Why Do Dogs Shake Their Head?
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Does your dog ‘shake off’ after waking up, getting wet or enjoying a nice scratch from you? Dogs occasionally shake and this can be normal, but excessive shaking that’s limited to the head and ears could mean something more.
If your dog is shaking their head, especially if the shaking is constant, you may want to do some investigative work! We’re covering why dogs shake their heads, what it might mean, and how to pursue the best course of treatment for your pet.

WHY DO DOGS SHAKE THEIR HEADS?
There are a few reasons why your dog could be shaking their head, and not all of them are cause for alarm. However, if your dog is constantly shaking their head–more than just occasionally–there could be something in the ear. This ‘something’ could cause pain and irritation and the shaking is a way to remove it.
The powerful muscles in a dog’s neck and back make head-shaking an effective way of ejecting something lodged in the ear. If your dog keeps shaking their head, it means your pup isn’t able to remove the irritant on their own. This could either mean that there is an object deep within the ear canal that can’t be shaken out, or that there’s an inflammation deep within the ear canal or on the ear flap that needs your attention.

PET Fact
Your dog’s ear flap is called the “pinna” and consists of skin, fur, and cartilage that make up the outer ear. While this anatomy isn’t exclusive to dogs, the funnel-like shape of a dog’s pinnae helps give them their keen sense of hearing!
6 POSSIBLE CAUSES OF HEAD-SHAKING IN DOGS

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG SHAKES THEIR HEAD
If your dog’s head-shaking is accompanied by ear scratching, visible redness or swelling, call your veterinarian to schedule a physical exam. Your vet can help identify or rule out causes based on your pet’s symptoms and condition.
HOME TREATMENTS FOR HEAD SHAKING IN DOGS
- Is your pet the outdoorsy type? Cleaning your dog’s ear with vet-formulated ear wipes after outdoor activities like digging and swimming is a good practice for active pups, and can help prevent debris from getting inside their ears.
- If your dog already seems to have debris in their ear, try using an antibacterial ear wash or one that’s recommended by vets to gently clean the ear.
- If an ear infection is present, using medicated ear drops or special silver ear drops for dogs can help to target bacterial growth while managing irritation.

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Mar, 2021
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