Reviewed by Dr. Terry White, DVM
If your dog is shaking their head and scratching their ears constantly, you’re likely concerned about their discomfort and wondering what’s causing it. While an occasional head shake or ear scratch is normal, persistent or intense behavior can signal a deeper issue.
The good news? Many of these issues can be treated quickly with the right diagnosis and care.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most common reasons why dogs shake their heads and scratch their ears, how to recognize when it's time to seek veterinary help, and preventive measures you can take to keep your dog’s ears healthy.
Causes of Dog Head Shaking and Ear Scratching
1. Ear Infections
Symptoms: Persistent head shaking, scratching, dark discharge, redness, swelling, and a foul odor.
Cause: Ear infections are one of the most common reasons for head shaking and ear scratching. They can be caused by bacteria, yeast, or a combination of both. Dogs with floppy ears (like Golden Retrievers and Poodles) are particularly prone because their ear structure can trap moisture and dirt.
What to Do: If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to take your dog to the vet for a thorough examination. Treatment often includes ear cleaning and antibiotics.
2. Allergies
Symptoms: Itchiness, inflamed skin, ear irritation, and head shaking.
Cause: Dogs can be allergic to a variety of things—pollen, dust mites, certain foods, or even something in their environment. Allergic reactions can cause inflammation in the ears, leading to intense scratching and head shaking.
What to Do: Your vet can help diagnose allergies and recommend antihistamines, dietary changes, or other treatments to reduce your dog’s symptoms. Managing allergies also helps prevent recurring ear infections.
3. Ear Mites
Symptoms: Intense scratching, shaking, and dark, waxy discharge that looks like coffee grounds.
Cause: Ear mites are tiny parasites that live in the ear canal and cause intense itching. These pests are common in puppies and are highly contagious.
What to Do: A vet will need to prescribe ear drops to kill the mites. Left untreated, ear mites can cause bacterial infections.
4. Foreign Objects
Symptoms: Sudden head shaking, scratching, and distress.
Cause: Dogs, especially those that love to explore outdoors, can get things like grass seeds or dirt lodged in their ears. These foreign objects can cause intense discomfort and even infection if left untreated.
What to Do: If you suspect there’s something in your dog’s ear, don’t try to remove it yourself. Visit your vet to have it removed safely.
5. Ear Hematomas
Symptoms: Swollen, puffy ear flaps, head shaking, and discomfort.
Cause: When a dog shakes their head excessively, the blood vessels in their ear flaps can rupture, causing blood to pool between the layers of skin. This creates a large, swollen area known as an ear hematoma.
What to Do: Hematomas usually need to be drained by a vet. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to prevent the hematoma from reoccurring.
When Should You See the Vet?
While a little ear scratching here and there is normal, the following signs indicate it’s time to consult a vet:
Persistent head shaking and ear scratching that lasts more than a day.
Redness, swelling, or an unpleasant smell coming from the ear.
Dark or yellowish discharge.
Visible discomfort or pain when you touch your dog’s ears.
Your dog is tilting their head or seems off-balance.
These symptoms often point to ear infections, which won’t clear up on their own. Quick veterinary care can prevent the infection from spreading to the inner ear and causing more serious health issues like hearing loss.
How to Prevent Ear Infections in Dogs: Best Practices and Daily Care Tips
Beyond treating ear problems as they arise, prevention is the best way to keep your dog’s ears healthy and free from discomfort. Here’s how you can be proactive:
1. Routine Ear Inspections
Regularly check your dog's ears for signs of dirt, redness, or any abnormal discharge. A weekly inspection can help you catch problems early before they become more serious.
2. Cleaning and Drying
Keep your dog's ears dry, especially after swimming or baths. Using a soft cloth and a vet-recommended cleaner can help reduce moisture, which prevents infections. Always remember to avoid pushing anything deep into the ear canal.
3. Manage Underlying Allergies
If your dog has known allergies, managing them is crucial. Work with your vet to figure out triggers and use medications, diet changes, or environmental controls to minimize allergic reactions that can lead to ear discomfort.
4. Proper Grooming
For dogs with floppy or hairy ears, regular grooming is essential. Excess hair can trap moisture and bacteria, so trimming the fur around the ears helps air circulate, keeping them dry and clean.
5. Diet and Immune Support
Feeding your dog a balanced diet rich in essential fatty acids can support their immune system and skin health, which helps in preventing infections. This becomes particularly important for dogs prone to skin allergies or ear issues.
Can I Treat Dog Ear Infections at Home?
While it’s tempting to try home remedies for ear infections, it’s important to approach this carefully. Some conditions, like ear mites or bacterial infections, require prescription treatments, and attempting to treat them with home remedies could make the problem worse.
If your dog’s symptoms are mild, you can gently clean the ear with a vet-approved cleaner. However, if you see discharge, redness, or your dog seems to be in pain, don’t delay—visit your vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Are You Seeing Your Dog Shaking Head and Scratching Ears?
We can help! EverPal's Medical Director, Dr. Terry White, brings 40 years of experience and is ready to meet your fur baby same-day for any concerns about your dog's health. Each visit is twice as long as your typical in-office visit, allowing our veterinarian to understand your dog's unique needs, explain multiple treatment options, and provide guidance on the best treament plan. Medications can be delivered overnight.
Experience better vet care with maximum comfort for your fur baby. Schedule your online vet visit today.
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