Have you ever noticed your furry friend constantly shaking its head or scratching its ears with its paws? You might think this is just your dog feeling restless or anxious because of the heat, but in fact, it’s an important sign of dog ear problems and shaking head that you should be on the lookout for.
One afternoon, when my puppy was about a year and a half old, he suddenly started shaking his head and scratching his ears with his paws. I called the vet for advice, and the vet suspected he might have an ear infection or inflammation. I took him in for a checkup that same day, and sure enough, he was diagnosed with an ear infection. So, if your puppy starts shaking his head frequently or touching his ears, please pay close attention and consult a veterinarian right away.
If your dog is constantly shaking its head or doing so frequently, it’s usually because its ears are bothering it. Since puppies can’t speak, they can only use their body language to signal that they’re feeling unwell. Even if you can’t rule out other causes right away, you should check your dog’s ears for any abnormalities as soon as possible.
First, check the dog’s ears for foreign objects, discharge, or pus. If the ears appear normal, check the dog’s mouth or try to recall whether the dog has been exposed to any allergens or other irritants.
1. Ear mites—This is one of the most common ear conditions that causes dogs to shake their heads. Ear mites are parasites that can be transmitted between animals. If your dog has played with other small animals that have ear mites, there is a chance your dog could become infected. However, ear mites are not a difficult condition to treat; you simply need to take your dog to the vet for prompt treatment.
2. Bacterial Infections—Ear infections in dogs are primarily caused by inflammation resulting from yeast and bacterial infections. These infections can be quite painful for your dog, so if you notice any signs, take your dog to the vet immediately for treatment.
3. Foreign Objects in the Ear Canal—If your dog likes to roll around at home or on the grass, it’s very likely that foreign objects such as plant seeds, foxtail grass, insects, or debris have entered its ears during play.
4. Water in the Ears—If you bathed your dog or took it swimming shortly before it started shaking its head frequently, water in the ears is likely causing the discomfort. It’s crucial to keep your dog’s ears dry.
5. Allergies—Check to see if your dog has recently been exposed to any allergens. These could include food, grooming products, or environmental factors (such as pollen or dust), all of which can trigger allergic reactions and cause discomfort.
6. Ear hematoma — This occurs when a blood vessel in the dog’s ear ruptures and bleeds, causing blood to accumulate between the skin and cartilage of the ear, forming a swollen lump. It feels relatively soft and wobbly to the touch.
The above summarizes most of the common causes of ear discomfort in dogs, but there are always exceptions. According to research by PetMD, there are also some less common but potentially life-threatening causes for head-shaking in dogs, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and certain neurological disorders. Therefore, it’s crucial to pay close attention to the physical signals your dog is giving. Since these conditions cannot be diagnosed with the naked eye, please take your dog for a thorough examination as soon as you notice any signs, and be sure to schedule annual checkups.
First, you should know that a healthy dog’s ear canal is pink. I’ve prepared a comparison chart so you can check your dog’s ears for any abnormalities:
| Condition | Symptoms |
| Ear mites | Black, coffee-ground-like discharge with a sour odor |
| Bacterial infection | Redness and swelling of the ear, with yellowish-green pus |
| Foreign object in the ear canal | Accumulation of dirt, foreign objects, earwax, etc. |
| Water in the ear | Visible moisture or a damp sensation in the outer ear or ear canal |
| Allergies | Redness, swelling, and itching of the ear and surrounding skin may be accompanied by symptoms such as sneezing and watery eyes |
| Ear hematoma | Swelling and thickening of the auricle appear purplish-red |
You can keep a small flashlight at home to check your dog’s ears. Be sure to handle your dog gently to avoid causing further discomfort. If your dog is uncooperative, you can offer a small treat as a reward. During the check, lean in close to your dog’s ear and give it a sniff to see if there’s a sour or fishy odor. Pay close attention to your dog’s behavior; if your dog reacts aggressively when you touch its ears, it’s a sign that it’s in pain and needs to see a veterinarian right away.
This could very well be an early sign or symptom of certain medical conditions. If you’ve already checked your dog’s overall ear health and found it to be generally good, and if your dog undergoes regular checkups, you should be on the lookout for the following conditions:
These are merely suggestions to help you consider possible causes; they are no substitute for a face-to-face consultation with a veterinarian. If your dog’s ears are clean but he or she is shaking their head frequently, please do not hesitate—take your dog to a veterinary clinic immediately to ensure their well-being.
Most pet owners don’t have much specialized knowledge about home care. When I first encountered this situation, I was at a loss as well. After talking with my veterinarian many times, I’d like to share what I’ve learned and my experiences with you here.
First, prepare a veterinarian-approved ear-cleaning solution for pets and some clean cotton balls. It’s also a good idea to have some treats on hand to reward and comfort your dog. Then, follow these steps:
Step 1: Gently lift your dog’s ear and squeeze the ear-cleaning solution deep into the ear canal (about 3 to 5 drops). Be careful not to let the bottle tip touch the ear canal to prevent contaminating the solution.
Step 2: Close the ear flap and gently massage the base of the ear for 10 to 15 seconds until you hear a “gurgling” sound—this indicates that the solution is thoroughly dissolving the dirt.
Step 3: Release your grip and let your dog shake its head naturally to remove the dissolved debris and ear solution.
Step 4: Wipe your dog’s outer ear canal and ear flap with a clean cotton ball to keep the surface dry.
Never use a cotton swab to poke inside your dog’s ear canal. Also, do not use hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, or any other uncertified liquids to clean your dog’s ears, as this can damage the skin inside the ear canal and cause further problems.
In most cases, if your dog is frequently shaking its head or scratching its ears, you should take it to the vet. If you’d like to monitor your dog at home for a while before taking it to the vet, please note that you should not continue home observation if any of the following conditions occur—you must take your dog to the vet immediately:
• After cleaning your dog’s ears, the dog continues to shake its head and scratch its ears, and the symptoms have not improved
• The dog displays obvious aggressive behavior or baring its teeth when you touch its ears
• A foul odor persists from the dog’s ears
• The dog loses its balance, appears lethargic, and constantly tilts its head to one side
Every time you bring your dog home from playing outside, please wipe and clean its ears immediately to keep the ear canals dry and prevent dirt from accumulating inside, which could lead to more serious problems.
Before bathing or swimming, take steps to protect your dog’s ears from water to prevent water from entering them in the first place.
Avoid feeding your dog foods that may cause allergies, and do not use pet products that may trigger allergic reactions. Also, avoid environments that could cause your dog to have an allergic reaction.
Clean your dog’s ears regularly using products recommended by a veterinarian or certified for pet use. Regular cleaning is an important way to protect your dog’s ears.
Take your dog for a comprehensive health checkup once a year to assess its overall health, including the condition of its ears and mouth.
1. Why does my dog keep shaking its head?
This is most likely caused by ear mites or a bacterial infection. Please check your dog’s ears.
2. What can quickly kill ear mites?
Please consult your regular veterinarian and purchase products approved by a veterinarian.
3. Can a stroke cause a dog to shake its head?
This is possible. If you notice this behavior, please take your dog to the vet immediately for treatment.
4. Why does my dog shake its head more frequently at night?
Because the environment is quieter at night, which amplifies a dog’s perception of pain and discomfort, it may shake its head more frequently.
Disclaimer: This article is not a substitute for a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your dog is experiencing any health issues, please consult a veterinarian promptly.
