why does my dog keep shaking his head

February 12, 2026

Dogs usually shake their heads because something is bothering their ears , but there are also a few more serious possibilities, so it’s important to watch how often it happens and what else you’re seeing.

Quick Scoop

If you’re thinking, “Why does my dog keep shaking his head?” you’re really asking, “What’s irritating or hurting around his ears or head right now?” A little shake after a nap or bath is normal; frequent or intense shaking is a red flag.

Most common reasons

These are the everyday causes vets see most often when a dog keeps shaking their head:

Ear infection (yeast or bacteria) – The top cause; ears are often red, smelly, or have brown/yellow discharge. Dogs may scratch at their ears and pull away when you touch them.

Allergies (food or environmental) – Allergies make the ear canals itchy and inflamed, leading to repeated shaking and scratching, sometimes with red skin or paw licking too.

Irritants or foreign objects – Water from a bath/swim, grass seeds, sand, tiny bugs, or debris trapped in the ear; shaking is the dog’s way of trying to “fling” it out.

Ear mites or parasites – More common in puppies or dogs that mix with outdoor cats; often a dark, coffee‑ground type debris and intense itchiness.

Ear canal inflammation or growths – Chronic irritation can cause swelling, polyps, or thickening of the ear canal, which stays uncomfortable and triggers more shaking.

Think of it like an itchy tickle deep in your own ear—if you couldn’t use your fingers, you’d probably try to flick your head, too.

Less common but serious causes

Sometimes persistent or strange head shaking points to bigger issues that need fast vet attention:

Aural hematoma – A “blood blister” in the ear flap from repeated violent shaking; the ear flap looks puffy or ballooned on one side and can feel warm.

Pain somewhere else – Dental disease, facial pain, nose or jaw issues can make dogs shake their heads or paw at their face.

Neurologic problems / head tremors – Involuntary, rhythmic head movements (often “yes/no” or side‑to‑side) that are not the big, purposeful shakes of clearing the ears. These may be benign “idiopathic head tremors” in some dogs, but can also be linked to seizures or infections, so a vet should still check.

Viral disease (like distemper in unvaccinated dogs) – Can cause muscle jerks or head myoclonus along with other serious signs such as coughing, eye/nose discharge, or severe illness.

If the movement looks more like trembling than a quick, forceful “ear flap” shake, that’s a clue to mention to your vet.

What you can check at home (safely)

You can do a gentle “scout check” at home, but avoid digging into the ear canal:

Look and sniff the ears
- Redness, swelling, or visible discharge are all warning signs.

 * A strong yeasty, cheesy, or foul smell usually points to infection.

Watch your dog’s behavior
- Is he scratching the ear, rubbing his head on furniture, whining when you touch the ear, or tilting his head? These go along with painful ears.

Think about recent events
- Recent bath, swim, grooming, new food, new treats, or high‑pollen days can all trigger ear irritation or allergies.

Do NOT
- Stick cotton swabs or objects down into the ear canal.
- Pour in leftover ear drops or home remedies without a diagnosis; some can worsen problems or damage the eardrum.

When to see a vet (and how urgent)

You should book a vet appointment soon if:

The head shaking is frequent (many times a day, several days in a row).

You see discharge, redness, swelling, or smell an odor from the ear.

Your dog seems painful, cries, or won’t let you touch the ear.

Your dog also has balance issues, walking in circles, eye flicking, or vomiting.

You should consider urgent or emergency care if:

The ear flap suddenly looks ballooned or filled with fluid (possible hematoma).

The head movements look like seizures, your dog is unresponsive, or you see whole‑body shaking with drooling or collapsing.

Your dog is very lethargic, not eating, or showing other signs of severe illness.

A vet can look down the ear canal with an otoscope, check the eardrum, and take samples to see whether it’s yeast, bacteria, mites, or something else, then choose the right treatment.

What treatment usually looks like

Treatment depends on the cause, but often includes:

Prescription ear drops with antibiotics, antifungals, and/or anti‑inflammatory medication for infections.

Ear cleaning done properly in‑clinic, then with a vet‑approved cleaner at home if advised.

Allergy management such as diet trials, anti‑itch meds, or allergy control plans if ear issues keep coming back.

Removal of foreign objects like grass awns or insects, sometimes needing sedation.

Surgery or special procedures in cases of polyps, chronic thickened ear canals, or large hematomas.

Once treated, most dogs become noticeably more comfortable and the head shaking settles quickly.

Can you prevent it?

You can’t prevent every problem, but you can lower the risk:

Dry your dog’s ears gently after swimming or bathing (only around the outer ear, unless your vet has shown you how to clean inside).

Use only vet‑recommended ear cleaners on the schedule they suggest—over‑cleaning can also irritate.

Stay on top of allergy plans if your dog is prone to itchy ears or skin.

Keep up with vaccinations and regular checkups, especially if you have a puppy or an unvaccinated rescue.

“Latest news” & forum buzz

In recent posts from pet health sites and forums, there’s growing attention on a few themes:

Head shaking as an early warning sign – Newer vet articles emphasize that repeated head shaking should be treated like a “symptom that deserves an exam,” not just a quirk, because chronic infections can lead to pain and even hearing loss.

Idiopathic head tremors – Several dog owners on forums describe momentary, bobbing “yes/no” tremors that sometimes look scary but often turn out to be benign idiopathic tremors, especially in certain breeds, though vets still recommend exams to rule out seizures.

Symptom checkers & telehealth – More platforms now offer online symptom tools and video consults to help owners decide how quickly to see a vet when dogs shake their heads a lot.

In online discussions, one common theme is regret from people who waited too long, only to discover severe ear infections or hematomas that required more intensive treatment.

Simple bottom line

Occasional head shakes = usually normal.
Frequent or intense head shaking = likely an ear problem that needs a vet.
Strange, tremor‑like head movements or any signs of illness = get prompt veterinary advice.

If your own dog is shaking their head often right now, the safest move is to schedule a vet visit soon and avoid putting anything new in the ears until a professional has had a look.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.