As a dog owner, seeing your pet excessively shake its head can be a cause for concern. Persistent head shaking in dogs is often a sign that something isn't right and sometimes a sign of a serious problem. If your dog keeps shaking its head it could be one of the 5 most common reasons: ear infections, tinnitus, foreign material in the ear, inflammation of the ear tips, or head tremors. Continue reading to get a better understanding of what may be causing head shaking in your dog.
Why do dogs shake their heads? A vet's perspective
Understanding why dogs shake their heads is important. It's a natural behavior that helps them remove foreign objects or relieve discomfort in their ears. The shaking can appear to be quite aggressive as your dog may vigorously shake its head from side to side. This action can be worrying for owners, but it's often a sign that your dog is trying to solve the problem.
Excessive or painful head shaking in dogs is often indicative of an underlying issue, and you should contact your veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
As a veterinarian, I have seen many cases of persistent head shaking in dogs and I can confirm that the following are the top 5 causes:
1. Ear Infections - The most common cause of head shaking in dogs
Ear infections, or otitis externa, are one of the most common reasons why a dog keeps shaking their head. They can be caused by bacteria, yeast, or ear mites and often occur secondary to allergies. When your dog is affected by an ear infection, the discomfort can be unbearable, prompting them to shake their head to find relief.
Apart from head shaking, other signs that may indicate an ear infection include scratching at the ears, redness, and a foul odor. You may also notice your dog tilting its head and scratching with its hind paw.
To diagnose an ear infection, your vet will likely perform an otoscopic examination, which involves looking deep into the ear canal to identify any signs of infection or inflammation. They may also take a sample for microscopic examination to determine the type of infection—bacterial, fungal, or parasitic.
Once diagnosed, treatment usually involves a course of antibiotics or antifungal medication, often administered as ear drops. Your vet may also recommend a thorough ear cleaning regimen to remove any debris and create an environment less conducive to infection. Following your vet's treatment plan is essential for a speedy recovery and to prevent recurrence.
2. Foreign material or object in the ear - Why your dog keeps shaking its head
Foreign material in a dog's ear can range from grass seeds to small insects, and even dust or sand. When something foreign enters the ear canal, it can cause immediate discomfort, leading your dog to shake its head vigorously in an attempt to dislodge the object. If you notice your dog shaking its head suddenly and frequently, a foreign object could very well be the culprit.
Apart from the obvious sign of head shaking, you may also notice your dog pawing at its ear or tilting its head to one side. In some cases, the object may be visible upon close inspection of the ear. However, some objects or materials can lodge themselves deep within the ear canal, making them difficult to detect without professional help. These signs are often immediate and persistent, indicating that immediate action is needed to prevent potential ear damage.
If you suspect this is causing your dog's discomfort, a visit to the veterinarian is essential. The vet will perform an otoscopic examination to look into the ear canal for any visible foreign objects. In some cases, sedation may be required to remove the object safely and to conduct a more thorough examination.
Once the foreign material is identified and removed, your vet may prescribe antibiotic ear drops to prevent infection, especially if the ear canal has been damaged.
3. Inflammation of the ear tips (vasculitis, seborrhea)
Inflammation of the ear tips is a common condition that can lead to head shaking in dogs. It may be caused by vasculitis, which refers to inflammation of the blood vessels, or seborrhea, a skin condition characterized by flaky, itchy skin. In both cases, the inflammation can extend to the ears, leading to discomfort and head shaking.
In addition to head shaking, signs of ear tip inflammation include redness, swelling, and sometimes even ulceration at the tips of the ears. Your dog may also scratch its ears or try to rub them against furniture or the floor to alleviate the itchiness and discomfort. These symptoms are not only distressing for your dog but can also worsen the condition if not addressed promptly. In my experience, inflammation of the pinnal tips is very uncomfortable and causes excessive head shaking.
To diagnose this condition, your veterinarian will perform a physical examination and may take skin samples to identify the cause of inflammation. Once diagnosed, treatment usually involves managing the underlying condition with topical medication. In some cases, oral medications may also be prescribed to address the root cause of the inflammation, such as allergies or autoimmune disorders.
4. Idiopathic head tremors
Idiopathic head tremors are involuntary, rhythmic movements of the head that can be alarming to witness. While the exact cause is often unknown, these tremors can lead your dog to shake its head as if trying to shake off the sensation. If you've ruled out other common causes like ear infections or foreign material, this could be a possibility.
In addition to head shaking, they often manifest as repetitive, side-to-side, or up-and-down movements of the head. Unlike generalized seizures, your dog will remain conscious and alert during these episodes.
Diagnosing idiopathic head tremors involves a thorough veterinary examination to rule out other neurological conditions or underlying health issues. Your vet may recommend tests such as blood work, MRI scans, or even a spinal tap to eliminate other potential causes. Because the condition is idiopathic, meaning of unknown origin, the diagnosis is often one of exclusion.
Treatment is generally symptomatic and aimed at reducing the frequency and severity of the episodes. Anti-seizure medications like phenobarbital may be prescribed, although the effectiveness of medication varies from dog to dog. It's essential to consult your veterinarian for a tailored treatment plan that addresses your dog's specific symptoms and needs.
5. Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a condition that affects humans and animals alike. It refers to persistent ringing or buzzing within the ears that is not caused by external noise. While quite uncommon, it can be a cause of head shaking in dogs. If your dog is shaking its head and you've ruled out more common issues like ear infections, tinnitus could be a possibility worth exploring.
Apart from head shaking, tinnitus may manifest as your dog pawing at its ears or showing signs of distress like whining or pacing. These symptoms can be confusing and concerning for pet owners, as they are less straightforward than those of an ear infection. Although tinnitus in dogs can be difficult to prove, in some cases, we can hear the noise when we place our stethoscope over the ear canal. In other cases, the noise is so pronounced that we can hear it without a stethoscope.
Diagnosing tinnitus in dogs can be challenging. Your veterinarian may perform a series of tests, including an otoscopic examination and possibly imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to rule out other conditions. Most cases of tinnitus are idiopathic, which means that there is no known cause. However, there have been cases of inner or middle ear diseases that have caused tinnitus.
What should you do if your dog keeps shaking its head?
The first step to take is to try and determine the cause. Start by looking at the ear flaps or pinnae., especially around the edges as this is a common location for vasculitis or seborrhea to occur. These conditions would definitely be irritating enough to result in discomfort.
Next, look at the inside of your dog's ear. Pay close attention to any signs of inflammation, dark brown or black material, as well as a foul odor. If you notice any of the above, your dog may have an ear infection and consequently flapping its head.
If your dog is pawing aggressively at its ear and has a difficult time settling, and you cannot find evidence of an ear flap issue or ear infection, you may be dealing with something such as a foreign material or object deep in the ear canal or even tinnitus. This requires a veterinarian to diagnose so at this stage, it is best to make an appointment. If you cannot see your vet in a timely manner, it is generally safe to start with a thorough ear cleaning and flush, in case there is something lodged in the ear canal.
In conclusion, there are numerous reasons why a dog might be shaking its head excessively. The top causes commonly include ear infections, tinnitus, foreign objects in the ear, inflammation of the ear tips (vasculitis, seborrhea), and idiopathic head tremors. While these causes may vary in severity, they all result in discomfort for your pet and should not be ignored. It's important to observe your pet closely for additional symptoms and seek professional veterinary advice when necessary. By recognizing these symptoms and acting promptly, you can help alleviate your pet's discomfort and prevent further complications.