Why Is My Dog Shaking Its Head If Its Ears Are Clean? Common Causes Explored

If your dog is shaking its head but its ears are clean, you might be wondering what's going on. While ear infections are a common cause of head shaking, there are other potential reasons to consider. Allergies, foreign objects in the ear, neurological issues, and even anxiety and compulsive disorders can lead to head shaking. Paying attention to how often your dog is shaking its head and whether there are any other symptoms can help you figure out what's going on and whether you need to take your dog to the vet.

In this article, we'll cover a range of medical and environmental reasons why your dog might be shaking its head too much. With the help of scientific research and input from veterinarians, you'll learn how to identify the cause, help your dog feel better, and know when to seek professional help for this strange behavior. Let's get into the research so you can make sure your dog is healthy and free from head shaking.

Ear Infections: A Common Reason for Head Shaking

Ear infections, also known as otitis externa, are one of the most frequent reasons for head shaking in dogs. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, symptoms can include redness, swelling, odor, discharge, and constant scratching or rubbing of the ears due to irritation. These infections can be caused by bacteria or yeast, but they are often the result of allergies or other issues like hormonal imbalances.

The American Kennel Club explains that ear infections can be very painful and uncomfortable for dogs, which can lead to head shaking as they attempt to soothe themselves. It's important to get a proper diagnosis from a vet because if left untreated, ear infections can cause eardrum ruptures, hearing loss, and other issues. In some cases, especially if the infection is chronic, surgery like a lateral ear resection may be needed to open the ear canal or remove polyps and inflamed tissue.

Getting treatment early can help prevent ear infections from getting worse and causing permanent damage. With the help of a vet, medication, and treatment of any underlying causes, the irritation that's causing head shaking can be treated.

Allergies and Environmental Irritants: Head Shaking Can Be a Symptom

Dogs can experience allergies to food, pollen, or other environmental factors, and these allergies can cause itchy, irritated ears that lead to head shaking. The Veterinary Medicine University of Utah explains that allergies can cause inflammation, which can cause dogs to shake their heads. In addition to allergies, other environmental irritants such as dust, smoke, or even strong smells can cause dogs to shake their heads as they try to shake off the irritant.

In these cases, it's important to treat the allergy or irritant to stop the head shaking. PetMD explains that this may require a veterinarian's help to diagnose the allergy or irritant and then treat it with dietary changes, allergy medications, or other treatments. However, once the underlying cause is treated, dogs should find relief from the irritation that's causing them to shake their heads.

Foreign Objects and Obstructions: Surprising Reasons for Head Shaking

Foreign objects, such as grass seeds, dirt, or other debris, can become stuck in a dog's ear canal, leading to irritation, inflammation, and discomfort that causes the dog to shake its head repeatedly. The North Kenny Veterinary Hospital notes that these foreign objects can be introduced to a dog's ear through rough play with other dogs or toys, or even from swallowing small items.

Ear hematomas, or blood-filled lumps, can also form due to the excessive head shaking or trauma, making the problem even worse. The Veterinary Medicine University of Utah warns that it's important to have a vet carefully check the ear canal and remove any foreign objects to avoid pushing them further into the ear or causing additional damage.

It's important to treat the root cause of the head shaking, whether it's a foreign object or another irritant, to help the dog find relief. However, if the head shaking doesn't stop or if it's accompanied by other neurological symptoms, it could be a sign of a more serious issue that needs to be addressed by a vet.

Neurological Conditions and Compulsive Disorders

There are also some neurological conditions and compulsive disorders that can cause head shaking in dogs. Southeast Veterinary Neurology notes that idiopathic head tremors, a common, non-life-threatening condition in older dogs, can cause dogs to shake their heads involuntarily. VetNeuro Chesapeake explains that veterinary neurologists think these tremors may be caused by a problem with the cerebellum, which is responsible for coordination, or exposure to toxins, hereditary issues, or other central nervous system diseases.

Some viral infections, such as canine distemper, or congenital issues can also cause head shaking or head tilting, according to Southeast Veterinary Neurology. In addition, Vetster says that compulsive behaviors, including head shaking, can be caused by anxiety or stress in dogs.

If your dog is shaking its head a lot, it's important to have them evaluated by a vet to make sure there are no underlying medical issues and to help with any behavioral problems that may be contributing to the head shaking. Once the cause is determined, dogs can be treated and the head shaking can be resolved.

When to Take Your Dog to the Vet for Head Shaking

While some head shaking is normal, especially after a bath or a swim, if your dog is shaking their head excessively or for an extended period of time, it may be time to see a vet. The St. Louis Animal Emergency Clinic explains that head shaking accompanied by head tilting, loss of balance, and strange eye movements is a cause for concern. In addition, if your dog is showing any sudden changes in behavior, like aggression or depression, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue.

If your dog has an ear infection or another cause of head shaking, waiting too long to seek treatment can lead to chronic pain, hearing loss, or other issues. Leo's Pet Care explains that it's important to seek treatment quickly because ear infections are known to progress if they aren't treated. Regular vet visits and paying close attention to head shaking can help catch any issues before they become more serious.

If your dog's head shaking doesn't improve or if it's accompanied by other symptoms, it's important to take them to the vet for an evaluation. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you can get a diagnosis and start treating the issue. This will help ensure that your dog gets the relief they need and that they don't suffer from any long-term damage.

At-Home Care and Prevention: How to Clean Your Dog's Ears

Frequent ear cleaning can help prevent infections and reduce the need for excessive head shaking in dogs, according to Purina. The American Kennel Club recommends that pet owners use ear cleaning solutions that have been approved by veterinarians and avoid using at-home remedies like hydrogen peroxide, which can make the problem worse.

While it's okay to gently wipe the ear with a cotton ball or soft cloth, pet owners should never put anything in their dog's ear canal, as this can push debris down and cause trauma. As PetMD notes, pet owners should also be on the lookout for signs of pain or discomfort in their dogs during ear cleaning and stop if they notice any.

In addition to cleaning your dog's ears, it's important to make sure that any underlying allergies or other medical conditions are being treated. If these issues are being addressed, it's likely that your dog's head shaking will be kept to a minimum. With the help of a veterinarian and the right cleaning supplies, pet owners can ensure that their dogs' ears are healthy and pain-free.

Conclusion: How to Help Your Dog

While head shaking is a normal behavior in dogs, if it becomes excessive or chronic, it may be a sign of a problem. In these cases, it’s important to determine the cause of the head shaking so that the dog can be treated appropriately. In addition to seeking veterinary advice to ensure that the dog receives the right treatment, it’s also important to make sure that the dog’s issue is resolved.

This may involve regular ear cleaning and monitoring for signs of ear infections or other issues. By staying on top of your dog’s health and wellness, you can help ensure that they get the care they need to feel better.