Why Does My Dog Keep Shaking His Head

Why Does My Dog Keep Shaking His Head?

Shaking of the head is not an unusual behavior among dogs. The canine doesn’t have thumbs or fingers as we humans do. That’s why they instinctively shake their head to relieve itchiness, discomfort, or irritation. Also, they are naturally programmed to shake their heads to clear the ear canal of dirt, water, or insects. Hence, occasional shaking shouldn’t be a cause of concern for you.

However, if your dog keeps shaking his head all the time, this is abnormal behavior. Persistent shaking of the head could sign an underlying medical condition, generally related to the ear. Here are the top three medical issues that cause your dog to shake heads regularly.

Medical Issues Causing Persistent Head Shaking

Why Does My Dog Keep Shaking His Head

Ear Vasculitis

It refers to the inflammation of the blood vessel walls present in the ear flaps. What causes this condition is yet unknown, but typically it results from an abnormal immune system response. Ear vasculitis causes a range of skin-related conditions on your dog’s ear flap. These include:

  • Purple or red-colored spots on the ears
  • Skin crusting
  • Cysts with fluid
  • Red or purple spots on the ears
  • Hair loss
  • Pain and itchiness around the affected area

Ear Hematomas

It occurs due to blood collection between the dog’s ear flap cartilage and the skin. Ear hematomas usually cause skin discoloration, pain, and bleeding. It usually is caused by self-inflicted trauma like excessive scratching or shaking due to some conditions like a skin infection. It is essential to treat it immediately; otherwise, it may aggravate the disease and cause severe damage.

Otitis Externa In Dogs

Canine otitis externa causes inflammation in your dog’s outer ear canal. Otitis externa is one of the leading causes of head shaking in dogs. It is followed by a range of symptoms, including:

  • Swollen ears
  • Redness around the ears
  • Discharge
  • Odor
  • Itchiness

Allergies, floppy ears, trapped water, and ear mites are common causes of otitis externa. In most cases, medical treatment is the only option because the condition won’t heal.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Head Shaking in Dogs

Why Does My Dog Keep Shaking His Head

It is important to seek veterinary care if your dog is persistently shaking their head. Your vet will perform diagnostic tests and procedures to determine the cause of the head shaking and provide appropriate treatment options. Depending on the underlying condition, treatment may include medication, surgery, or a combination of both.

Preventing Head Shaking in Dogs

In addition to seeking veterinary care for persistent head shaking, there are several steps you can take to prevent this behavior in your dog. Maintaining good ear hygiene, avoiding exposure to allergens, and providing a healthy diet and lifestyle can all help to reduce the risk of head shaking in dogs.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the cause behind a dog’s persistent head shaking is crucial for pet owners. If the head shaking is infrequent, there’s nothing to worry about. However, pet owners should look for signs indicating a medical condition, such as smelly or swollen ears, if it is a regular occurrence. The best course of action is to consult a veterinarian right away.

In conclusion, head shaking is common among dogs, but persistent head shaking could indicate an underlying medical condition. The three medical issues discussed in this blog post, ear vasculitis, ear hematomas, and otitis externa, are some of the most common causes of persistent head shaking in dogs. Understanding these conditions and consulting a veterinarian is essential for pet owners to ensure their dog’s health and well-being.

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