Head Shaking in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, and When to See a Vet

Is your dog’s constant head shaking just a funny quirk or is it something more? In many cases, constant head shaking in dogs is a sign of an ear problem, including infection, mites, allergies, and foreign bodies. It’s important to see a vet to get a proper diagnosis and treatment to avoid issues like ear damage and aural hematomas. Treatment can range from medication to ear cleaning.

This article will review a number of veterinary studies and research articles to give you an in-depth look at dog ear health, including the most common reasons dogs shake their heads. It will also cover the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of ear problems.

Finally, the article will discuss the importance of regular ear maintenance and how diet can impact ear health. By the end of this article, you’ll have the information you need to better understand your dog’s symptoms and get them the help they need.

What Causes Your Dog to Shake Its Head?

When dogs shake their heads, it often indicates that they are experiencing discomfort in their ears. Ear infections are the most common cause of head shaking in dogs, and they are often accompanied by other symptoms, such as redness, swelling, and a bad smell, according to VetMed Utah. Ear infections need to be treated by a vet, especially since they can cause hearing loss if they are left untreated.

Other common causes of head shaking include ear mites, which can cause a dark discharge and lead to more head scratching, and allergies, which can cause itchy skin and watery eyes. In both cases, head shaking is the dog’s way of trying to relieve their discomfort.

In addition, foreign objects in the ear, such as grass seeds, can cause head shaking and should be removed by a vet as soon as possible, according to VetWest Veterinary Clinics.

If water is left in the ear canal after a bath or swim, it can lead to bacterial infections, so it’s important to use ear drying agents to prevent this from happening.

Behavioral issues, such as stress and anxiety, can also cause head shaking, but in these cases, the head shaking is usually less frequent and less severe. If medical causes have been ruled out, dog owners should consult a behaviorist. It’s also important to note that if head shaking is left untreated, it can lead to aural hematomas, which are painful and require surgery.

To prevent these more serious issues, it’s important to catch the underlying cause of head shaking early. By learning about the most common causes of head shaking and the symptoms that accompany them, dog owners can be more proactive in protecting their pets’ ear health.

How to Tell If Your Dog Has an Ear Infection

If your dog is exhibiting signs of ear pain, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of an ear infection. These signs can include shaking their head, scratching at the affected ear, a bad smell, redness and swelling of the ear canal, and a dark discharge. According to the American Kennel Club, other signs of an ear infection can include pain, itching, and crusting or scabs in the ears.

Veterinarians can diagnose an ear infection through an otoscopic exam, which will allow them to look at the ear canal and eardrum, and cytology, which will allow them to look at the cells in the ear discharge under a microscope.

According to VCA Animal Hospitals, there are three types of ear infections: otitis externa, media, and interna, which affect the outer, middle, and inner ear, respectively. Otitis externa is the most common and it usually affects the outer ear canal.

It’s important to see a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis because ear infections can cause serious complications if they’re left untreated, including facial paralysis, vestibular issues, and even deafness, especially in cases of otitis media and interna.

According to PetMD, you should never try to treat an ear infection at home, especially if the eardrum is ruptured, because you could make the problem worse or cause more damage. Getting a proper diagnosis and treatment is important for managing ear infections and preventing them from coming back.

How to Take Care of Your Dog’s Ears

Keeping your dog’s ears clean and healthy is important to avoid ear infections that may lead to head shaking. According to WebMD, how often you clean your dog’s ears will depend on a variety of factors including your dog’s breed, hair type, activity level, and age. However, in general, you should clean your dog’s ears at least once a month, and more often if your dog is a swimmer.

VCA Animal Hospitals suggests using a high-quality, vet-approved ear cleaner and never using cotton swabs, which can damage the ear canal. To clean your dog’s ears, use the ear flap as a funnel and gently apply the cleaner, massaging the base of the ear to help loosen any debris. After applying the cleaner, let your dog shake its head and then wipe away any excess.

Regular, gentle restraint can help keep your dog calm during the cleaning process.

Knowing when not to clean your dog’s ears is just as important as knowing when to clean them. According to Purina, you should not clean your dog’s ears if you suspect an infection or if you notice any signs of sensitivity, redness, or discharge. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately.

By combining proper ear care with regular visits to the vet, you can help ensure that your dog’s ears are healthy, that they don’t experience any discomfort from ear issues, and that they are in good overall health.

Diet and Canine Ear Health

What your dog eats can have an impact on more than just their hunger—it can also have an impact on their ear health. A study published in PMC by Fulvio Laus found that a diet that was specifically formulated with nutraceuticals, which are high in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helped to significantly reduce the clinical signs of chronic otitis externa in dogs.

These diets, which contain things like fish proteins, zinc, and a balanced omega fatty acid profile, help to control inflammation and support the immune system.

Building on the idea of nutrition, Research published in PMC by Sarah Rosendahl found that early dietary choices are important. Puppies that were fed a non-processed, meat-based diet had a lower risk of developing otitis later in life than those that were fed a highly processed diet.

This means that the diet during critical growth periods can have long-term impacts on a dog’s ear health, potentially lowering the risk of ear infections later in life.

These studies show that nutrition plays a big role in a dog’s ear health and overall health. While these studies are helpful, it’s important to note that personalized dietary advice from a veterinarian is important to ensure that individual needs and health concerns, especially those related to ear health, are being met.

Spotting the Signs: When to Take Your Dog to the Vet

It’s important to pay attention to your dog’s behavior, especially when it comes to head shaking. VetWest Veterinary Clinics notes that you should take your dog to the vet immediately if they are shaking their head frequently, if there is a bad smell, if there is any discharge, or if the ear flap is red and swollen.

These are all signs of ear infections, aural hematomas, or foreign bodies in the ear, all of which can lead to more serious health problems if they are not treated.

MedVet explains that if you don’t get your dog treated for ear issues, they can experience chronic pain, hearing loss, and even neurological damage. That’s why it’s important to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible and to make sure that you follow through with their treatment and any recommended follow-up appointments to make sure that they heal and to prevent any future issues.

If your dog is showing signs of an ear issue, make sure that you find a vet or specialist that you trust. When looking for a vet, make sure that they have experience in diagnosing and treating ear issues, and don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations or to check with MedVet to see if they can recommend a specialist.

With the right care, most ear issues in dogs can be treated, which will help your dog get back to their normal, happy, healthy self.

Final Thoughts on Understanding Dog Head Shaking

While head shaking can be a normal behavior, it can also be a sign of an underlying issue, such as an ear infection, ear mites, allergies, or a foreign object. The most important thing to remember is that you need to be able to tell the difference between normal head shaking and a sign that something is wrong.

This article has highlighted the importance of regular ear care and a healthy diet in preventing ear infections. It has also shown how veterinarians can help diagnose and treat ear problems before they become more serious. With regular care and the help of a vet, you can help your dog live a better life.

For dog owners, understanding and responding to head shaking in dogs is about more than just being observant, it’s about being dedicated to your dog’s health and happiness. It’s also important to remember that early intervention and proper care are the best ways to prevent a simple head shake from turning into a more serious issue. With the right care, you and your dog can enjoy many head-shake-free years together.