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.
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.
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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