Why Does My Dog Keep Shaking His Head and How to Help

Olivia Bornemeier, MBA

Olivia Bornemeier, MBA

Content Marketing Specialist
Why Does My Dog Keep Shaking His Head and How to Help

Have you noticed your dog frequently shaking their head? While occasional head shakes are normal (and often harmless), frequent or intense shaking can be a sign of an underlying issue.

Understanding the answer to the question, “Why does my dog keep shaking his head?” is key to ensuring your furry friend's ears stay healthy. In this article, we'll explore why dogs shake their heads, the difference between tremors and shaking, and steps you can take to help.

Reasons dog shake their heads

dog shaking out ears after swimming

If you notice your dog's head shaking early in the morning, don't fret! It's perfectly normal behavior for dogs to shake their heads when they wake up from a long snooze.

However, dogs may shake their heads as a natural response to irritation, discomfort, or a foreign substance in their ears. Below are some common causes of head shaking.

Foreign objects in the ear canal

Dogs typically love to explore the outdoors, especially in tall grass and wooded areas. Sniffing, playing, and rolling around can lead to objects like grass seeds, dirt, or small insects getting stuck in their ears.

If you notice sudden, intense head shaking after a walk or outdoor play session, there may be some dirt or an insect in your dog's ear flap. Left untreated, foreign objects can irritate the ear and lead to more severe issues like:

  • Pain
  • Infections
  • Eardrum damage
  • Aural hematoma

Ear infections

One of the most common reasons for dogs shaking their head is ear infections. These infections, often caused by bacteria or yeast, can make your dog’s ears itchy, painful, and inflamed. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, a foul odor, or discharge from the ears.

Dogs with floppy ears, like Cocker Spaniels or Basset Hounds, are especially prone to infections because their ear anatomy traps moisture and debris.

Ear mite infestations

Ear mites are tiny parasites that live in the ear canal and feed on earwax and oils. These pests can cause intense itching, leading to persistent head shaking.

Ear mite infestations are more common in puppies or dogs that spend lots of time around other animals, like in shelters or kennels. If you notice dark, coffee-ground-like debris in your dog’s ears, ear mites might be the culprit.

Itchiness from allergies

Environmental allergens like pollen, mold, and dust can irritate your dog’s skin and ears. These allergens can lead to excessive head shaking in an attempt to find relief.

Food allergies can also contribute to ear problems with itchiness, inflamed ears, and other similar symptoms as a result.

Water in the ears

If your dog enjoys swimming or bathing, water trapped in their ears might cause discomfort. Moisture creates an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast, increasing the risk of infections.

Inflammatory diseases

Some dogs suffer from chronic inflammatory conditions, such as otitis externa (inflammation of the outer ear) or otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear). These conditions can cause ongoing irritation, discomfort, and head shaking.

Neurological disorders

Though less common, neurological conditions can lead to involuntary head movements or shaking. Disorders like vestibular disease, which affects balance and coordination, may cause head tilting, circling, or other unusual behaviors alongside head shaking.

If your dog exhibits additional symptoms beyond shaking their head like loss of balance or difficulty walking, seek immediate veterinary care.

What's the difference between head tremors and shaking

dog head tremor

If your dog's head shaking is becoming more frequent, you may wonder if simply irritated ears or allergies are an accurate diagnosis. It’s important to distinguish between head shaking (which is often voluntary), and tremors (which are involuntary).

Tremors are rhythmic, back-and-forth movements that may look like your dog is nodding “yes” or “no.” They can be caused by neurological issues, toxins, or certain medical conditions like idiopathic head tremors.

Shaking their head, on the other hand, is typically a reaction to irritation or discomfort in the ears. Understanding this difference can help you better identify the root cause of your dog’s behavior and take appropriate action.

How to stop my dog's head shaking

petfriendly beefy bites

If your dog is shaking their head frequently, it’s essential to address the underlying cause. Here are some steps to help.

1. Inspect Their Ears

Start by gently examining your dog’s ears for signs of redness, swelling, discharge, or a foul odor. If you notice a foreign object, avoid trying to remove it yourself — you could push it further into the ear. Instead, consult a veterinarian.

2. Use ear wipes

Routine ear cleaning can help prevent head shaking caused by infections and debris. Use a vet-approved ear-cleaning solution and follow your veterinarian’s instructions for safe cleaning. Avoid using cotton swabs, as they can damage the ear or push debris deeper.

To keep your dog's ear flap clean and free of recurrent ear infections, use ear wipes or a damp washcloth to clean their ears daily. Drying your dog’s ears thoroughly after water activities is another simple way to prevent ear irritation.

3. Address Allergies

If your dog has seasonal or year-round allergies, managing their exposure to allergens and working with your vet can help. This may involve dietary changes, allergy testing, or medications like antihistamines or corticosteroids.

Regular grooming and bathing with hypoallergenic shampoos can also help reduce allergen buildup on your dog’s skin and coat.

4. Consult Your Veterinarian

If you suspect an ear infection, ear mites, tremors, or allergies, schedule a vet visit. Your veterinarian can perform a thorough examination, diagnose the issue, and recommend appropriate treatments, such as antibiotics, antifungal medications, or anti-inflammatory drugs.

For dogs with chronic inflammatory diseases or neurological disorders, consistent treatment and monitoring are essential. Work closely with your veterinarian to manage symptoms and maintain your dog’s quality of life.

By understanding the reasons behind head shaking and taking proactive steps to address potential problems, you can help keep your dog comfortable and healthy. Always consult your veterinarian for guidance, as they can provide tailored advice and treatments based on your dog’s unique needs.