Does My Dog Head-Shaking Signal a Serious Issue?

Dr. Evans Answers Your Questions

WRITTEN BY DR. ABIGAIL EVANS

Many of the dog guardians have come to me with the same questions: ‘What should I do when my dog shakes its head?’, and 'Does it signal a serious issue?’ At first, they all think their four-legged friend is feeling playful, but don't be misled—this behavior often indicates irritation rather than amusement.

Head-shaking is a behavior that requires guardians to keep eyes on. While it’s normal for a dog to shake its head after a bath or swimming in the water, any other cases are cause for concern. Worrisome head-shaking could involve faster movements like jerking or trembling, as well as slower ones like twitching or tilting.

Why Does My Dog Shake Its Head?

Headshaking helps dogs remove substances that should not be inside their ears. Whether it is water or trapped wax, dogs shake their heads instinctively to get rid of these irritants.

While this behavior is normal for removing water after a bath or swimming, any other instances of head-shaking may indicate irritation that requires attention.

Pay attention to your best friend!

What Are The Most Common Reasons for My Dog’s Head-Shaking?

Based on various veterinary studies, ear yeast infection remain “Public Enemy #1” when it comes to head-shaking in dogs. It tends to produce a significant amount of discharge, which irritates the dog’s ears and can make it shake its head uncontrollably.

Understanding the causes of this behavior is crucial for your dog’s wellbeing. That’s why you need to be aware that, IN 96% OF CASES, HEAD-SHAKING IN DOGS OCCURS DUE TO THE FOLLOWING 3 REASONS:

1. Swimmer’s Ear

If your dog gets a little water in the ear after a bath, it’s similar to when we get a bit of water in our ears after a shower. In such cases of head-shaking, your post-bath dog does not need any treatment. Likewise, dogs do not usually get a lot of water in their ears while swimming unless they have been swimming an entire ocean.

2. Invader: Yeast Infection In The Ear

Contagious parasites like ear mites can infest a dog’s ear canals, leading to intense itching, discomfort, and head shaking. If you lift your dog’s ear and observe redness or discharge, it indicates the onset of infection. Take a cotton swab, and if you find a brownish discharge, it’s a surefire sign for the presence of a yeast infection.

3. Digestive Imbalance: The Root Cause of Yeast Infection

Digestive imbalance not only impacts your dog’s overall health but also leads to the development of yeast infection. When the gut flora of your four-legged friend is disrupted, it leads to the overgrowth of yeast, which normally exists in the digestive system.

This overgrowth is particularly problematic because it can lead to a yeast infection, especially in areas like the ears where yeast thrives in warm, moist environments. A disrupted gut flora weakens the immune system’s ability to keep this yeast in check, leading to chronic discomfort, severe ear pain, excessive head-shaking, and ultimately, hearing loss.

That’s why maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria is key to your dog’s wellbeing. Incorporating PROBIOTICS in your dog’s meal is the best way to support their digestive health, strengthen their immune system, and ensure proper ear care.

With all my love for dogs, I recommend every dog guardian a 100% Natural Solution with 3 Billion Probiotics in one sachet, which is proven not only to manage yeast infection but also to prevent it.

Dr. Abigail Evans Recommends

Dr. Evans is a traveling vet, a dog-lover, and a tireless advocate for animal health. She is passionate about enhancing dog health and longevity through all-natural approaches. In this article, Dr. Evans elaborates on one last of the hottest topics about dogs: head-shaking!

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