Every dog owner experiences this: their dog shaking or tilting their head often. Dogs shaking their heads is a common behavior, but unlike humans, dogs lack fingers and thumbs, so they need to shake their heads to relieve irritation, discomfort, and itchiness in their ears. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deep into the various causes of why dogs shake their heads, what you can do about it, and when it might be time to see the vet.
Understanding Normal Dog Behavior
Dogs communicate in various ways, and since they don’t speak, they express themselves through their actions. Head shaking is a natural behavior that can mean different things depending on the context. We should distinguish between occasional head shaking, which is pretty normal (every dog does that), and excessive or persistent shaking, which might indicate an underlying issue. In some cases, dogs may develop a habit of shaking their heads even in the absence of any physical discomfort. This habitual behavior might stem from boredom, stress, or simply as a way to get attention from their owners.
Signs That Something Might Be Wrong
While occasional head shaking is normal, there are signs that indicate a visit to the vet might be necessary:
Persistent Head Shaking: If your dog shakes their head continuously throughout the day, it could indicate a more severe underlying issue.
Visible Discharge or Odor: Check your dog’s ears for any signs of discharge or a foul odor, which could indicate an infection.
Redness or Swelling: Inflamed or swollen ear canals are often a sign of infection or irritation.
Scratching or Rubbing: Excessive scratching or rubbing of the ears can accompany head shaking and indicates discomfort.
Why Dogs Shake Their Heads: Understanding Ear Irritation and Infections
Does your dog scratch his ears and also shake his head? These could be signs of an ear infection, which might even lead to deafness. Ear infections, known as ‘otitis,’ are common issues in dogs. They might seem simple to handle, but if not treated early, they can lead to serious health problems. Bacteria are the most common cause, leading to infection and inflammation of the middle and inner ear. Yeasts like Malassezia, fungi such as Aspergillus, and ear mites can also contribute, often exacerbating the bacterial infection.
When the body tries to fight the infection, it often produces more earwax, which can worsen the condition. Symptoms vary based on how deeply the infection has spread. Otitis externa may cause redness, swelling, head shaking, pawing at the ear, and foul discharge. Otitis media or interna might cause head tilting, incoordination, loss of appetite, nausea, and unilateral facial paralysis. In severe cases, a dog may go deaf if the ear canal swells shut or the eardrum bursts.
What to do?
To diagnose an ear infection, look for signs of inflammation, black, gooey discharge, and a foul odor in the ear canal. It’s crucial to identify the underlying problem to prevent recurrence and assess the severity, as the eardrum may be ruptured. Your vet will perform a physical exam and use an otoscope to inspect both ears. They might take a smear of the discharge to examine under a microscope for mites, fungal, or bacterial infections. In severe cases, X-rays, CT, or MRI scans might be needed to assess bone and tissue involvement, but this is rare.
Treatment depends on the cause. Foreign bodies will be removed, and ear mites treated with topical treatments. Bacterial and fungal infections require flushing and drying the ear canal with an appropriate cleaner, followed by antibiotic, antifungal, and steroid treatments. If the ears are too painful to handle, sedation might be necessary. For open sores, systemic antibiotics, antifungals, and steroids might be prescribed.
Reasons Why Dogs Shake Their Heads: Water and Foreign Bodies in Their Ears
After swimming or a bath, water can get trapped in a dog’s ears. This moisture can lead to irritation and itching, prompting your dog to shake their head vigorously to dislodge the water. Remember, Excess moisture from swimming or bathing and improper cleaning can also cause infections, as bacteria and yeast thrive in dark, moist environments. Foreign bodies in the ear, such as grass seeds or foxtails, can embed into the ear tissue, causing irritation and pain. Dogs may shake their heads vigorously in response to the discomfort caused by these foreign bodies.
What to do?
Always try to keep your dog’s ears clean and dry.
Reasons Why Dogs Shake Their Heads: Wax in Their Ears
Another reason dogs shake their heads is because there is too much wax in their ears, which can be uncomfortable, block airflow, and be another cause of infection. If you smell your pup’s ears and notice an odor and brown gunk, but it doesn’t irritate or ooze on the skin, it’s time to clean your dog’s ears.
What to do?
Ears should not be cleaned at home, so if you suspect there might be other debris inside your dog’s ears, let your vet take care of it.
Reasons Why Dogs Shake Their Heads: Allergies
Dogs, like humans, can be allergic to various environmental factors such as pollen, dust, or certain foods. Allergic reactions often manifest as itching, including in the ears, leading to head shaking to relieve the itchiness.
What to do?
And unfortunately, it’s a disease we don’t fully understand. Contact you vet as early as possbile if you think you dog is having allergies.
Should I take my dog to the vet?
If you dog constantly scratching its ears and shaking its head, inflammation and redness inside its ears, and a foul-smelling discharge from the ears that is usually brown, green, or yellow. If you notice any of these signs, you should get immediate treatment to save your dog further distress and prevent the problem from escalating. After an exam, your vet will likely recommend a prescription medication.
Preventing Excessive Head Shaking
Regular Vet Visits: Take your dog to the veterinarian for regular checkups.
Keep Ears Dry: Dry your dog’s ears after swimming or bathing to prevent infections.
Clean Ears: Use vet-approved solutions to clean your dog’s ears at least once a month.
Healthy Diet: Provide a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids to prevent allergies and inflammation.
Pluck Ear Hair: If your dog has a hairy ear canal, pluck the hair to prevent matting and infections.
Maintain a Clean Environment: Keep your dog’s living environment clean and free of potential irritants.
Provide Mental Stimulation: Engage your dog in regular play and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and stress-related behaviors.
Additional Considerations
It’s essential to recognize that every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. If you’re unsure about any symptoms or behaviors your dog is exhibiting, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. Remember, your veterinarian is your best resource for ensuring your dog’s well-being and addressing any health concerns promptly.
Why do dogs tilt their heads?
While no one knows for sure, there are several well-informed theories. One suggestion is that they tilt their heads to enhance their view of human faces, particularly focusing on the eyes and interpreting emotions. Another idea is that head tilting allows dogs to adjust their outer ears (pinna) for better sound perception, given their keen hearing abilities. Additionally, head tilting may serve as a form of communication or a learned behavior aimed at eliciting positive reactions from humans, indicating a blend of visual, auditory, and psychological factors involved.
In conclusion, while occasional head shaking is normal dog behavior, persistent or excessive shaking could indicate an underlying health issue that requires attention. By understanding the common reasons why dogs shake their heads and taking appropriate steps to address them, you can help ensure your dog stays healthy and happy. Always consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about your dog’s behavior or health to provide them with the best care possible.
