Why Is My Dog Shaking Its Head?

A quick head shake after a bath is ordinary. Shaking that continues through the evening, especially when your dog keeps scratching one ear, tells a different story. Something may be irritating the ear canal, and the cause is difficult to identify just by looking at the outside of the ear.

At Urgent Paws, we see dogs with sudden ear concerns during our evening and weekend hours. If your dog is uncomfortable and your regular clinic is closed, our vet in Red Deer can examine the ear and help you decide what treatment is needed.

Notice What Comes With the Head Shaking

Watch whether your dog favours one ear or scratches both. Is there an unusual smell, redness or discharge? Does your dog pull away when you touch the area? These details can help us understand how suddenly the problem developed and where to focus the examination.

Head shaking can occur with an ear infection, but it is not a diagnosis on its own. Irritation, ear mites or something caught in the ear may produce similar behaviour. Repeated, forceful shaking can also injure the ear flap and cause swelling.

Leave the Ear Canal Alone

It can be tempting to clean the ear thoroughly or use drops left over from a previous infection. Please speak with a veterinarian first. We need to see what is happening inside the ear and whether the eardrum is intact before choosing a treatment. A product that helped last time may not suit the current problem.

You can make a note of when the shaking started and whether your dog has had ear problems before. Bring the name of any product you have already used so we know what has gone into the ear.

Have the Ear Examined

During an appointment, we can look into the ear canal and assess the discharge or irritation. Depending on what we find, further testing may help us choose an appropriate treatment rather than guessing at the cause.

If your dog develops a head tilt, seems unsteady or is in significant pain, seek veterinary advice promptly. Those changes deserve more attention than an occasional head shake.

If your dog will not stop shaking its head, call Urgent Paws at 403-341-2435. Tell us what you have noticed and we’ll help you determine the next step.