My dog shakes his head when we're outside. Is this normal behavior?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Head tremors can be observed with neurologic conditions or even electrolyte imbalances. I recommend that you have Buddy evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They are likely going to perform and examination to be followed by bloodwork which should help start sorting this out. A referral to a veterinary neurologist may be recommended. Good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is normal and expected behavior after ear cleaning. You can massage the ear base to try to get the fluid absorbed quicker. This is likely going to go away on its own. If this does not resolve in the next few hours, have Toby evaluated by a veterinarian. Good luck!

Head tilting and head shaking are common occurrence when inner ear problems such as an ear infection, allergies or even mites occur. It is possible that there may be something bothering the inside of your dog's ear and it may be that either barking helps relieve it, is a symptom of it (IE he is barking because it hurts) or the barking is the cause of the irritation. It is a good idea to take a peek into your dog's ears if he'll let you to see if you can see any signs of infection or irritation such as redness, dirt/debris, bad smell (usually a "corn chip" like smell) or other signs of problems. If the ear is irritated to the point where it can't be touched, this is also a good indication of a possible ear problem. Ear infections are usually treated with a medicated ear ointment and cleaner from your vet over a period of 7-10 days to relieve the problem, while allergies can be treated with a daily oral allergy medication (your vet can give you dosing information if this is the case). In some cases of severe infections, your vet may also want to sedate your dog to get a thorough ear cleaning in and to relieve the problem quickly. In some cases, head tilt and shaking can also indicate an illness called Vestibular Disease. This is commonly seen with other symptoms such as walking in a circle (usually in the direction of the head tilt), scratching at the ear, constant head tilt or signs of dizziness such as nausea and vomiting. This situation is more serious, and can be caused by a number of issues ranging from severe infections, to neurologic problems and should be looked at by a vet as soon as possible if suspected. If this behavior is new, then making a checkup with your local vet is the best option to look for ear problems causing the odd behavior. In the mean time, prevent him from scratching at or shaking his head when possible- an Elizabethan collar (cone) can help to stop this and prevent any spread of infection/irritation.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Head shaking is usually a signs of itchy ears, which may be due to the E-collar rubbing or pressing on them. If your veterinarian checked him yesterday and did not see or smell any ear infections, it is most likely the cone collar causing his head shaking. Obviously the cone is necessary while his incision is healing, so I recommend monitoring him at home. If the shaking becomes incessant or aggressive, I recommend contacting your veterinarian directly to see if he needs to be examined again. I hope this is helpful!

Head shaking doesn't indicate anything on its own. It could be that there is something irritating Orvia's ear or nose, itchy skin, a bug bite causing a reaction, neurologic or muscular issues, or more. If you are seeing other signs and symptoms in addition to the head shaking (loss of balance, nausea, confusion, etc), discharge from the ears or nose, or the head shaking doesn't resolve, having a vet take a look in person is best.

I suspect that when she barks it causes the fluid in her semicircular canals in her ears to vibrate, this will effect her sense if balance and make her shake her head. I would not worry overly about it.

It sounds like buddy could have inhaled something in the yard like a blade of grass or a dried weed or foxtail. If they inhale plant material like this they will often have bouts of sneezing violently and often shake/thrash their head during the sneezing attacks. Sometimes they will also flare their nostril on the side of the foreign material or may have Nasal discharge from that nostril. If buddy continues to have sneezing fits i would have him evaluated by his veterinarian. If they think he could have inhaled something, they will sedate him and look up to nose with special instruments to visualize and remove any foreign material. Dogs can also inhale irritating pollens etc in the yard causing a short few episodes of sneezing. If it is just a little allergic reaction to something they inhale it is usually self limiting and requires no treatment. Hope this helps!