Dog Shaking Head? Here’s When To Worry

Dogs often wake up their owners by shaking their heads or vigorously scratching their ears. While it might initially seem like a simple itch, these actions can sometimes signal deeper issues.

Without proper attention, dogs may experience pain, distress, or even lose their hearing. Though head shaking and ear scratching share similarities, they can have varied causes that should be explored further.

Understanding Dog Communication

Dogs have a rich world of communication that goes beyond barking. They use body language and ear positions to express what they feel or need. By observing these signals, owners can better understand and respond to their dogs’ emotions or concerns.

Body Language Basics

A dog’s posture, tail, and facial expressions reveal much about its mood. A wagging tail often signals happiness, but the speed and direction matter too. A rapidly wagging tail might mean excitement, while a slow wag can indicate caution.

Facial expressions also offer clues. A relaxed mouth and soft eyes typically show calmness. If a dog’s body seems stiff or its hair is standing up, it could feel threatened or scared. Dogs often use play bows to invite interaction, with front legs stretched forward and their rear up.

Ear Positions and What They Mean

A dog’s ears can tell you a lot about its feelings. When their ears are perked up, they are attentive and curious about what’s happening around them. Ears pinned back might show fear or submission, while ears that are relaxed usually indicate that the dog is calm.

Some breeds have naturally floppy ears, which can make ear positions harder to read. Observing other body signals can help in these cases. It’s important to consider the entire context to truly understand what a dog is communicating with its ears, especially since ear shapes differ among breeds.

Reasons Dogs Shake Their Heads

Dogs often shake their heads to remove objects from their ears. When they experience itchiness or discomfort, this action helps clear things like water, grass, or insects. If the head shaking continues, it may signal a lingering problem. In such cases, it’s best to have a vet check their ears.

Infections From Bacteria and Yeast in the Ears

A common reason for a dog to shake its head repeatedly is an infection in the ear. These infections are often itchy and can cause a lot of discharge and swelling. This discomfort makes dogs shake their heads in an effort to relieve it.

If a dog’s ear flap is lifted and redness, swelling, or discharge is noticed, it might be dealing with an infection. While ear mites might cause similar issues, yeast and bacterial infections are more frequent culprits, especially in mature dogs. It’s important to remember that infections can happen deep inside the ear, so visible signs may not always be present.

Ear Itchiness Caused by Allergies

Another reason dogs might shake their heads is due to allergies. These pets might be allergic to various elements like food ingredients or environmental factors such as pollen, mould, and dust mites.

The signs of allergies in dogs typically include Itchy skin, loss of hair, repeated ear and skin infections, scratching of the ears, shaking of the head, chewing on their feet, and rubbing their faces.

The mentioned symptoms may stem from a variety of diseases or conditions, hence, the importance of visiting the nearest veterinarian when your dogs exhibit such behaviors. Repeated occurrences of these symptoms should be addressed to prevent the disease from getting worse and leading to more complicated issues.

These allergy symptoms often make dogs feel uncomfortable, resulting in frequent head shaking.

Moisture in the Ears

Sometimes, shaking can be attributed to water entering a dog’s ears. This issue can easily be avoided by placing cotton in the dog’s ears before activities like bathing or swimming.

To prevent water from entering, avoid pouring water directly on the dog’s head during a bath. It’s better to wash their body from the neck down and gently clean their face and ears with a damp cloth. If a dog doesn’t tolerate cotton in its ears while swimming, using an ear band or cleaning the ears with a drying solution afterwards is a good solution.

Consulting a vet for recommendations can ensure using a safe product tailored to the dog’s specific needs.

Serious Conditions Tied to Dogs Shaking Their Heads

Objects Stuck in the Ear

When dogs spend time outdoors, they can gather dirt, plant material, seeds, burrs, or insects in their ears. These foreign particles lead to discomfort, often making dogs shake their heads in an effort to remove them.

Diseases Causing Inflammation

Some conditions result in inflammation and can cause head-shaking behaviour. Autoimmune issues, such as pemphigus, can make dogs itch, scratch, and shake their heads. These problems might also cause crusts, ulcers, or redness on the skin.

Diagnosing these diseases can be tricky. Vets often need to rule out other health issues or perform skin biopsies.

Nervous System Issues

Certain nervous system conditions can manifest in ways that resemble head shaking, such as tremors or head bobbing. These symptoms may mimic ordinary head shaking, making it challenging to identify the exact underlying issue. Differentiating between typical head movements and those caused by neurological problems often requires a thorough examination by a veterinarian.

Various central nervous system disorders can also lead to head shaking, including injuries to the spine or brain. These issues may be congenital, meaning present at birth, or arise from metabolic imbalances due to exposure to toxins. Accurately diagnosing the root cause is essential for providing appropriate treatment and preventing further complications.

Comparing Head Tremors and When a Dog Shakes Its Head

Head Tremors are not something the dog can control. These often suggest a neurological issue. They might come with other problems, like difficulty in moving around, tripping, or sometimes having seizures.

Head Shaking happens when the dog chooses to do it, which can show they are bothered by something like ear infections. A video of these actions can be helpful. It might be useful to talk to a veterinary neurologist for further advice and tests.

When to Be Concerned About a Dog Shaking Its Head

If a dog keeps shaking its head for more than a day, contact a vet. It could mean there is an issue that needs attention. Remember, quick action might help the pet’s comfort and health.

Identifying Emergency Symptoms

Frequent head shaking can indicate problems like ear infections or foreign objects. Look for signs such as redness, swelling, or a foul odour from the ears. If the dog cries out in pain, becomes lethargic, or experiences a loss of balance, these are emergency symptoms.

Severe itching or visible ear discharge also signals a need for prompt attention. Monitor changes in behaviour, as they often accompany physical symptoms. Early detection of these signs helps prevent complications.

Preparing for the Vet Visit

Gather important information before the vet visit. Take note of any symptoms, how long they have persisted, and any relevant changes in the dog’s routine or environment. This information aids the veterinarian in diagnosing the problem.

Ensure the dog’s vaccination and medical records are up to date and readily available. Having a list of current medications, if any, is also beneficial. Lastly, remain calm, as this has a reassuring effect on the pet during the visit.

How Vets Identify Why a Dog Keeps Shaking Its Head

Veterinarians start by checking the inside of a dog’s ears using a special tool. This helps them spot things like water, dirt, or items that shouldn’t be there. If a dog’s ear is very dirty, they might need to clean it. Sometimes, if a dog is in pain or feeling uncomfortable, sedation may be necessary to ease the cleaning process.

When an ear infection is suspected, vets usually take a sample from the ear. This sample is then examined under a microscope to see if there are bacteria or yeast present, which can cause irritation.

If food allergies might be causing the issue, a food test is conducted. This involves feeding the dog a special diet containing only one type of carbohydrate (like rice or potato) and one type of protein (such as duck or venison). This protein should be new for the dog or broken down into tiny pieces. The dog sticks to this diet for a month or two. Improvement in symptoms usually points to a food allergy.

For allergies from the environment, skin testing is often performed. Blood tests can also be used for some dogs to determine this cause. Both methods help in finding out if something in the dog’s surroundings might be causing the problem.

Treatment Options

When a dog is shaking its head, it might need some specific treatments. These could include medications, easy home remedies, or even surgical options in certain cases.

Medications

Medications can help with infections or allergies that make a dog shake its head. Antibiotics can treat bacterial infections in the ears. Antihistamines or steroids might be used for allergies. Prescribed ear drops can help clear up ear infections. Anti-inflammatory drugs reduce swelling.

A veterinarian will prescribe the right medication after checking the dog. It is important to follow their instructions for dosage and timing, which helps get the best results quickly.

Home Remedies

Some home remedies can soothe mild ear problems. Warm compresses can ease discomfort from mild inflammation. Apple cider vinegar, mixed with water, is sometimes used to clean ears. A few drops of olive oil might help with excess wax.

It’s important to ensure the dog has no eardrum injuries before trying anything. Any remedy should be discussed with a veterinarian first to avoid harm.

Surgery

Surgery might be the answer for serious issues like tumours or chronic infections. Ear canal surgery may be required to remove masses or blockages. Other surgeries might involve reshaping parts of the ear to improve airflow.

These decisions are made after careful examination by a vet. Recovery will involve follow-up visits and possibly long-term care strategies to prevent future issues.

Preventing Ear Problems

Preventing ear problems in dogs might require regular care and attention. Keeping your dog’s ears clean and ensuring they have a proper diet can help reduce the risk of issues.

Routine Ear Cleaning

Routine ear cleaning plays a crucial role in preventing ear infections in dogs. Regular checks ensure debris or excess wax does not build up. A simple cleaning routine might include checking the ears weekly and using a gentle ear cleaner.

A clean cotton ball or soft cloth can help remove visible dirt. Avoid using cotton swabs, as they might push debris further. Be mindful to look for signs like redness or bad odour, which might indicate an issue. Dogs with floppy ears or those who swim often may need more frequent cleaning.

Diet and Nutrition

Diet and nutrition significantly impact a dog’s ear health. Providing balanced meals with essential nutrients can strengthen their immune system, helping ward off infections. Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and E might be beneficial, supporting skin and coat health.

Owners should consider including high-quality proteins since they promote general wellness. Monitoring for food allergies is also important, as certain ingredients can cause ear problems. For instance, grains or certain meats may lead to allergies and inflammation. A veterinarian can advise on proper diet adjustments if diet-related ear issues occur.

Behavioural Training to Discourage Head Shaking

Training a dog to reduce head shaking involves patience and consistency. Owners can use positive reinforcement to help change this behaviour effectively.

Positive Reinforcement Techniques

Positive reinforcement is a method where dogs are rewarded for showing desired behaviours. When a dog is calm and not shaking its head, give a treat or verbal praise, like “good dog!” Use simple rewards to encourage good habits without promoting head shaking.

Timing is important. Rewards should be given immediately after the desired behaviour. This helps the dog make a connection between not shaking its head and getting a treat.

Owners need to be patient. It can take time for dogs to learn new behaviours. Consistency is key. Each family member should follow the same process to avoid confusing the dog.

Avoid using negative reinforcement, which may cause stress. Instead, focus on the desired outcome and celebrate progress, no matter how small.

Understanding Breed-Specific Ear Issues

Some dog breeds are more prone to ear issues due to their unique ear shapes and sizes. Breeds like Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds often have floppy ears, which can trap moisture and lead to infections.

Dogs with upright ears, like German Shepherds, can face issues with dirt or debris getting inside. Regular checks and cleaning help keep their ears healthy.

Breeds with small ear canals, such as Poodles, might experience wax build-up. This can cause discomfort and sometimes lead to infections. Frequent grooming and cleaning are important for these dogs.

Use a gentle ear cleaning solution recommended by a vet to maintain ear health, regardless of breed. Always pay attention to any unusual smells or excessive head shaking.