DogSense #18: Why Does My Dog Keep Shaking Their Head?
Dogs occasionally shake their heads after waking, bathing or getting wet. However, repeated, forceful or sudden head shaking usually means something is irritating, itching or hurting one or both ears.
Because several different problems can cause the same behaviour, it is important not to assume that every itchy ear is simply dirty.
Common Reasons Dogs Shake Their Heads
1. An Ear Infection
Inflammation of the outer ear canal, known as otitis externa, is a common cause of head shaking.
Bacteria or yeast may multiply when conditions inside the ear change. This can cause:
Redness or swelling
An unpleasant or unusual smell
Brown, yellow or dark discharge
Scratching or rubbing the ear
Pain when the ear is touched
Sensitivity around the head
An infection can affect one or both ears and may return if the underlying cause is not identified.
2. Allergies
Environmental allergies to grass, pollen, house-dust mites or mould can affect the ears as well as the skin and paws. Food allergies can also contribute in some dogs.
You may notice head shaking alongside:
Paw licking
Red or itchy skin
Hair loss
Repeated scratching
Recurring ear problems
Treating the ear alone may provide only temporary improvement if an allergy is driving the inflammation.
3. Grass Seeds or Other Foreign Objects
A grass seed can enter a dog’s ear during a walk and cause sudden, vigorous head shaking. Dogs may also hold their head to one side, scratch the affected ear or cry when it is touched.
Grass seeds can travel farther down the ear canal and may damage the eardrum. Contact your vet promptly if the shaking began suddenly after a walk through long or dry grass.
Do not insert tweezers, cotton buds or other objects into the ear in an attempt to remove something you cannot clearly and safely reach.
4. Ear Mites
Ear mites are tiny parasites that can cause intense itching, scratching and dark debris inside the ear. They are more common in puppies and cats but can also affect adult dogs.
A vet may need to examine a sample under a microscope because mites cannot always be identified by appearance alone.
Other problems can produce similar dark discharge, so visible wax does not automatically mean mites are present.
5. Water Trapped in the Ear
Some dogs shake their heads after swimming or bathing because water has entered the ear canal.
Moisture can also help create conditions in which yeast or bacteria multiply. Dry the outer ear gently after swimming, but do not push cotton wool or cotton buds down the canal.
Speak to your vet if the shaking continues or the ear becomes red, painful or smelly.
6. Excess Wax or Debris
A build-up of wax, dirt or loose hair may irritate the ear. However, excessive wax can also be a sign of inflammation, allergy, mites or infection.
Cleaning repeatedly without identifying the cause may make a sore ear more painful. Some cleaners can also cause problems if the eardrum is damaged.
Ask your vet which product and cleaning method are suitable for your dog.
7. Injury or Irritation
A scratch, insect sting, bite, skin irritation or vigorous ear cleaning can make the ear uncomfortable.
Check the visible outer ear for redness, swelling or damage, but avoid probing into the canal.
8. An Aural Haematoma
Repeated head shaking and scratching can damage small blood vessels within the ear flap. Blood then collects between the skin and cartilage, creating a soft or firm swelling known as an aural haematoma.
The ear flap may suddenly appear thick, warm or balloon-like. This requires veterinary treatment, along with investigation of the original reason for the shaking.
What Can You Check at Home?
In good light, gently look at the visible part of each ear and compare them.
Check for:
Redness or swelling
An unusual smell
Excess wax or discharge
Scratches or sore skin
A swollen ear flap
Pain when the ear is touched
A visible grass seed or foreign object
Do not push anything into the ear canal. Stop immediately if your dog appears uncomfortable or tries to pull away.
What Should You Avoid?
Do not insert cotton buds into the ear.
Do not use human ear treatments.
Do not use leftover medication from a previous ear problem.
Do not apply oils, peroxide or homemade remedies.
Do not repeatedly clean a painful or inflamed ear.
Do not attempt to remove a deeply lodged grass seed yourself.
Different ear conditions can look very similar, and the wrong treatment may worsen the problem.
When Should You Contact Your Vet?
Arrange veterinary advice if your dog’s head shaking is frequent, forceful, worsening or keeps returning.
Contact your vet promptly if you notice:
Sudden shaking after walking through long grass
Pain or crying when the ear is touched
Redness, swelling or discharge
A strong or unusual smell
Bleeding or damaged skin
A swollen ear flap
Loss of hearing
Symptoms that do not settle after swimming or bathing
Seek urgent veterinary help if your dog develops a head tilt, loses balance, walks in circles, vomits, has unusual eye movements or appears severely unwell. These signs may indicate a deeper ear or neurological problem.
Ear-Care Support
Thorned@Canker Itch Relief Powder is designed for use around irritated, itchy or dirty ears, as well as paws and the area around the anus.
It should not be used as a substitute for veterinary investigation. Ear infections, embedded grass seeds, severe pain and possible eardrum damage require professional assessment.
Final Thoughts
An occasional head shake is usually nothing to worry about. Repeated or forceful shaking, however, is often a sign that something is irritating or hurting the ear.
Identifying the cause early can help prevent increasing pain, ongoing inflammation and damage to the ear flap. If you are unsure, allow your vet to examine the ear before applying any treatment.
Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinary professional.
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