How Come Your Dog Shakes His Head?

If a dog shakes his head frantically and excessively, this can be due to several factors. Starting from the particular characteristics of the animal (such as the type of skin or the length of the hair), up to diseases, bacteria or more. As soon as you notice something strange, which could cause a health problem to your  four-legged friend, do not hesitate to go to the vet.

In this article we will give you some information and advice so that you can recognize the symptoms of what causes your dog to shake his head unnaturally.

The dog shakes his head normally: no problem

It is normal to notice that the dog lowers his head, even with some force, when you owners talk to them. This gesture indicates that they pay attention to what they are told.

Some dogs may even tilt their heads from side to side as you speak. It is simply the result of a lack of attention or that, perhaps,  your dog is not understanding you.

In still other cases, shaking your head may be a way of accompanying or responding to your words.

There is nothing abnormal about any of this. Without forgetting when your friend stares at you and moves his head to one side, almost in a questioning sense, giving his face an incredibly human aspect.

Frantic movements: attention must be paid

But the real problems appear when the dog’s behavior takes on much more intense tones. There is no time to waste if your dog shakes his head  violently and, even worse, if he accompanies that action with scratching or groaning in pain.

There are many reasons why a dog shakes its head. In almost all cases, the problem arises from  an ear or auditory system problem . The intervention of the veterinarian is mandatory.

Why does my dog ​​often shake his head?

Wet ears after a bath

It is not strange that, after bathing, dogs shake their body strongly, to dry themselves. The same happens with the head, with the aim of  getting the water out of the ears.

To prevent water from entering the ear canals, we recommend that you insert cotton plugs. Then remember to use a clean cloth to dry the animal, gently but carefully.

In the summer, if you take your friend to the beach, this situation will happen even more often.

A foreign body in the ear

Even a small object, stuck in the ear, is enough to cause pain and discomfort  to your best friend. This feeling of discomfort is the cause that leads the animal to shake its head vehemently.

He is simply trying to free himself from a foreign body that has ended up, who knows how, in a very delicate and sensitive part of the head. Pay attention to where the dog puts its head  when you go out to the park or maybe check the behavior of some spiteful child.

Ticks

These pesky insects usually choose dogs’ ear canals to shelter and reproduce.The insatiable hunger for blood will cause a lot of pain to the defenseless animal. Ticks can transmit life-threatening diseases to pets, which is an even more valid reason to seek veterinary advice right away.

Seborrhea

Excessive dryness inside the ears can cause itching to injurious levels in dogs. Likewise, excess fat can generate the presence of  seborrhea. Specimens and breeds such as the Cocker Spaniel, Labrador and Golden Retriever, but also the German Shepherd and the Doberman, are among the breeds most affected by this disease which, however, is easily treatable.

Bruising

If a dog shakes his head a lot, the violent movement can become the cause of the problem. Violent blows of the ears against the skull cause the rupture of blood vessels within the auditory pinna. This will generate small bruises, which in turn will cause discomfort, pain, and again, discomfort and shaking. A dangerous vicious circle that must be interrupted with medical intervention.

Cutaneous vasculitis

The action of ticks can cause this other problem, this time on the skin. In some cases, it affects the ears and their inner walls. The blood vessels of the auditory pinna become inflamed, showing small ulcers and crusts evident on the outer edges. The pain for the animal is unfortunately very intense.

Although all breeds are susceptible to this disease, Collies, German Shepherds, and Dachshunds are generally at a higher risk.

Does your dog shake his head? It could be otitis

Violent shaking of the head in dogs is a classic symptom of otitis. This dangerous ear infection must be treated with great care. Its negative effects on the eardrum can become irreversible. In some cases, the infection can spread to the dog’s brain, putting the animal’s life at risk.

Some breeds are more likely to develop this disease, due to their physical conformation.

Dogs with long drooping ears, which prevent proper oxygen circulation, for example. Dachshund, Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Bloodhound, and Poodle are common victims.

Long-haired dogs

Even in long-haired dogs, difficulty in air circulation is the main cause of a serious condition such as otitis. If you own a dog of the San Bernardo, Border Collie or Bichón Maltese breed, among others, pay attention to your pet’s behavior and immediately take him to the vet for a check that excludes this pathology.