Dog Shaking Head? Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Why Does My Dog Keep Shaking His Head?

If your dog is repeatedly shaking his head, the most likely cause is irritation or discomfort in their ear canal. This can be caused by a variety of issues including water build-up, ear infections, or foreign objects. A visual exam is the first step to determining the proper course of action. Delaying treatment can lead to worsening infections and long-term complications.

The most common causes we’ll explore are ear infections (bacterial and yeast), the presence of foreign bodies, allergies, ear mites, and even something as simple as water trapped in the ear canal after a bath or swim. We’ll delve into each of these, examining their symptoms, potential treatments, and preventative measures.

Understanding the Why: Common Causes of Head Shaking in Dogs

The reasons behind your dog’s head-shaking behavior can be diverse. It’s important to identify the root cause to provide the right relief. Here’s a breakdown of the most frequent culprits:

1. Ear Infections: The Most Common Offender

Ear infections are, by far, the most prevalent reason for a dog’s persistent head shaking. These infections can be caused by bacteria, yeast (Malassezia is a common type), or a combination of both. Dogs with floppy ears, like Cocker Spaniels or Basset Hounds, are particularly susceptible because their ear canals don’t get as much ventilation, creating a moist environment perfect for microbial growth.

Symptoms:

• Frequent head shaking and/or tilting.
• Scratching at the ears.
• Redness and inflammation of the ear canal.
• Discharge (can be yellow, brown, or black) with a foul odor.
• Pain or sensitivity when touching the ears.

Treatment:

Diagnosis usually involves a visit to the vet, where they’ll examine the ear canal and take a sample of the discharge to identify the specific type of infection. Treatment typically involves:

• Cleaning the ears: Removing debris and discharge. Never use cotton swabs deep in the ear canal – you could push debris further in. Vets often use a specialized ear cleaning solution.
• Medication: Antibiotic or antifungal ear drops prescribed by your vet, depending on the infection. Oral medications may be necessary in severe cases.
• Pain Relief: Veterinarians sometimes prescribe pain relievers to alleviate discomfort during treatment.

Prevention:

• Regularly clean your dog’s ears with a vet-approved ear cleaner, especially after swimming or bathing.
• Dry their ears thoroughly after getting wet.
• If your dog is prone to ear infections, consider dietary changes or allergy testing, as allergies can contribute to ear problems.

2. Foreign Objects: An Unwelcome Guest

Sometimes, a foreign object, like a grass seed, a small twig, or a foxtail (a particularly nasty barbed seed), can get lodged in your dog’s ear canal. These can cause intense irritation and pain, leading to frantic head shaking.

Symptoms:

• Sudden onset of head shaking.
• Pawing at the ear.
• Whining or yelping when the ear is touched.
• Head tilt.
• Possible discharge (if the object has been there for a while, causing inflammation).

Treatment:

A vet needs to remove the foreign object carefully. Never try to remove it yourself, as you could push it further in or damage the ear.

Prevention:

• Check your dog’s ears regularly, especially after walks in grassy or wooded areas.
• Be particularly vigilant during seasons when plants are seeding.
• Consider trimming the hair around your dog’s ears to help prevent objects from getting trapped.

3. Allergies: A Sneaky Cause

Allergies, both food and environmental (pollen, dust mites, mold), can trigger inflammation in the ear canals, leading to head shaking and secondary ear infections.

Symptoms:

• Chronic ear infections (recurring).
• Itchy skin, especially around the face, paws, and ears.
• Head shaking and scratching.
• Redness and inflammation of the ears.
• Possible skin rashes.

Treatment:

• Allergy testing: To identify specific allergens.
• Dietary changes: If food allergies are suspected, your vet might recommend a hypoallergenic diet trial.
• Medication: Antihistamines, corticosteroids, or immunotherapy (allergy shots) can help manage allergy symptoms.
• Regular ear cleaning: To prevent secondary ear infections.

Prevention:

• Manage your dog’s allergies with your vet’s guidance.
• Avoid known allergens, if possible.
• Feed a high-quality diet to support a healthy immune system.

4. Ear Mites: Tiny, Itchy Invaders

Ear mites are tiny parasites that live in the ear canal and feed on skin debris and blood. They are highly contagious, especially among puppies and dogs from shelters or boarding facilities.

Symptoms:

• Intense itching and scratching of the ears.
• Head shaking.
• Dark, crumbly discharge that resembles coffee grounds.
• Inflammation and redness of the ear canal.

Treatment:

• Veterinarian-prescribed ear mite medication.
• Thorough cleaning of the ears to remove mites and debris.
• Treatment for all pets in the household, as ear mites are highly contagious.

Prevention:

• Regularly check your dog’s ears for signs of mites.
• Avoid contact with dogs known to have ear mites.
• Use preventative flea and tick products, as some also treat ear mites.

5. Water in the Ear: A Temporary Annoyance

After swimming, bathing, or even playing in the rain, water can get trapped in your dog’s ear canal. This can be irritating and lead to temporary head shaking as they try to dislodge the water.

Symptoms:

• Head shaking immediately after exposure to water.
• Possible scratching at the ear.
• Usually resolves within a few hours.

Treatment:

• Gently dry the outer ear with a soft towel.
• You can use a vet-approved ear drying solution to help evaporate the water.

Prevention:

• Dry your dog’s ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing.
• Use cotton balls (placed loosely in the ear canal, making sure your dog can’t remove them and swallow them) to prevent water from entering the ears during baths.

Cost considerations

My Experience & Quick Fix

When Buster started shaking his head, the first thing I did was visually inspect his ears. I noticed some slight redness and a bit of dark-colored wax, but nothing dramatic. Given his recent swim in the lake, I suspected water was the issue.

My Quick Fix: I used a soft, clean towel to gently dry the outside of his ears. Then, I used an ear-drying solution (I always keep a bottle on hand) that my vet had recommended in the past. I put a few drops in each ear, massaged gently, and let him shake his head to dislodge any excess fluid. Within an hour, the head shaking had stopped. However, the next day it started up again, so I went to the Vet who diagnosed early stage yeast infection and prescribed medication. We caught it early, which saved a lot of problems and money!

This experience reinforced the importance of regular ear checks and prompt action. Now I check Buster’s ears after every swim, and I’m more diligent about cleaning them regularly.

When to See a Vet: Don’t Delay!

While some cases of head shaking can be resolved with simple home care, it’s crucial to recognize when professional veterinary attention is needed. Schedule a vet visit if you observe any of the following:

• Persistent head shaking for more than 24 hours.
• Any signs of pain or discomfort when touching the ears.
• Discharge from the ear (especially if it’s discolored or has an odor).
• Redness, swelling, or inflammation of the ear canal.
• Loss of balance or coordination.
• Changes in hearing.
• If home treatment doesn’t improve the condition within a day or two.

Ignoring these signs can lead to chronic ear infections, hearing loss, or even more serious complications.

Conclusion: A Proactive Approach to Ear Health

Head shaking in dogs is a common problem, but understanding the potential causes and taking a proactive approach to ear health can make a big difference. Regular ear checks, proper cleaning, and prompt veterinary attention when needed are key to keeping your furry friend comfortable and happy. By being observant and responsive to your dog’s behavior, you can prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems. Remember, early detection and treatment are always the best course of action.