Head shaking is something every dog will do at some point or another. Without hands to scratch an itch, it’s one way to relieve an irritation. But repeated or vigorous head shaking may suggest more serious problems inside your dog’s ears, nose or mouth.

Head shaking in dogs is a vigorous and deliberate action. It’s very different from head tremors, which are involuntary and less violent. The usual trigger will be irritation inside or on the ear(s). It may be accompanied by rolling or rubbing and usually lasts only a short time. Always talk to a vet if head shaking is ongoing, violent or accompanied by other symptoms, like pain or balance problems.

What to do if your dog is shaking their head >What to do if your dog is shaking their head [What to do

Common reasons why dogs shake their heads >Common reasons why dogs shake their heads [Causes

When to worry about head shaking in dogs >When to worry about head shaking in dogs [When to worry

How to reduce the risks of head shaking in dogs >How to reduce the risks of head shaking in dogs [Prevention

Things to look out for if your dog starts shaking their head

The following symptoms give clues to underlying causes needing specific treatment and/or investigation:

• Shaking their head repeatedly while also licking paws and bum may indicate an allergy, especially food allergies.

• Lots of discharge at the entrance to the ear, possibly a yeasty smell suggests yeast, ear mites or bacterial infection.

• Presence of tiny red dots in short hairs around the base of the ear is likely to be harvest mites.

• Developing a hot, swollen ear: aural haematoma, infected cut or bite wound.

• Drooling saliva with head shaking suggests mouth irritation.

• Developing facial swelling on one or both sides of the face could be an allergic reaction.

• Nasal discharge with head shaking suggests problems inside your dog’s nose.

• Having balance problems and/or jerky eye movements suggests a brain or balance disorder such as a middle or inner ear infections or vestibular disease.

How to help a dog who’s shaking their head at home >How to help a dog who’s shaking their head at home [Home treatment

What’s the vet treatment for head shaking in dogs? >What’s the vet treatment for head shaking in dogs? [Vet treatment

What makes my dog more likely to start head shaking? >What makes my dog more likely to start head shaking? [Risk

What else can look like head shaking in dogs?

• Head tremors: less intense than head shaking and not usually conscious. Causes include neurological (nerve/brain) problems, toxins, low blood sugar, pain, hypocalcaemia (low calcium), idiopathic tremor (unknown cause) in certain breeds, and age.

• Seizures: usually other parts of the body also involved

• Shaking off water or loose dirt after swimming, a bath or rolling in something unmentionable: the whole body gives a vigorous shake.

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