Are you worried about seeing your dog keep shaking head? Well, it could be intentional, or your pup might have some problem. If the shake becomes continuous, it might be due to infection, allergy, or medical issues. Let’s figure out what signs of head shaking can be alarming and when to consult a veterinarian.
Here are all the topics we covered in this guide. You can click the links below to jump to any section:
- Dog Keeps Shaking Head and Discomfort: What’s the Connection?
- Involuntary Head Shaking in Dogs? Should you Worry?
- Potential Reasons Your Dog Keeps Shaking Head
- Ear-Related Disorders for Involuntary Dog Shaking
- Nervous System Related For Dogs’ Head Shaking
- Object or a Mini Toy In Dogs Ear
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do when my dogs keep shaking his head?
- Why Does my dog keep shaking its head?
- Does a tumor cause head shaking in dogs?
Dog Keeps Shaking Head and Discomfort: What’s the Connection?
You sometimes notice your furry friend shaking his head after swimming, playing, or taking a long nap. This can be voluntary, as he relaxes and activates his nerves to relieve discomfort.
Some reasons can be entirely natural for dogs to shake their head.
| Itching in Ears | Sometimes, when it is itching or to clear dirt and bugs from its ears, the dog shakes its head. This can be completely natural. |
| Nerve Activation after a Nap | Humans stretch their bodies after a nap, and dogs shake their heads to activate their minds, which can be completely normal. |
| Throat Discomfort | Sometimes, dogs take something into their mouths or take any medicine that causes them to shake their heads to relieve discomfort. Similar to how a dog might react after consuming something potentially harmful, like gum. |
Involuntary Head Shaking in Dogs? Should you Worry?
Now, the matter is concerning for pet parents. Not all headshakes are voluntary, and some may require your immediate action. If your dog keeps shaking its head for hours, it is mandatory to consult a veterinarian. The reason can be a disorder in the nervous system or a bacterial infection in the dog’s air canal.
Potential Reasons Your Dog Keeps Shaking Head
If you want to be aware of every potential cause of head shaking that can affect your dog’s health, read on. We have compiled significant reasons you should know and take necessary action promptly. Let’s learn if your pup has a neurological disorder, if the canal has any stuck foreign objects, or if there is any inflammatory disease.
Ear-Related Disorders for Involuntary Dog Shaking
| Infection in the Ears | Ear infections can be due to bacteria or fungus buildup. Take your pup to the vet immediately to remove the fungus, and use oral medication with eardrops to avoid future itching. Just as you would take precautions to prevent hookworm infections in your dog. |
| Ticks in the Ear | Ticks can be found on the ear flap, and you can easily remove them. If the tick goes inside the ear, it might irritate the dog, and he will keep shaking his head, so get help from a vet. |
| Ear Mites | Mites can be the common reason for ear irritation in dogs and cats. As a pet owner, regularly look out for any mites present. Take your pup to the vet if you see brown spots within your dog’s ear canal. |
Nervous System Related For Dogs’ Head Shaking
| Canine Distemper Virus | This can be alarming for a dog’s respiratory and nervous systems. It causes cramps in the muscles of the limbs and head. Consult a vet when your dog loses appetite, vomits, or shows signs of lethargy and nasal discharge. Recovery depends upon your dog’s immune system. |
| Idiopathic Head Tremors | In this condition, you can observe a rotational head gesture in your dog. It occurs mainly when they sleep and usually lasts for a few minutes. This disease primarily affects bulldogs, French bulldogs, and labrador retrievers. |
| Cerebellar Hypoplasia | Cerebellar Hypoplasia occurs when the brain’s cerebellum is not completely developed. The signs can be visible when your dog turns three months old, and symptoms include head bobbing, falling over, tremors, and ataxia. The disorder can be genetic, and there’s no treatment. |
Object or a Mini Toy In Dogs Ear
Dogs sometimes get mini toys stuck in their ears when playing with other animals. Sometimes, unintentionally, they may take food or any foreign object in their ears. If this happens, take them to the vet immediately to avoid damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do when my dogs keep shaking his head?
First, you can check your dog’s ears or mouth instantly. If you are unable to find anything, contact your vet. Your dog’s doctor can diagnose and treat the real problem to prevent serious issues.
Why Does my dog keep shaking its head?
It can be a sign of an ear or nervous disorder. However, not all cases are alarming. Sometimes, dogs shake their heads to relieve discomfort or get objects stuck in their ears while playing. Taking your pup to the vet is good so the situation can’t get out of control.
Does a tumor cause head shaking in dogs?
Yes, a tumor can be one of the primary reasons for your dog’s involuntary head shaking. If this happens, it is mandatory to consult a vet about treatment. The best way is to remove it, as it can severely affect the ear canal or be painful.
