Why Your Dog Keeps Shaking Their Head & What To Do

Dogs may normally shake their head to remove something from their ear, get rid of something stuck to their body, relieve an itch, or even dry off when wet. But what does it mean if your dog is shaking their head a lot?

Let’s go over some reasons why your dog could be shaking their head, when to be concerned, and what to do if you notice this behavior in your pup.

Reasons Your Dog Keeps Shaking Their Head

Dog head shaking can often be accompanied by ear scratching. But if the shaking and scratching are persistent, it could be a sign of something more serious than a simple itch or irritation — such as a dermatological condition, infection, or disease. Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons your dog might be having issues.

Ear infections

If your dog keeps shaking their head and scratching their ears, it can be a sign of an ear infection. Ear infections are an inflammation of the ear canal. They can be secondary to allergies, parasites, or foreign objects — or they can be made worse by yeast, bacteria, or middle ear infections.¹

Along with head shaking and ear scratching, redness, swelling, odor, and discharge can indicate an ear infection. An outer ear infection (otitis externa) is the most common, but it could lead to a middle or inner ear infection (otitis media and interna). Both of these have symptoms similar to otitis externa.^1,2

Ear mites, ticks, and other parasites

Mites, ticks, and other parasites could cause irritation and itching, resulting in ear scratching and head shaking or rubbing. Even mange, an infectious skin disease caused by burrowing mites, can irritate your pup’s ears and cause itching.³

Stings or bites from insects — like mosquitoes, fleas, bees, and flies — could also cause itchy bumps that make your dog shake their head and scratch their ears.³

Foreign objects, ear debris, or water

If something got stuck or lodged in your dog’s ear, they may try to shake their head repeatedly to relieve the irritation or discomfort. Foreign objects or debris could be grass, dirt, small toys, sticks, or even wax buildup. If your dog recently went swimming or had a bath, water that got into their ear can also cause them to shake their head a lot.⁴

Keeping your dog’s ears clean can help prevent wax buildup. You may be able to clean out certain debris that gets in their ear. But if something is stuck in the ear canal, looks difficult to get out, or has caused trauma, it’s a good idea to visit the vet and leave removal to the professionals.⁴

Allergies or autoimmune diseases

Environmental allergies and food allergies can cause itchiness, redness, and inflammation that result in head shaking and ear scratching. Depending on the type of allergies, your dog may also show signs of digestive upsets, sneezing, and itchy skin all over their body.^3,4

Certain autoimmune (or immune-mediated) diseases — like pemphigus or vasculitis — can cause itchy and irritated skin. If the ears or face are affected, your dog may scratch and shake their head. These symptoms could also be accompanied by sores, scabs, redness, or darkening skin spots.³

Ear hematomas and other growths

Dog ear hematomas are small, fluid-filled blisters on the ear flap. They can be caused by allergies and form due to excessive itching. If your dog has one, they’ll likely shake their head and continue scratching their ears, which can further irritate the hematoma.³

Tumors and growths, whether benign or cancerous, could also cause head shaking and scratching. The location of the growth could be internal and harder to notice — potentially in the mouth or ear canal — or it could be external and more easily spotted on the skin. Sores and loss of balance may also present, depending on the type of tumor.⁴

Neurological disorders

Sometimes, a neurological condition may cause your dog to have abnormal head movements. Signs of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), epilepsy, and vestibular disease can include head tilting, involuntary head movements (such as tremors), or jerking. These neurological disorders can also come with balance and walking issues, abnormal eye movements, and odd changes in body language.⁴

When Should You Be Concerned About Your Dog Shaking Their Head?

When your dog keeps shaking their head, or it happens alongside other symptoms — like ear scratching, skin issues, digestive upsets, or a general difference in behavior — there might be something more at play.^3,4

At this point, a trip to the vet’s office for an exam and diagnosis can be a good idea.

Is it head shaking or head tremors?

A dog shaking their head is typically a voluntary response to an irritation or itch, whether it happens once or many times. Tremors, tilting, and jerking movements of the head are different and usually involuntary — likely due to a neurological condition.⁴

If you observe strange or involuntary head movements, it’s a good idea to have your vet examine your pup ASAP.

What To Do if You Notice Your Dog Shaking Their Head a Lot

Depending on your pup’s condition, you may be able to tell what’s bothering them. A trip to the vet is typically the best course of action, no matter the symptoms. But here are some quick tips for what you could do based on the signs you’re noticing:^1,3,4

• For debris, foreign objects, or water in the ear, you might be able to clear and clean the ear at home. But hard-to-remove objects, wounds, or trauma are best addressed by your vet to avoid further damage.
• Signs of allergies, autoimmune disease, parasites, or infection typically require medication and should be treated by a vet.
• For bug bites or stings, you may be able to treat the irritation and itchiness at home with things like a cold compress, baking soda paste, or Benadryl^®5 if it’s safe for your dog.⁶ Just keep an eye out for signs of severe allergic reactions — which may need medical attention.
• Signs of an ear hematoma, tumor, or neurological condition require a vet visit for diagnosis and treatment.

Any kind of persistent head shaking — especially if your dog is also scratching, rubbing, or displaying abnormal behavior — should be checked out by your vet.

Diagnosing and Treating Dog Head Shaking

The process for diagnosing and treating your dog’s head shaking depends on their symptoms and your vet’s initial physical exam. Diagnostics for various conditions could include blood work, biopsies, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), looking into your dog’s ears, skin scrapes, smear tests, or X-rays. Treatment could vary from ear cleaning and medications to surgery or radiation therapy.^1,2,3,4

If your vet suspects your dog has a tumor or neurological condition, they may refer you to a specialist to help with your dog’s diagnosis and treatment.

MetLife Pet Can Help You Cover Vet Costs

Head and ear problems can cause discomfort and possible pain for your pup. Vets can properly diagnose and create a treatment plan so your dog can start to feel better. With a MetLife Pet Insurance policy, you could get reimbursed up to 90% on covered vet costs for dog head shaking — like exam fees, diagnostics, medications, surgery, cancer treatments, vet specialist visits, and more.⁷

Plus, policyholders have access to a free 24/7 vet chat.⁸ No matter the hour — even if your dog’s scratching their ear and shaking their head at night — you can get answers from a vet on what to do. See what other benefits we offer by getting a free, personalized quote.