Dog Shaking Their Head? Here’s When It’s Normal and When Dogs On The Run® Recommends Calling Your Vet
At Dogs On The Run®, our Care Team works with thousands of pets every year, and one of the most common concerns we hear from families is:
“My dog keeps shaking their head, should I be worried?”
An occasional shake is completely normal. But repeated or persistent head shaking is often a sign that something is irritating your dog’s ears and needs attention.
Veterinary experts, including Jennifer Coates, DVM (PetMD), note that while mild irritation can resolve on its own, ongoing symptoms can indicate infection, allergies, injury, or other medical issues.
Why Dogs Shake Their Heads
Head shaking is a natural reflex designed to clear the ear canal. Dogs may shake after:
Swimming or bathing
Outdoor play
Exposure to dust, sand, or debris
Mild itchiness
If the irritation is temporary, the shaking usually stops quickly. When it doesn’t, your dog is telling you the discomfort hasn’t gone away.
Most Common Causes We See in the Field
Because DOTR professionals observe pets in real home environments, we often notice early warning signs families might miss.
Ear Infections
The most frequent cause of excessive head shaking is an ear infection, typically bacterial or yeast-related.
Watch for:
Redness or swelling inside the ear
Dark discharge or strong odor
Sensitivity to touch
Increased scratching
Infections can occur deep in the ear canal, so visible signs aren’t always obvious.
Allergies
Allergies are extremely common in Southern California and frequently affect the ears.
Possible triggers include:
Pollen and seasonal allergens
Dust mites or mold
Certain food ingredients
Dogs with allergies often also show:-
Itchy skin or paws
Face rubbing
Recurrent ear issues
Hair thinning or loss
Water Trapped in the Ear
Moisture after swimming, beach trips, or baths can cause irritation and lead to infection if not addressed.
DOTR Care Tip:
Avoid directing water into the ears during baths and dry them gently afterward. If your dog swims frequently, ask your veterinarian about safe ear-drying solutions.
Less Common but Serious Causes
While most cases are manageable, persistent head shaking can signal more serious conditions.
Foreign Objects
Foxtails, seeds, sand, or insects can become lodged in the ear canal — especially after hikes or outdoor play.
Inflammatory or Autoimmune Conditions
Some immune-related disorders cause ear discomfort along with skin redness, crusting, or sores elsewhere on the body.
Neurologic Disorders
In rare cases, what appears to be head shaking may actually be involuntary tremors.
Key difference:
Head shaking: voluntary response to irritation
Head tremors: involuntary and often accompanied by balance issues, weakness, or seizures
Why Ignoring It Can Make Things Worse
Repeated, forceful shaking can cause secondary injuries. One of the most common is an aural hematoma, where blood vessels in the ear flap rupture, causing painful swelling that often requires surgery.
Untreated ear problems can also lead to:
Chronic pain
Severe infection
Permanent hearing damage
When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care
Contact your veterinarian if:
Head shaking continues beyond 24 hours
Your dog appears uncomfortable or distressed
There is discharge, odor, or swelling
Your dog tilts their head
Balance seems off
Symptoms keep returning
As a concierge pet care provider, DOTR can help monitor symptoms and communicate changes, but diagnosis and treatment must come from your veterinarian.
How Veterinarians Determine the Cause
Your vet will typically examine the ear canal using specialized tools to check for infection, debris, injury, or structural issues. Additional testing may include:
Microscopic analysis of ear discharge
Allergy evaluation
Imaging or neurologic assessment
Proper diagnosis is essential because treatment varies widely depending on the cause.
Occasional head shaking is normal. Persistent shaking is a sign your dog needs help.
Catching ear problems early can prevent pain, complications, and emergency situations, and keep your dog comfortable, happy, and ready for their next adventure.
Veterinary Source & Medical Credit
This educational article incorporates guidance from veterinary content written by Jennifer Coates, DVM, published on PetMD and reviewed by Michael Kearley, DVM. Content has been adapted for general pet care education.
