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Head shaking is a natural reaction for dogs. They commonly do it if they have itchy ears or something in them. You might see dogs shaking their head when they have been in water because it will get rid of the water and clear the ear. However, it might also be caused by ear mites or other parasites, an infection of some sort, or even because of a neurological disorder, but that is rare and a worst-case scenario.
To determine the cause of your dog shaking their head, consider the context and the frequency of the shaking. If it continues or you see any other signs of possible health problems, speak to a vet so they can advise you of the most likely cause and the best treatment. Below, we’ll discuss eight possible causes of a dog’s head shaking and the best course of action for each.
The 8 Reasons Why Dogs Shake Their Head
1. Trapped Water
Like us dogs may get some water trapped in the ear canals after swimming or baths which can cause them to shake their heads. Dogs have “L” shaped ear canals and some breeds have ear flaps that flop over the canals, both factors can make it a bit more difficult for the water to come out.
When bathing your dog, wash from the face downward rather than spray every bit of them with the shower head. Typically, a small amount of trapped water will go away on its own, but if it doesn’t and your dog continues to shake their head, contact your vet for advice. You may need an ear cleaning solution with a drying agent to help.
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2. Foreign Objects
It isn’t just water that can get trapped in the ear. If your dog likes running around in the long grass or jumping in mud, grass seeds and even dirt could get stuck in the ear canal.
Grass seeds trapped in the ear canal can cause intense irritation and frequent head shaking. They can also lead to other complications like ear infections which will add to the discomfort. Check around your dog’s ears carefully after a walk to remove anything stuck in the fur. If your dog continues to shake their head they will need a vet consultation so that their ear canal can be examined with an otoscope.
3. Ear Infection
Ear infections are probably the most common cause of head shaking and are typically caused by bacteria or yeasts. If you can see redness and swelling inside your dog’s ear, or an abnormal discharge and smell, these are other indications that they may have an ear infection.
Ear infections need appropriate treatment, which might be as simple as a course of medicated ear drops, but you will need to take your pup to the vet to be checked out. The vet will also be able to determine the most likely underlying cause of the ear infection, which can be secondary to many of the other issues on this list.
4. Allergies
Allergic skin disease is a common cause of itchy skin and ears in dogs. Most dog allergies are environmental, but they can also include food allergies. Speak to your vet to help identify the likely allergen and treat the reaction.
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5. Growths
Benign and malignant ear canal tumors will also cause irritation and head shaking. Other signs may include increased ear discharge, scratching and sometimes neurological signs like a loss of balance and incoordination if the middle or inner ear is affected.
6. Parasites
Ear mites are the most common parasite to cause itchy ears. They can also lead to a buildup of earwax and ear infections. Ear mites are most common in puppies but can affect dogs of any age. Your vet will need to give your dog a treatment to kill ear mites, they are also likely to need an ear cleaner and sometimes medicated ear drops to help settle the inflammation and treat any secondary infections.
Fleas are another common skin parasite that can cause itching and scratching. They more commonly affect the back and base of the tail, belly and groin but may cause head shaking if the dog has been bitten around the head.
A vet will be able to advise you on the best course of action to ensure the well-being of your pet.
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7. Ear Injury or trauma
Any wounds or trauma to the ear will cause pain and discomfort which can cause a dog to shake their head. Carefully check around your dog’s head and ears and get any wounds or swellings checked out by your vet.
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8. Neurological Disorders
Neurological disorders can cause head tremors, which can look like head shaking, although they are different. A head tremor is a movement your dog can’t control and is usually caused by a neurological disorder or inner ear disease. If you suspect your dog has a neurological disorder, you need to have them checked by a vet immediately.
Should I Take Them To The Vet?
Head shaking is a natural reaction. It is usually to relieve an irritation or discomfort. The occasional shaking of the head is normal, but it can be concerning if it is repeated or continuous.
If your dog is frequently shaking their head or is showing other signs such as red, swollen ears or an increase in ear discharge then visit a vet as soon as possible. They will examine inside the ear using an otoscope, and may take samples or run other tests to help identify the cause.
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Do Dogs Shake Their Head When Stressed?
Stressed dogs can exhibit some seemingly odd physical habits. Stress yawning is common, and it isn’t unusual for stressed dogs to yawn and shake at the same time.
Conclusion
Head shaking is a natural reaction for dogs and is typically done to try and get rid of discomfort or irritation. Common causes of excessive head shaking include ear mites, ear infections and foreign bodies stuck in the ear canal, but more severe problems include some forms of cancer.
Neurological disorders can cause tremors of the head that can look similar to head shaking. If you are worried, always consult with your vet as soon as possible. They will advise you on the best course of action and how to identify the most likely cause of the problem.
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