they can pick the best way to help the dog.

Conclusion

Dogs shake their head for many reasons. These can be from normal habits to health concerns. It’s vital for owners to watch how often and strongly their dog shakes its head. Light shaking now and then might be okay. But if shaking is hard or keeps happening, it might mean there’s a health issue. When you see your dog shake their head a lot, or if they seem hurt or itchy, talk to a vet. Getting help early can stop worse problems and keep your dog healthy.¹⁹

Ears infections, allergies, or something stuck in their ear can make dogs shake their heads. There are also brain disorders and other sicknesses that can cause it. Remember, head tremors happen without the dog wanting to do it. But head shaking is something they choose to do.¹⁹ If your dog doesn’t stop shaking their head within a day, you should see a vet. This might mean there’s a bigger health problem that needs treating.¹ A vet might look inside the dog’s ears with a special tool. They might also clean the ears or do other tests to find out why the dog is shaking its head.¹

Some dogs shake their heads because of idiopathic head tremor syndrome (IHTS) or the canine distemper virus.⁹¹⁰ IHTS makes muscles move on their own. It’s more common in breeds like Boxers and Bulldogs.⁹ The canine distemper virus is serious and affects breathing, digestion, and the nervous system. It can cause head shaking and other signs.¹⁰ If you think your dog has a neurological problem, it’s key to get a vet’s advice for the right treatment plan.¹⁰

Seeing your dog shake their head too much means you should keep an eye on them. And get a vet to check them if it keeps happening. Knowing what causes this and getting the right treatment fast can tackle any health issue. This helps your dog stay happy and healthy.¹⁹¹⁰

Source Links

1. https://www.petmd.com/dog/symptoms/dog-shaking-head
2. https://www.vetmedutah.com/post/head-shaking-in-dogs
3. https://grayanimalhospitalinc.com/dog-head-shaking/
4. https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-behavior/why-do-dogs-shake-their-heads
5. https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/yeast-infection-in-dogs-causes-treatment-and-prevention
6. https://bettervet.com/resources/pet-conditions/dog-ear-yeast-infections
7. https://bettervet.com/resources/pet-symptoms/dog-head-shaking
8. https://thevets.com/blog/dog-keeps-shaking-head/
9. https://toegrips.com/dog-head-tremors/
10. https://sevneurology.com/blog/dog-head-shaking