Why does my dog keep shaking his head? Vet’s guide
Why does my dog keep shaking his head? First, it’s important to understand, that shaking their head is a natural reaction when dogs feel itchy or irritated in their ears.
This is a wonderful way for dogs to get something out of their ears that bothers them. This action of the dog may solve the problem.
If a dog has water, a piece of grass, or an insect in his ear and he is constantly shaking his head, it means that he has an irritation and the problem needs to be solved.
If your dog’s head shaking does not stop for a day or more, you need to see a vet.
WARNING
Eating different toxins can make your dog shake or have seizures. If your dog starts trembling after eating something, take them to the vet right away and call Animal Poison Control at (888-426-4435). Toxins can cause a medical emergency fast, so act quickly if you think your dog’s shaking is from something they ate.
my dog keeps shaking his head like he has something in his ear
The most common cause of head shaking in dogs is an ear infection, which can be caused by yeast bacteria or fungus in the ear.
If they accumulate in a dog’s ear, they can cause infection, and in addition to infection, they can also cause pain, swelling, inflammation, and oozing.
If an infection occurs, ear drops may be needed as well as oral medications to clear the infection. Take veterinary advice to avoid worsening the infection.
6 common reasons why do dogs shake their heads?
Common reasons are:
| Ear Infection in Dog | Ear Mites in Dog |
| Tick in Dog Ear | Tumor in Dog ear |
| Moisture in the Ear | Neurological issues in Dog |
1. Ear Mites in dog
It is an ear parasite infection that usually occurs inside a dog’s ear. This infection can also affect cats. If you have pets along with dogs, it is important to take care of other pets to protect them from this infection.
If you look inside your dog’s ear canal, you will see small, brown particles and patches. If you see these particles in your dog’s ear canal, take him to the vet to have his ear cleaned. The dog’s vet will use a swab to clean his ear.
To solve the rest of the problem, he will give a medicated rinse that will have to be kept in the dog’s ears for a few days.
2. Tick in Dog Ear
Another main reason why a dog shakes its head can be a tick in the dog’s ear. Whenever the ticks touch the dog’s skin, the dog feels irritation and pain and may feel the need to shake his head to relieve pain.
Therefore, it is important to check your dog’s ears thoroughly whenever he spends time outside, especially in areas known for tick infestations.
Remove ticks immediately with tweezers or a tick remover. If it is in the dog’s ear canal, you can remove it yourself, but if it is buried deep inside the ear, you should take it to the vet.
3. Tumor in dog ear
Another major and dangerous cause of head shaking in dogs can be tumors. This can be in the dog’s ear canal or in nearby areas of the body, and as it grows, it becomes more painful and it can cause discomfort and irritation.
Tumors can cause infection and blockages that cause the dog to start shaking its head a lot. If you see this process in your dog a lot, consult a doctor and get the tumor diagnosed and treated in time.
4. Moisture in the Ear
Usually, after a dog bathes or swims, water gets stuck in his ear, which causes him to feel pain and irritation and keep shaking his head.
Water getting stuck in the ear increases the risk of infection as bacteria and yeast grow in such conditions which can cause discomfort for the dog.
Therefore, the dog constantly shakes its head to relieve this irritation and pain. It is important to clean the dog’s ears thoroughly whenever they are finished swimming and bathing.
In the event of an infection, use a vet-prescribed medication to maintain the dog’s ear health.
5. Neurological issues in dog
Although neurological problems are less common in dogs, they can cause a dog to shake its head.
A disease called vestibular can affect the balance and coordination center of the dog’s brain.
This disease usually causes the dog to feel dizzy due to which it shakes its head. These neurological problems are serious enough to affect the facial muscles and ears.
In such a situation, contact a veterinary neurologist immediately and start a timely diagnosis and treatment.
What steps should you take if your dog keeps shaking head?
Whenever you notice that your dog is shaking his head a lot, check his ears first. Keep the ears clean and dry if you have any symptoms such as swelling, red discharge from the ears, or odor.
Avoid cleaning the dog’s ear canal with cotton or swabs. If the dog’s shaking continues and is accompanied by other symptoms such as scratching pain or imbalance, take your dog to the vet immediately.
The vet will examine the dog’s ear and provide appropriate treatment to relieve the dog’s discomfort.
Can I Fix My Dog’s Constant Head Shaking at Home?
You can take basic steps at home to control your dog’s constant shaking of the head, but caution is important.
If your dog has debris or excess wax in his ear, gently clean your dog’s ear with a medication prescribed by the dog’s vet to remove it.
Make sure to dry the dog’s ears completely after bathing or swimming. Avoid inserting anything deep into the ear while cleaning the ear.
Home remedies can help with minor problems, but better treatment of underlying problems requires diagnosis and treatment by a veterinarian.
Serious Conditions Related to Dog Shaking Head a Lot:
Diagnosing and treating the cause of head shaking is critical if you want your dog to remain healthy for a long time.
There can be a serious reason for head nodding, especially since the blood vessels in the dog’s ear can burst if the dog is constantly shaking its head, this can result in aural hematomas that require surgery to treat.
Other causes of dog head shaking include anatomical abnormalities, hypothyroidism, and allergies. This is why it is important to prevent excessive head shaking in dogs and to treat it if it progresses.
Conclusion:
If your dog keeps shaking their head, look for any visible ear issues and clean their ears with a solution approved by your vet. Make sure their ears stay dry, especially after getting wet.
If the shaking continues or you see redness, swelling, discharge, or smell an odor, take your dog to the vet. Home care can help with small problems, but serious or ongoing issues need a vet’s attention.
FAQs related to: Why does my dog keep shaking his head?
How can I fix my dog’s ear infection at home?
To treat your dog’s ear infection at home, clean their ears with a vet-approved solution and keep them dry. Use any prescribed ear drops as directed.
Never put anything in your dog’s ear without a vet’s guidance, including vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or rubbing alcohol, as these can cause more problems.
Can I use human ear drops on my dog?
If your dog frequently has sore ears or eyes, they might need regular treatment. If you’re worried about your dog’s ears or eyes, talk to your vet. Avoid using human ear or eye drops on your dog unless your vet prescribes them.
What is a natural antibiotic for ear infections?
You can use garlic oil drops in your dog’s ear to fight bacteria or viruses causing ear infections. You can also make your own by soaking crushed garlic cloves in warm olive oil.
Is it OK to wash dog ears?
If your dog’s ears are healthy and clean, they might not need cleaning often. But if you see any discharge or notice a smell, it’s a good idea to clean them. Your vet can tell you how often to clean your dog’s ears.
