Why Is My Dog Shaking His Head? Common Causes and When to See a Vet

What does it mean when your dog’s head shaking becomes frequent, intense, or constant? If you’re wondering “Why is my dog shaking his head?”, you’ve come to the right place.

This article will help you understand the most common reasons behind head shaking, from minor irritations to more serious health issues.

We’ll guide you on how to spot the difference between a normal behavior and a red flag, when it’s time to seek your vet, and how a pet health tracker can help you get to the root of the problem faster.

Key Takeaways

• Occasional head shaking is normal for dogs to relieve a minor itch or clear water from their ears.
• Frequent or intense shaking is a sign of discomfort or pain, most often related to an ear problem.
• Common causes include ear infections, allergies, foreign objects in the ear, or parasites like ear mites.
• Look for other symptoms like scratching the ears, a foul odor, redness, or discharge.
• Call your vet if the shaking is persistent, new, or accompanied by other signs of distress.

Why Do Dogs Shake Their Heads?

A dog shakes their head as a natural reflex to dislodge something in or on their ears. It’s their way of relieving an itch, clearing out water, or trying to get rid of a foreign object. 

While a quick shake here and there is usually nothing to worry about, a dog that is constantly shaking his head is trying to tell you something is wrong. 

The frequency and intensity of the shaking are key clues to find the cause.

Common Causes of Head Shaking

The vast majority of head shaking is related to an issue in or around the ear. The most common causes include:

Ear Infections

Ear infections are the number one reason for frequent head shaking in dogs. The symptoms of an ear infection often include:

• Frequent or vigorous head shaking
• Scratching or pawing at the ear
• Redness or swelling inside the ear
• A foul odor coming from the ear
• Dark discharge (often brown, yellow, or black)

They can be caused by bacteria, yeast, or even a combination of both. When the ear canal becomes inflamed and irritated, it can be extremely painful and itchy for your dog, which makes them shake their head and scratch their ear. 

Allergies

Allergies, whether to food or environmental triggers like pollen, are another major cause of chronic ear infections and skin irritation. 

When a dog has an allergic reaction, it can cause inflammation and itching in the ears, leading to constant discomfort and head shaking.

Foreign Objects

Sometimes, a foreign object can get lodged deep inside a dog’s ear canal. Your dog will shake their head relentlessly to try to get the object out. This is a common issue for dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors.

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Ear Mites

Ear mites are tiny parasites that live in the ear canal and feed on wax and skin debris. 

They cause severe itching and irritation. While more common in puppies, they can affect dogs of any age. 

Mites often leave a distinctive dark, waxy, and crusty discharge that looks like coffee grounds.

Mouth Discomfort

Dogs sometimes shake their heads to ease mouth discomfort. For instance, you can find your dog shaking their head after eating something that tastes bad.

In more dangerous cases, contact with poisonous toads can trigger head shaking as they try to expel toxins. Seek immediate vet care if it’s accompanied by:

• Excessive foamy drool
• Pawing at the mouth
• Gagging or retching
• Bright red gums

Why Is My Dog Constantly Shaking His Head?

If you find yourself asking, “Why is my dog constantly shaking his head?” it’s a strong indication that the cause is more than a simple itch. 

Constant shaking suggests a persistent source of pain or irritation that your dog cannot resolve on their own. This is almost always a signal of a medical issue, such as:

• A severe ear infection that requires medication.
• An allergic reaction causing chronic inflammation.
• A deep-seated foreign object that needs to be removed by a vet.
• The beginning stages of an aural hematoma, a collection of blood that forms within the ear flap due to vigorous head shaking and scratching.
• Neurological disorders (in which tremors can be confused with head shaking).

When to Call the Vet

“Occasional head shaking can be normal, but frequent or intense shaking often means your dog is uncomfortable or in pain. The sooner we address the cause, the faster your dog can feel better.” — Joana Babo, DVM

Talk to your vet if you notice:

• Persistent or constant head shaking that lasts for more than a day.
• Shaking accompanied by other symptoms such as scratching, pawing at the ear, whining, or tilting their head to one side.
• Any visible signs of irritation, including redness, swelling, discharge, or an odor coming from the ear.
• Loss of balance or walking in circles, as this can indicate a serious inner ear problem.

How Vets Diagnose the Cause

Vets use a tool called an otoscope to look deep into your dog’s ear canal. 

They check for redness, swelling, discharge, foreign objects, and parasites. In some cases, they may take a swab of any discharge to look for bacteria or yeast under a microscope. 

This simple and non-invasive process helps them accurately diagnose the problem and find the answer to your question of “why is my dog shaking his head?”.

How the Maven Pet Health Monitor Can Help Track Related Symptoms

Head shaking is a key symptom, but it’s often a part of a larger pattern of discomfort. 

The Maven Pet Monitor, a dog health tracker, can provide valuable data that you and your vet can use to get a complete picture of your dog’s health.

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This pet health tracker works by passively monitoring your dog’s daily activity and rest patterns. It can help you spot related changes that signal a problem:

• Changes in Activity
• Restless Sleep
• Scratching & Discomfort

Takeaways Recap

• Head shaking is a common behavior, but when it becomes frequent or intense, it is your dog’s way of asking for help. 
• Paying close attention to the other signs—such as scratching, odor, or discharge—will give you the clues you need.
• Taking proactive steps, observing your dog’s patterns, and not hesitating to call your vet when needed, ensures your dog gets the relief they need quickly.

Maven Pet focuses on improving the quality of life of our pets with technology, using artificial intelligence (AI) to enable proactive pet care. By accurately collecting and monitoring pet data 24/7 and flagging any irregularities, Maven Pet empowers pet parents and veterinarians to stay ahead of potential health issues, ensuring the well-being and longevity of our beloved companions.