Why Do Dogs Shake Their Ears or Head?
Post Date:
July 18, 2024
(Date Last Modified: November 13, 2025)
Dogs commonly shake their ears or head as part of normal grooming and balance behavior, but similar movements can also signal medical problems that need attention.
Typical ear- and head‑shaking behavior
Brief, single shakes that last about 1–3 seconds are normal grooming responses after water, play, or a surprise sensation[1].
Repetitive shaking that occurs more than about 10 times per hour or violent thrashing that injures the pinna (outer ear) is a warning sign and should prompt a closer look by a clinician[1].
When observing episodes for a veterinarian, record the duration of each episode, how often they occur per day, whether there is visible discharge or blood, and any recent exposures such as baths or outdoor activity; owners who can supply a short video clip improve diagnostic accuracy[1].
Ear anatomy and how shaking is produced
The visible pinna, the vertical ear canal, and the horizontal canal form the outer ear and direct debris toward the tympanic membrane; canal length and angle vary by breed and commonly range from about 1 to 4 inches (2.5–10 cm) in length in many domestic dogs[2].
Muscles and ligaments attach the pinna to the skull and provide the mechanical force for rapid oscillation, while the vestibular system in the inner ear senses head motion and triggers a corrective reflex that appears as a shake or tilt when the dog tries to reorient itself[2].
Earwax (cerumen), hair, and normal sloughed skin cells are moved outward by these motions; the shaking motion amplifies centrifugal forces that expel liquid and light debris from the canal[2].
Non‑medical, benign triggers
Water intrusion from baths or swimming is one of the most common benign triggers and typically provokes a vigorous shake immediately after leaving the water; this immediate reaction is short-lived and resolves once the canal dries[3].
Temporary irritants such as soap residue, grass pollen, or contact with dust or sand commonly produce an isolated increase in shaking episodes for minutes to hours rather than persistent, worsening behavior[3].
Some dogs use head movements as attention-seeking or communicative behavior; these are typically predictable, occur in specific contexts like greeting, and lack signs such as odor, pain, or discharge[3].
Ear infections (otitis externa and media)
Otitis externa (inflammation of the external canal) is among the most frequent medical causes of head shaking, and affected dogs commonly show odor, brown to yellow discharge, redness, and pain on ear manipulation[4].
| Condition | Typical signs | Usual organisms | When to seek care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Otitis externa | Odor, discharge, redness | Bacteria, yeast | Within 48 hours for evaluation |
| Otitis media | Head tilt, pain, recurrent external signs | Secondary to externa or ascending infection | Prompt veterinary attention |
| Chronic recurrent otitis | Thickened canal, frequent relapses | Mixed flora, resistant strains | Specialist referral often needed |
| Fungal/yeast overgrowth | Brown/black wax, intense pruritus | Malassezia species | Vet assessment within a few days |
Common organisms include a range of bacteria and Malassezia yeast; culture and sensitivity are recommended for chronic or recurrent cases to guide therapy[4].
Acute infections can often respond to topical therapy within a few days, whereas chronic deep-seated infections may require weeks to months of combined topical and systemic treatment and sometimes surgery[4].
Parasites: ear mites and ticks
Ear mites produce intense itching with dark, crumbly debris in the canal and are highly contagious among animals in close contact; treatment usually resolves signs within 1–2 weeks when appropriate antiparasitic agents are used[5].
Ticks attached to the ear margin cause localized irritation and may be visible as small, rounded bumps; prompt removal reduces the risk of pathogen transmission and local necrosis if a tick has been attached for more than 24 hours[5].
Diagnosis of parasite causes is typically by otoscopic exam and, for mites, microscopic evaluation of canal debris under low magnification to identify organisms or eggs[5].
Allergies and dermatologic causes
Atopic dermatitis, food allergy, and other skin conditions commonly produce persistent ear itching; allergic inflammation increases cerumen production and disrupts normal canal defenses, which predisposes to secondary infection[6].
Signs that link skin disease with ear problems include concurrent paw licking, chin rubbing, widespread redness or flaking, and seasonal flare patterns that match environmental allergen exposure[6].
Management often combines allergen control, topical ear care, and targeted medications such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, or immunotherapy; response times vary, with some patients improving within weeks and others requiring ongoing management[6].
Foreign bodies, trauma, and environmental hazards
Grass awns or foxtails can migrate into the ear canal and cause sudden, severe shaking and acute head tilt; these foreign bodies often require removal under sedation or anesthesia[4].
Open injuries to the pinna or canal may include bleeding, swelling, and visible lacerations that need immediate assessment; owners should avoid probing the ear and seek emergency care if bleeding is brisk or the dog seems in severe pain[4].
Vestibular and neurological disorders affecting head movement
Peripheral vestibular disease, which involves the inner ear or vestibular nerve, typically causes head tilt, rolling, circling, and fast eye movements (nystagmus) but retains normal mentation in most cases[6].
Central causes in the brainstem often present with additional neurologic deficits such as weakness, altered consciousness, or vertical nystagmus and generally require advanced imaging such as MRI for diagnosis[6].
Neuropathies, tumors, and intracranial disease are less common causes of head shaking but must be considered when signs are persistent, progressive, or accompanied by other neurologic abnormalities; referral for a neurologic exam is standard in such cases[6].
Diagnosis, treatment options, and prevention strategies
Home checks include gently inspecting the outer ear for redness, swelling, discharge, or visible parasites and noting if the dog flinches or shows pain when the ear base is palpated; if any of these are present, seek veterinary care[3].
- Red flags prompting prompt veterinary attention include persistent odor, blood in the ear, a new head tilt, severe pain, or changes in behavior or gait that suggest systemic illness or neurologic problems[3].
Common treatments include ear cleaning with veterinarian‑approved solutions, topical antimicrobial or antifungal medications for superficial infections, systemic antibiotics for deep or middle‑ear involvement, and specific antiparasitic therapy when parasites are identified[4].
Maintenance fluid requirements during systemic therapy or illness are estimated at about 60 mL/kg/day (mL per kilogram per day) for average adult dogs, and any prescription fluids or dosing should be confirmed with the treating veterinarian using that clinical formula[4].
Topical application instructions vary by product, but a common guideline is to apply about 3–5 drops per dose into the canal for small to medium dogs, with dosing frequency and duration set by the clinician after examination[2].
Preventive strategies that reduce recurrence include routine ear checks after water exposure, periodic gentle cleaning for dogs with heavy hair or wax buildup, regular grooming to reduce canal hair in susceptible breeds, and controlling underlying allergies with environmental management or veterinary-directed immunotherapy[6].
Follow-up care typically involves recheck exams within 7–14 days for acute infections and longer intervals for chronic disease, with culture or referral considered for non-responding cases[4].
Sources
- merckvetmanual.com — general clinical references and behavior notes.
- vcahospitals.com — anatomy, practical ear care, topical dosing examples.
- aaha.org — clinical guidelines, owner instructions, and red-flag criteria.
- wsava.org — infection management, chronic otitis, and surgical indications.
- cdc.gov — tick biology and removal recommendations relevant to ear attachments.
- avma.org — vestibular disease overview and diagnostic pathway recommendations.
