Head shaking in dogs: Causes and when to get help

It is quite common to see dogs shake their heads occasionally to clear irritants or itchiness, especially because their larger ears are more exposed. This normal behaviour helps them dislodge minor discomfort such as dirt or a tickle in the ear. However, persistent or frequent head shaking can signal underlying issues that warrant attention.

Identifying When Head Shaking Becomes a Concern

Head shaking that occurs just once or twice after known irritations, like coming in from a rainy walk, is generally harmless. Yet, if your dog shakes their head repeatedly multiple times a day or shows signs of distress, discomfort, or other behaviours like pawing at their ears or rubbing their head against furniture, this is a clear sign something may be wrong. You might also observe debris, discharge, foul odour, or redness around their ears, which strongly indicates a problem that needs veterinary assessment.

Common Causes of Head Shaking in Dogs

Here are five typical causes of head shaking in dogs, each with details to help you understand what might be happening.

1. Ear Infections

The most frequent cause is an ear infection, typically bacterial or fungal. These infections cause itching, pain, and swelling inside the ear canal. Symptoms usually include ear redness, a bad smell, discharge, and your dog may also show sensitivity when the ear is touched. Untreated infections can worsen, leading to hearing loss or damage to delicate ear structures, so professional treatment using antibiotics or antifungal ear drops is essential.

2. Allergies

Allergic reactions to food, pollen, dust mites, or mould can cause itchy ears in dogs, often alongside other signs like scratching, licking paws, sneezing, or watery eyes. Allergies may be seasonal or chronic. Diagnosis often requires veterinary testing, and treatment involves managing the allergy with appropriate medications and reducing exposure to allergens.

3. Foreign Objects in the Ear

Outdoor dogs might get small foreign bodies, such as grass seeds, dirt, or tiny insects, lodged inside their ears, causing irritation and head shaking. This is especially common in breeds with large or floppy ears. Owners should avoid trying to remove objects themselves, as this can worsen damage; a vet has the right tools and expertise to safely remove foreign bodies.

4. Neurological Disorders

In some cases, involuntary or uncontrollable head shaking may arise from neurological conditions affecting the brain or nervous system. Canine distemper is one such illness, causing tremors and other neurological symptoms. These cases need urgent veterinary diagnosis and supportive care.

5. Structural or Other Medical Issues

Certain dog breeds with unusual ear shapes might tilt or shake their head to orient hearing better. Progressive deafness may also cause this behaviour as dogs try to catch sounds. Additionally, chronic ear infections can sometimes be related to underlying diseases such as hypothyroidism. Comprehensive veterinary examinations are necessary to uncover these less common causes.

What You Should Do If Your Dog Keeps Shaking Their Head

If head shaking is persistent or accompanied by other alarming signs like pawing at ears, discharge, smell, or discomfort, it is vital to visit your vet promptly. The veterinary examination usually involves an ear inspection with specialised equipment, possibly a sample for infection testing, and a broader health assessment.

Trying to treat ear problems without professional guidance can be ineffective or harmful. Prompt diagnosis and tailored treatment not only relieve your dog's distress but also prevent long-term complications such as hearing loss or chronic ear damage.

Remember, caring for your pet responsibly includes recognising signs of discomfort early and seeking veterinary advice to ensure their health and happiness.

What causes head shaking in dogs?

Quick Answer: Dogs shake their heads mainly due to ear infections, allergies, foreign objects, neurological issues, or structural ear problems.

Head shaking is often a response to irritation or discomfort in the ears. Infections cause painful inflammation, allergies trigger itchiness, while foreign bodies physically irritate the ear canal. Neurological disorders can cause involuntary shaking. Some breeds may shake their head due to ear conformation. If you notice frequent or intense shaking, vet evaluation is necessary to identify the exact cause and provide effective treatment.