Why Does My Dog Keep Shaking Their Head? 7 Explanations

You may have seen a pup give their body a good shake after getting out of the bath, but have you ever wondered why they do this? A quick shake is a totally normal response to an unexpected sensation on the skin, but consistent shakes could mean something more serious. If your dog keeps shaking their head, there are a few possible explanations behind their discomfort.

Why Do Dogs Shake Their Heads?

From excessive itchiness to abnormal feelings in the ear canal, here are some of the most popular reasons why your dog’s shaking their head a lot.

Reason #1: Ear Mites

Excessive ear scratching is one of the most common symptoms of ear mites in dogs. Some pups might have difficulty reaching their ears with their paws, so they’ll shake their heads as a reaction to the itchiness.

Ear mites are tiny parasites that live in the ear canal and cause a brownish, waxy debris to form. To detect them, place some of the waxy debris on a dark surface and carefully watch for tiny, white specks to move away from the debris. If you find them, you can use an ear mite treatment to get rid of the parasites. However, if you notice your dog scratching and shaking with inflamed, watery, or blocked ear canals, that may indicate a more serious condition. In this case, contact your veterinarian.

Reason #2: Buildup of Ear Wax

Ear wax buildup can also lead to itchy ears and may be another reason your dog keeps shaking their head! Some ear wax buildup is normal, but unhealthy wax will appear brownish in the ear canal and may give off a strong stench. If you follow the method above and still can’t tell the difference between dog ear mites vs. ear wax, a vet can use a microscope to accurately identify the issue.

Incorporating ear wipes in your dog’s grooming routine can help remove wax, reduce odor, and relieve the itching, which should ease the head shakes.

Reason #3: Water in Ears

We all know dogs like to shake their bodies and heads after getting wet...and there’s a good reason for it! It’s common for furry friends to get some water in their ears after taking a bath, jumping in the pool, or even going out in the rain—and they will instinctively shake their heads to get rid of it.

Excess water in the ear can lead to a bacteria or yeast infection. To remove it, carefully use a cotton ball to gently soak up the moisture.

Reason #4: Foreign Object in Ears

Furry friends like to roll around in dirt and debris, so it’s not too strange for something to end up in the ear! Dogs with bat or prick ear shapes are more prone to foreign objects entering their ear canal.

Whether it’s sand from the beach or a twig from the yard, objects stuck in the ear can be difficult to remove on your own. To avoid the risk of causing more damage, seek veterinary help.

Reason #5: Fleas or Ticks in Ears

If your dog’s shaking their head a lot, it could be a sign of a flea or a tick infestation in the ears. Fleas are known to cause extreme itching from their bites, and ticks may also irritate the skin when they latch on.

If you live in an area with a high density of fleas and ticks—especially during the summer—be mindful when your dog plays outside and always check their skin and coat after. There are several ways to control fleas and ticks on dogs, and even some methods to prevent these pests in the future.

RELATED → My Dog Has Fleas! How to Spot & Kill Them

Reason #6: Allergies

Did you know that allergies can sometimes lead to ear problems in dogs? Whether it’s food sensitivities or skin allergies, these issues can unfortunately make pooches more susceptible to ear infections.

Keep track of what your dog is eating and see if they start shaking their head or develop other ear symptoms after having a certain food.

Reason #7: Medical Condition

While it’s less common, a dog’s shaking head could indicate a more serious disease or neurological condition, such as polyneuropathy, which may cause tremors or uncontrollable jolting. If this is a consistent occurrence, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for an evaluation.

Should I Be Concerned If My Dog Keeps Shaking Their Head?

Although there are several reasons why your dog might shake their head, it’s very likely this reaction is simply caused by a sudden itch. The best thing you can do is monitor your dog’s behavior; if they are shaking their head more often than normal and seem agitated, reach out to your vet.

Shake It Off

No one likes to see their furry friend in distress, especially when the source is unclear. You can clean your dog’s ears on a regular basis to keep them healthy and help prevent common issues that might lead to itchiness or irritation. Now that you know why dogs shake their heads and what to look for, you can better assess your furry friend and find a solution to help them get back to feeling their very best!