A Dog Owner’s Guide to Head Shaking: 8 Common Causes & When to See the Vet

That Unmistakable Sound: Sorting a Happy Shake from a Worried Wobble

The other day, I was watching Fern, my live-wire Spaniel, absolutely launch herself out of a stream up on the moors. She stood on the bank, a whirlwind of spray and flapping ears, and gave that magnificent, full-body shake that sends water flying for metres. It’s a sound every dog owner knows. But there’s another kind of head shake, isn’t there? The one that’s less of a joyous reset and more of a persistent, worried tic. It’s quieter, more frequent, and it’s the one that makes you put your cup of tea down and say, “Right then, what’s all this about?”

An occasional head shake is perfectly normal canine behaviour. But when it becomes a constant, it’s your dog’s only way of telling you something is irritating them. Sorting out the cause is key, and while it’s often something simple, it’s always best to get to the bottom of it.

The Usual Suspects: The Most Common Reasons for Head Shaking

From my chats with other dog walkers and a fair bit of my own reading, most head-shaking sagas come down to a handful of common culprits. These are the things your vet will likely check for first.

Culprit #1: The Dreaded Ear Infection (Otitis Externa)

This is the big one. An infection in the outer ear canal is probably the most frequent cause of persistent head shaking. It’s an incredibly uncomfortable, itchy, and sometimes painful condition for them.

• What it is: An overgrowth of yeast or bacteria in the ear canal, which is a warm, dark place – a perfect breeding ground, especially for dogs with floppy ears like Buster, my Lab.
• Key Signs: Besides the shaking, have a look (and a sniff!). You might notice a funky odour, a waxy brown or yellow discharge, redness, and swelling. Your dog might also be scratching at the ear or yelp if you touch it.

Culprit #2: Pesky Allergies

Just like us, dogs can suffer from allergies to things in their food or their environment (like pollen, dust mites, or mould). For many dogs, allergies don’t cause a runny nose; they cause itchy skin, and the ears are often the first place to flare up.

A key takeaway: If your dog is shaking their head and also chewing their paws or scratching their body, an underlying allergy could be the root cause of the ear irritation.

Culprit #3: Foreign Objects & Simple Irritants

Our dogs lead with their noses and ears, so it’s no surprise that things can get stuck. This is particularly true for adventurous types like Fern who dive headfirst into every bit of undergrowth.

• Water in the ear: A common one after a swim or a bath. Usually, a good shake sorts it out, but sometimes water can get trapped and cause irritation.
• Debris: A bit of dirt or grit can get lodged in the ear canal.
• Grass seeds: This is a serious one. Grass seeds are shaped like tiny arrows and can work their way deep into the ear canal, potentially even piercing the eardrum. They cause immense irritation and require a vet to remove them.

Less Common Causes to Keep on Your Radar

If it’s not one of the big three, there are a few other possibilities. These might be less common, but they’re important to know about.

Ear Mites (Especially in Pups)

These tiny parasites are highly contagious between pets (don’t worry, not to humans) and cause intense itchiness. While more common in puppies and cats, any dog can pick them up. The classic sign is a dry, dark discharge that looks a bit like coffee grounds.

Aural Haematomas (Swollen Ear Flaps)

This sounds dramatic, and it looks it, too. A haematoma is essentially a blood blister that forms on the ear flap (the pinna). It’s not the primary cause, but a result of violent head shaking or scratching. A blood vessel bursts, and the ear flap swells up like a pillow. This definitely needs a trip to the vet.

Underlying Skin Conditions

Sometimes, a problem that affects the skin all over the body can also manifest in the ears, leading to irritation and head shaking. It’s all connected, after all.

The Serious Stuff: When Head Shaking Signals a Deeper Problem

In very rare cases, head shaking can be a sign of something more serious going on inside. It’s important not to panic, as these are far less likely, but it’s why you should never ignore persistent symptoms.

• Neurological Conditions: Disorders like Idiopathic Vestibular Disease (which affects balance) or the rarer “Shaker Syndrome” can cause head tremors and shaking. These often come with other signs like a head tilt, wobbliness, or unusual eye movements.
• Growths or Polyps: A growth inside the ear canal, whether benign or not, can cause a blockage and serious discomfort, leading to head shaking.

Your At-Home Triage: A Practical Checklist

Before you ring the vet, it’s helpful to gather some information. Find a quiet moment when your dog is calm and, if they’ll let you, do a quick, gentle check.

1. Visual Check: Gently lift the ear flap. Does the inside of the ear look red or swollen compared to the other one?
2. The Sniff Test: Is there a noticeable, unpleasant, or yeasty smell coming from the ear? A healthy ear shouldn’t really smell of anything.
3. Look for Debris: Can you see any obvious dirt, dark waxy build-up, or discharge near the entrance to the canal? Important: Never poke anything down your dog’s ear canal.
4. Note the Other Symptoms: Are they scratching? Is their head tilted to one side? Do they seem off-balance or out of sorts?

Red Flags: When to Ring the Vet Immediately

While most cases can wait for a regular appointment, some signs mean you should get on the phone to your vet right away. Think of it as the “stop what you’re doing and call” list.

• Severe Pain: If your dog is crying out, yelping, or won’t let you anywhere near their head.
• Disorientation: If they seem dizzy, are walking in circles, or can’t keep their balance.
• Bleeding or Foul-Smelling Discharge: Any sign of fresh blood or a truly awful smell from the ear.
• Sudden Swelling: A rapidly developing aural haematoma needs prompt attention.
• Constant, Violent Shaking: If they simply cannot stop and are clearly in distress.

The Final Word: When in Doubt, Check It Out

Let’s be honest, we can guess all we want, but we can’t look deep inside a dog’s ear canal. The only person who can give you a proper diagnosis is your vet. They have the right tools (like an otoscope) to see what’s really going on in there. Leaving an ear issue can lead to much bigger problems, so getting it checked is not just practical, it’s the kindest thing to do for your four-legged mate. Even the board of directors agrees on that one – well, Buster and Fern do. Margo, the cat, remains unimpressed by the whole affair, as usual.