As a pet parent, you may have seen your dog shake their head vigorously after baths, after ear cleaning, or if you touch their ear. This is normal behavior. However, if your dog keeps shaking their head repeatedly, this could be a sign that something is wrong.
In this Sploot Vets guide, we talk about why dogs shake their head a lot, the most common health issues tied to it, and what to do next.
Does My Dog Have An Ear Infection If He Keeps Shaking His Head?
It is possible that your dog may have an ear infection if they keep shaking their head. In fact, this is one of the most common reasons why dogs keep shaking their head as ear infections can cause irritation or pain in the ears.
However, this is not the only possible cause of dog head shaking. Dogs may also shake their heads due to allergies, pain, trauma, or neurological reasons.
Why Does My Dog Keep Shaking His Head? [Common Causes]
Here is a list of some of the most common reasons why a dog would keep shaking their head repeatedly:
1. Dog Ear Infections
Dog ear infections, whether bacterial or fungal (yeast), are one of the most common reasons a dog keeps shaking their head. Inflammation and buildup inside the ear canal can cause pain, itchiness, and irritation, leading to frequent dog head shaking.
Dogs with ear infections may also scratch their ears, have discharge or odor coming from their ears, or seem sensitive when touched around the head.
2. Ear Mites in Dogs
Ear mites are tiny parasites that can cause intense itching and irritation in the ears. A dog shaking their head a lot may be trying to relieve the discomfort caused by these highly irritating pests. Ear mites are more common in puppies but can affect dogs of any age. Other symptoms may include dark debris in the ears and excessive scratching.
Note: If you suspect a dog ear infection or ear mites, contact a veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
→ Get full-service, same-day care at Sploot. Schedule a vet visit at one of our vet clinics in Denver, Colorado Springs, Chicago, and Salt Lake City today!
3. Water in the Ears
Water trapped in the ears after swimming or bathing can make a dog shake their head repeatedly in an attempt to dry out the ear canal. Moisture left in the ears can also increase the risk of an ear infection in dogs if not resolved. If your dog keeps shaking their head after water exposure, monitor for persistent irritation or odor.
To prevent ear issues, we recommend cleaning your dog’s ears after swimming or bathing using the proper technique and a vet-recommended dog-friendly ear cleanser.
Note: If your dog keeps shaking their head after swimming or bathing and symptoms persist, contact a veterinarian.
4. Environmental Allergies
Environmental allergies to pollen, mold, dust, or grass can trigger inflammation in the ears, causing itchiness and dog shaking head behavior. Dogs with allergies often experience recurring ear irritation, especially during certain seasons. Additional symptoms may include generalized itching, licking paws, skin redness, hives, and respiratory issues.
5. Food Allergies
Exposure to a dog’s food allergen can cause an increase in earwax production. This makes the dog more prone to canine ear infections, which then leads to dog head shaking behaviors.
A dog shaking their head a lot alongside symptoms like frequent digestive issues (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea) and generalized itching may be struggling with a food allergy, especially if this occurs outside of allergy season.
Note: If your dog has recurring ear irritation and persistent dog head shaking, which may be related to allergies, contact a veterinarian promptly. Allergies in dogs, whether environmental or food-related can be managed with prescription medication/food and lifestyle changes.
6. Foreign Bodies Stuck In The Dog’s Ears
Grass seeds, foxtails, dirt, plant material, or other debris stuck inside a dog’s ear, causing sudden and excessive dog head shaking. Dogs may also paw at the affected ear or cry out due to discomfort. Foreign objects can quickly irritate the ear canal and can lead to infection if not removed.
7. Pain From Trauma, Bites, & Dental Issues
Pain affecting the ears, mouth, neck, or head can sometimes lead to dog head shaking. Whether the pain is caused by trauma, insect bites, or dental issues in dogs, it may cause dogs to shake their head in response to discomfort. Sudden head shaking paired with swelling, sensitivity, or behavioral changes should be evaluated by an urgent care veterinarian.
Note: If your dog’s head shaking appears sudden, severe, or associated with pain, injury, or lodged foreign bodies, contact an urgent care veterinarian right away.
→ Sploot Vets offers same-day urgent care for dogs. We have vet clinics in Denver, Colorado Springs, Chicago, and Salt Lake City. For urgent concerns, please call us at your corresponding location.
8. Aural Polyps in Dogs
Aural polyps in dogs are rare, noncancerous growths that can develop inside a dog’s ear canal. As they grow, they may cause irritation, inflammation, discharge, odor, and a persistent feeling of pressure or discomfort. This irritation is one reason pet parents may notice that their dog keeps shaking their head or scratching at one ear.
In some cases, aural polyps can also contribute to recurring ear infections or reduced hearing. Because ear polyps can have overlapping symptoms with ear mites, allergies, foreign objects, or ear infections, a veterinary exam is important for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
9. Idiopathic Head Tremor Syndrome in Dogs
Idiopathic Head Tremor Syndrome (IHTS) is a condition that causes involuntary head tremors in dogs, often appearing as repetitive up-and-down or side-to-side shaking.
Unlike regular dog head shaking, which is usually triggered by irritation or pain, these tremors tend to occur in episodes while the dog remains otherwise normal. Episodes may last from a few seconds to several minutes.
IHTS is most commonly seen in breeds such as English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, American Bulldogs, and Labrador Retrievers, though it can occur in other breeds as well.
While idiopathic head tremor syndrome is often considered benign, any new, sudden, or recurring head tremors should still be evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out seizures, toxin exposure, neurological disease, or other conditions.
When To See A Vet For Dog Head Shaking
It’s always best to schedule a vet visit if your dog keeps shaking their head. This is typically because of an underlying health issue that needs treatment or evaluation.
While we recommend pet parents to take their dog to a veterinarian for repeated head shaking, the following are signs that you may need to contact an urgent care veterinarian specifically:
- If your dog keeps shaking their head suddenly and repeatedly and showing signs of intense discomfort.
- If the head shaking is accompanied by a head tilt, which can suggest problems affecting the deeper parts of the ear (vestibular system) and balance issues—this can be due to a severe infection or foreign object.
- If the dog head shaking is accompanied by signs of pain (e.g., whining, inability to rest).
- If there is any swelling, bleeding, broken teeth, or obvious injuries accompanying your dog’s head shaking.
Dog Shaking Head Diagnosis & Treatment at Sploot
The diagnosis and treatment process for dog head shaking varies depending on the case. At Sploot, we are equipped to handle a vast majority of cases, efficiently and with no hassle.
Whether your dog is dealing with an ear infection, allergies, irritation, or a foreign object in the ear, we focus on providing fast answers and personalized care. We offer the following:
Primary & Urgent Care Under One Woof™
From mild ear irritation to sudden dog head shaking that may require urgent attention, we provide both primary and urgent veterinary care. This allows pet parents to get seamless, top-tier care for their canine companions in our state-of-the-art, full-service vet clinics.
In-House Veterinary Diagnostics for Fast Answers
Our clinics offer in-house veterinary diagnostics that help identify the cause of dog shaking head behavior quickly. Depending on your dog’s symptoms, this may include ear exams, cytology testing, allergy assessments, or imaging tests.
Detailed Care Instructions & Follow-Up
After diagnosis, our veterinarians provide effective treatment plans and detailed at-home care instructions to support your dog’s recovery. We may also recommend a follow-up vet visit for more complex or chronic issues.
Sploot: Your All-in-One Vet, 365 Days a Year
If your dog keeps shaking their head or showing signs of discomfort, we’re here to help.
At Sploot, you get convenient, all-in-one care, with primary care, urgent care, and emergency vet services, all under one woof™.
With our experienced vets and modern vet clinics, we cover more than 95 percent of your dog’s veterinary needs. Plus, our Fear Free approach and calm clinic environment help make every vet visit a positive experience.
Visit one of our vet clinics in Denver, Colorado Springs, Chicago, and Salt Lake City today! Our doors are open 365 days a year, with extended clinic hours to fit your schedule.
Easily book a vet visit online or call us at (720) 770-8656 for urgent concerns.
