Yesterday, in my clinical rotation, a client with her English Cream Golden Retriever came and said that her dog is shaking its head continuously. She was very worried as her dog had never done anything like this before. However, to me, this condition is not new, as I have seen this so many times before.
So, if you are also here to learn why is my dog shaking head, keep in mind that this condition is really not Normal as it indicates issues related to the ears. What are the causes, and can it be cured at home? That’s what I am going to discuss here.
Normal vs Abnormal Head Shaking
Head shaking is a natural way for dogs to relieve irritation, shake off water, or clear something from their ears. But the normal head shaking is brief and infrequent. If your dog is shaking its head repeatedly throughout the day or seems obsessed with scratching or pawing at its ears, it is likely something more than just a minor annoyance.
Signs that head shaking may indicate a problem include:
- Persistent or violent shaking
- Redness, swelling, or discharge in the ears
- Unusual odor from the ears
- Sensitivity or pain when touching the head
- Tilting the head to one side
- Loss of balance
Why Is My Dog Shaking Its Head?
Head shaking in dogs usually indicates issues related to the ears, whether it is an infection or environmental elements.
The common causes of a dog shaking its head are:
- Ear infection
- Ear mites
- Foreign bodies in the ear
- Allergies
- Ear hematoma
- Water in the ear
1. Ear Infections (Otitis Externa)
One of the most common causes of head shaking in dogs is an ear infection, especially in breeds with floppy ears like Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, and Basset Hounds. Moisture, bacteria, and yeast can accumulate inside the ear canal, which will lead to infection.
Symptoms
- Red and inflamed ear canal
- Foul smelling discharge
- Crusting or scabbing inside the ear
- Pain when the ears are touched
Treatment
Ear infections need veterinary diagnosis and treatment, usually involving ear cleaning, antibiotic/antifungal drops, and possibly oral medications.
2. Ear Mites
Ear mites are tiny parasites that cause intense irritation in the ear canal, especially in puppies or dogs with compromised immune systems.
Symptoms
- Constant head shaking
- Black or dark brown debris in the ears (resembles coffee grounds)
- Severe itching and scratching
Treatment
Mites are not treatable with over the counter drops. A vet can prescribe anti-parasitic medication to clear the infestation quickly and safely.
3. Foreign Bodies (Grass Seeds, Foxtails, etc.)
Outdoor dogs, especially in grassy or weedy environments, can get foreign objects lodged in their ears. Grass awns and foxtails are notorious culprits.
Symptoms
- Sudden onset of head shaking
- Pawing at one side of the head
- Yelping or discomfort
Treatment
Do not attempt to remove anything yourself. A vet can safely examine and extract the object, often with sedation.
4. Allergies
Dogs can have environmental allergies (dust mites, pollen, mold) or food allergies (chicken, beef, grains), which often lead to chronic ear inflammation.
Symptoms
- Red, itchy ears
- Recurring ear infections
- Licking paws, scratching body
Treatment
Managing allergies may involve diet changes, antihistamines, medicated ear drops, or long-term allergy control options like Cytopoint or Apoquel.
5. Ear Hematoma
A hematoma occurs when a blood vessel in the ear flap ruptures, typically due to repeated shaking or scratching. Consequently, it results in painful swelling and causes the dog to shake its head.
Symptoms
- Swollen, soft, fluid-filled ear flap
- Dog avoids being touched near the ear
Treatment
A vet may drain the fluid or perform surgery to prevent recurrence. Hematomas often develop secondary to another issue, like an infection or allergy.
6. Water in the Ears After Bathing or Swimming
After a swim or bath, water trapped in your dog’s ears can irritate the canal and lead to head shaking. While not harmful in the short term, trapped moisture can create an ideal environment for bacterial or yeast infections.
Home Tip: Use a vet approved ear drying solution after swimming to help evaporate excess moisture.
Home Remedies For Dog Shaking Head
If your dog’s head shaking just started and is not accompanied by pain, swelling, or discharge, you can try a few simple home care steps:
- Ear Cleaning (Only If the Eardrum Is Intact): Use a vet-recommended ear cleanser (not hydrogen peroxide or alcohol) to gently clean the ears. Lift the ear flap, squirt the solution, massage the base for 30 seconds, and let your dog shake it out. Wipe the outer ear gently with cotton.
- Check for Allergens: If you suspect allergies, wipe your dog’s paws and ears with a damp cloth after walks, and discuss a hypoallergenic diet with your vet.
- Keep Ears Dry: After bathing or swimming, dry your dog’s ears thoroughly and avoid getting water deep inside the canal. Ear wipes and drying solutions can help.
When Should You See a Veterinarian to Treat Dog Shaking Its Head?
Even after trying the remedies at home, your dog may still continue shaking its head. And, persistent head shaking is rarely something that resolves on its own. So, you need to book a call with a veterinarian when:
- Shaking lasts more than a day
- Ear is red, swollen, or has a foul smell
- There’s visible discharge or scabs
- Your dog seems in pain or is yelping when touched
- You suspect something is stuck inside the ear
- Signs of balance issues, head tilt, or walking in circles
Maybe symptoms seem mild, but delayed treatment can lead to complications such as chronic infections, ruptured eardrums, or hearing loss.
Dogs Breeds Which Are More Prone to Ear Problems
Some dogs are naturally more prone to ear issues and frequent head shaking due to their anatomy or lifestyle. Generally, these include:
- Floppy eared breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Spaniels, and Basset Hounds
- Hairy eared breeds like Poodles, Shih Tzus
- Active swimmers (Golden Retrievers, Labradors
For these dogs, routine ear checks and cleaning are essential to prevent long-term issues.
Let’s Rewind
Head shaking in dogs might seem like a small issue, but it is often a sign of discomfort or even pain.
Whether it is an infection, allergy, or foreign object, identifying the root cause early can spare your dog a lot of suffering. Also, it will save you from more complex (and expensive) treatments later.
If your dog is shaking its head frequently, don’t ignore it. Observe closely, take note of any other symptoms, and consult your veterinarian for the right treatment plan.
Your dog’s ears may be sensitive, but with a little attention and care, you can keep them clean, healthy, and pain-free.