Why Does My Dog Keep Shaking His Head?

If you’ve ever seen your dog shaking his head and wondered why you’re not alone. Many dog owners have noticed this behavior and are concerned about the cause.

The good news is that there are many potential explanations for why your pup might be shaking his head, and many of them are easy to address.

In this blog post, we’ll look at the most common reasons your pup might be shaking his head and how you can help him feel better.

Table of Contents

Allergies

One of the most common causes for a dog to shake its head is an allergic reaction. Allergies can be caused by a variety of things such as dust, pollen, certain foods, and even certain medications.

Allergies can also be seasonal and if your pet seems to be shaking his head more frequently during certain times of the year, it could be due to allergies.

If you suspect your dog may be having an allergic reaction, it is important to have him seen by a veterinarian. Your vet will be able to do skin tests and other tests to determine what your pet may be allergic to.

Depending on the cause, your vet may recommend a course of anti-allergy medications or a change in diet. If your pet’s allergies are environmental, there may be steps you can take to reduce their exposure to allergens.

Ear Infection

Ear infections in dogs can cause a lot of discomfort and pain, and one of the tell-tale signs is excessive head shaking. An ear infection can be caused by bacterial or yeast infections, and it is usually accompanied by a foul odor and discharge from the affected ear.

Other symptoms include head tilting, scratching or rubbing at the ear, and a loss of balance. If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, it is important to take him to the vet for treatment.

Your vet can determine if your dog has an infection, prescribe appropriate medication, and clean and medicate the ears. It is also important to keep your dog’s ears dry and clean to prevent further infection.

Trauma

It is possible that your dog’s head shaking is caused by trauma. This could be due to a previous injury or some kind of physical shock. For instance, if your pup experienced a loud noise such as a firework or thunderclap, it can cause them to shake their head as an instinctive reaction.

If your pup has had a recent traumatic experience, it may be the cause of the head shaking.

One way to determine if trauma is the cause of head shaking is to observe your pup’s behavior. If they seem unusually skittish and jumpy in certain situations, it could be a sign of trauma.

Additionally, if your pup is exhibiting other signs of distress such as panting, drooling, or pacing, it could also point to trauma.

If you think that trauma is the cause of your pup’s head shaking, you should take them to a vet to get checked out.

The vet may suggest behavioral therapy or medications help your pup cope with their stress. In some cases, the head shaking will resolve itself over time as long as you provide your pup with lots of love and comfort.

Foreign Object In The Ear

Your dog may be shaking his head due to the presence of a foreign object, such as a grass seed, or even an insect, in his ear. If you suspect that this might be the cause, take your dog to the vet immediately.

Your vet will be able to examine your dog’s ear and determine if a foreign object is present. If they find something, they can remove it safely and effectively.

In addition to head shaking, other symptoms to watch out for include excessive scratching and pawing at the affected ear, tilting of the head to one side, or a foul odor coming from the ear.

If any of these symptoms are present, it is important to have your dog examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Tumor

In some cases, head shaking in dogs can be caused by a tumor or growth in the ear. These tumors can cause irritation and discomfort, leading your pup to shake its head to try and relieve the sensation.

Tumors can also block the ear canal, which could cause your pup to shake its head to try and get relief from the pressure. If you think your pup may have a tumor, it is important to take them to the vet as soon as possible.

The vet will be able to confirm whether or not a tumor is present, and suggest a course of treatment if necessary.

Conclusion

Head shaking in dogs is a common problem and can be caused by several different things. In some cases, it may be due to allergies, an ear infection, trauma, or a foreign object in the ear.

In other cases, it may be caused by something more serious such as a tumor or neurological disorder.

If your dog has been shaking his head for more than a few days, it is important to have him checked out by a veterinarian. Your vet can conduct a physical exam and tests to determine the underlying cause of the head shaking and provide treatment accordingly.