Why Does My Dog Keep Shaking His Head?

Dogs are some of the most loyal and loving pets there are. They might not be able to speak human languages, but they can make up for it with their adorable quirks and behaviors. One quirk is the dog’s head shaking after licking his paw or nose. Your pup is likely trying to eliminate any residual water, food, or other particles that may be stuck to his fur.

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This shaking of the head is also a way for your dog to communicate that he’s finished cleaning himself and is ready to move on. If your pup continues to shake his head excessively, it could signify an ear infection or another health condition. This article will discuss ten possible reasons why your dog has this weird behavior.

1. Allergies

If you notice a persistent head shaking from your dog and other symptoms like itchiness, redness, or swelling, he may be experiencing an allergic reaction. Allergies can be caused by many things such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and even certain foods. If you think your dog may be allergic to something, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian.

2. Ear Infections

One of the most common reasons dogs shake their heads is an ear canal infection. Ear infections can be caused by bacteria, yeast, or even allergies. Symptoms of an ear infection include excessive dog shaking of the head, scratching at the ears, redness, discharge, and a bad odor coming from the dog’s ears. If you think your dog may have an ear infection, it’s important to take him for a check-up so he can be treated.

3. Eye Infections

Another reason your dog may have an occasional head shake is an eye infection. Eye infections are usually caused by bacteria or viruses and can cause symptoms like redness, discharge, and irritation. If you think your dog has an eye infection, it’s important to take him to the vet so he can be treated.

4. Foreign Objects in the Ear

If your dog shakes his head and you can see something in his ear, he likely has a foreign object stuck in his ear. Foreign objects can include things like dirt, grass, and even bugs. If you think your dog has a foreign object in his ear, it’s important to take him to the vet so he can be treated.

5. Insect Bites

If your dog is experiencing excessive head shaking and has swelling or redness around his ears, he may have been bitten by an insect. Insect bites can be painful and irritating, so it’s important to take your dog to the vet if you think he’s been bitten.

6. Mites

Mites are tiny parasitic insects that can live on your dog’s skin or in his ears. Ear Mites can cause symptoms like itching, redness, and hair loss. If you think your dog has mites, it’s important to take him to the vet for a checkup.

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7. Poison

If your dog is shaking his head and has other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or seizures, he may have ingested poison. If you think your dog has ingested poison, it’s important to immediately take him to the vet.

8. Stress

Dogs can experience stress for many reasons, such as moving to a new home, changes in the family, and even loud noises. Stress can cause symptoms like shaking, panting, and even hair loss. If you think your dog has stress, it’s important to take him to the vet for examination.

9. Trauma

If your dog is shaking his head and has other symptoms like bleeding, swelling, or pain, he may have suffered a trauma to the head. Trauma can be caused by many things such as car accidents, falling, and even fighting with other animals. If you think your dog has suffered a trauma, it’s important to take him to the vet so he can be treated.

10. Vestibular Disease

Vestibular disease is a condition that affects the inner ear and can cause symptoms like dizziness, loss of balance, and head shaking. If you think your dog has a vestibular disease, it’s important to take him to the vet so he can be treated.

Available Home Remedies

You can try a few home remedies if your dog is shaking his head.

1. Clean his ears with a warm, damp cloth.

One of the best ways to help relieve your dog’s ear infection is to clean his ears with a warm, damp cloth. Gently wipe the inside of his ears with the cloth until all the discharge disappears. Be sure not to put any chemicals or objects such as Q-tips into his ears, which can worsen the infection.

2. Give him a massage.

Giving your dog a massage can help relieve his stress and anxiety. Gently rub his back, neck, and head in circular motions. You can also try giving him a doggie massage with essential oils such as lavender or chamomile.

3. Make sure he’s getting enough exercise.

Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety in dogs. Make sure you take your dog for walks or runs every day and play with him regularly.

4. Try a calming supplement.

Many calming supplements on the market can help reduce your dog’s stress and anxiety. Look for supplements that contain ingredients such as chamomile, lavender, or L-theanine.

5. Create a calm environment.

Creating a calm environment for your dog can help reduce his stress and anxiety. Make sure his bed is in a quiet place away from loud noises, and try to avoid leaving him alone for long periods.

When to See the Vet

If your dog is shaking his head and has any of the following symptoms, it’s important to take him to the vet:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Seizures
• Bleeding
• Swelling
• Pain
• Loss of balance
• Dizziness

Conclusion

If your dog is shaking his head and has any of the following symptoms, it’s important to take him to the vet: vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, bleeding, swelling, pain, loss of balance, or dizziness. While some of these symptoms may seem minor, they can indicate a larger problem that requires veterinary attention. If you’re unsure why your dog is shaking his head, it’s always best to err on caution and take him to the vet for a check-up.

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