Dog Shaking Head | Reasons To Know & When To Worry

Have you ever noticed your dog shaking its head and wondered what was happening?

There are a few different reasons dogs shake their heads.

So if your furry friend has been shaking its head lately, read on to find out more!

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons for head shaking in dogs and offer advice on what to do about it.

Reasons For Dog’s Head Shaking

white brown dog shaking head

First of all, you need to know why dogs shake their heads.

Dogs do it when they have something in their ears that shouldn’t be there, head shaking in dogs is perfectly normal behavior.

Anyone hit by a dog’s flailing ear can tell you that a vigorous shake can make a lot of force.

When a dog’s ears itch or bothers them, it’s natural for them to shake their heads.

This can help if the dog has water, grass, or an insect in his ear.

But if a dog does persistent head shaking, also known as excessive head shaking, the irritation is still there and needs to be fixed.

To Dislodge Something That’s Bothering Them – Like An Itchy Skin

When cleaning off a pesky itch, few animals make head shaking as typical of practice as the beloved canine.

It’s easy to recognize head shaking in our four-legged friends, with pets contorting their heads and body to dislodge whatever irritant is giving them trouble.

Next time you notice your pup frantically shaking its head, rest assured that its head shake serves an essential purpose: trying to make that itch just a bit more bearable!

It could also be something more serious, like ear mite infestations or ear mites.

It’s best to talk to your vet to see if there’s something in the dog’s ear.

To Dry Their Ears After Swimming Or Taking A Bath

shite brown dog shaking his head in front of water

Dog’s head shaking is a familiar gesture to dry the ears after swimming or a bath, is known to have multiple effects.

For example, head shaking, as we do it, often helps get rid of extra water droplets by bouncing them out.

On the flip side, head shaking can irritate the inner parts of the ears with too much force and cause damage, such as hearing impairment.

Therefore, head shaking should be done thoughtfully and carefully with just enough head tilt and shake to stay safe.

It Could Be A Sign Of An Ear Infection

One sign of ear infections in dogs is the shaking behavior.

If you’ve noticed a lot of head movement in your pup, it could indicate discomfort or pain resulting from disease.

A bacterial infection may also accompany other signs, like head tilting and scratching at the ears or head.

To determine if these symptoms are ear infection caused, bringing your pup to the vet is the best option.

They can then assess your pup’s condition and create a treatment plan that fits their needs.

Serious Health Problems Are Linked To Head Shaking

black white photo of a dog shaking his head

Dogs may also shake their heads too much if they have inflammatory diseases, foreign objects stuck in their ears, or neurological disorders that cause head tremors (sometimes easily confused with head shaking).

If your dog keeps getting ear infections, your vet will need to find out what’s causing them.

There may be a problem with the way the body is built, an underactive thyroid, allergies, or something else.

It’s essential for a dog’s long-term health to figure out why their head is shaking, as it could be a sign of a serious problem.

It’s also important because a dog’s ear flap can get damaged if it shakes its head too hard or for too long.

Aural hematomas that come from this often need surgery to fix, which is why we should try to stop people from shaking their heads too much instead of just treating it when it happens.

In conclusion, there are many reasons for head shaking in dogs, and some of them may require medical attention.

If you notice your dog shaking their head excessively or displaying other signs of pain or discomfort, it’s best to take them to the vet for a checkup.

In addition, cleaning your pup’s ears with a specifically formulated solution can help keep their ear canals healthy and free of impurities.

By taking these simple steps, you can ensure that your pup is healthy and happy!

Clean Your Dogs Ears

dog standing on grass shaking his head

Keeping your dog’s ears clean is an integral part of their overall health and can help to prevent ear infections or other related conditions.

Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be a daunting prospect—you can quickly and effectively keep their ears in tip-top shape with readily available solutions made specifically for cleaning dogs’ ears.

These solutions are designed to gently break down wax, dirt, and other impurities in the ear canal and help improve any discomfort your pup may feel.

To use the solution correctly, fill the ear canal with enough so that when you lightly massage the outside of the ear, it saturates all areas inside the ear.

Be sure to dry their ears thoroughly afterward with a cotton ball or cloth.

That will go a long way toward keeping your pup healthy and looking good!

What To Do If Your Dog Is Shaking Its Head

beagle dog shaking his head

As written above, dogs can shake their heads because it is a sign of a health problem.

If your dog has been shaking its head more than usual, it’s time to take them for a checkup.

You should also take them to the vet to get checked out and ensure there’s no underlying health issue causing excessive head shaking.

It’s important for your vet to figure out quickly why your dog’s head is shaking so that the problem can be treated before it gets worse.

Additionally, the vet can advise you on what might be causing the shaking and how you can help reduce it.

This kind of visit is essential in maintaining your beloved dog’s health and getting them back to their usual selves.

Before You Go…

Now you know more about dog shaking head.

If you want to learn more, read the following articles too!

Dimitra Kokologianni, DVM
Dimitra holds a Masters’s degree in public health and a Bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine. She is a versatile professional with over 7 years of experience. Her passion for animal welfare and preventive medicine makes her an excellent resource for our readers.