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Why is my dog constantly shaking her head like she's wet and bothered?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Vizsla | Female | 45 lbs

My 7 yr old Visla/pit bull mix is constantly shaking her head like as if she was wet.. It seems to bother her...

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 2nd, 2019

This would be typical for an ear infection. I recommend you schedule a vet visit for Layla. This could be a bacterial, fungal or mite infection or caused by an allergy. Excessive head shaking can cause an othematome ( burst blood vessels in the ear flaps which then can cause crippling of the ear. So I would not wait long for an appointment with your veterinarian.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on November 8th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This may be due to allergies and/or an ear infection for example. I highly recommend you consider having her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They could check for this and treat accordingly. It is important to deal with this on a timely fashion as head shaking can predispose to the formation of ear hematomas. Good luck and have a good night!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Kristin DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 16th, 2018
I recommend having a veterinarian take a look in her ears with an otoscope. When I see dogs this uncomfortable without a lot of debris and inflammation suggesting an infection, I worry that there is something deep in the ear canal near the ear drum. If your veterinarian doesn't see anything in there, it could just be itchiness from allergies, and they can give you a prescription strength ear wash or other allergy medication. Until someone rules it out, I would be suspicious that there is more going on. I hope Daisy feels better soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 19th, 2017
You can get some Epi-Otic from a pet store, and use that to clean her ears. This is safe to use in dogs. Otherwise, I would make sure she is a comfortable as possible, and have her seen by a vet on Tuesday.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Veterinarian
Published on August 28th, 2017
You can start flushing her ears with ear flush you can buy over the counter at a pet store. Or, use warm solution of half water, half vinegar and squirt a large volume into both ears. Then massage each ear until you get a swishing noise. Wipe the goo out with Kleenex and let her shake her head. The problem with this is that you might get the ear cleaner, but most dogs need an allergy medication like Apoquel or prednisone to stop the swelling and itching in the ear canal and feel better. This your vet can provide. Hope that helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Why is my dog shaking head and itching ears with no infection?

Hi Casey, if there is nothing in the ear the underlying cause can be allergies or an ear polyp. Did the vet use an otoscope and look way down into the ear canal? Were they able to see the ear drum - whether or not is was intact or ruptured? Many dogs will not hold still good enough to allow a thorough exam of the ears. If that is the case with Layla then sedation may be needed so the vet can get a good look inside. If there is absolutely nothing in the ear canal and the ear drum is fine then there is likely a middle ear infection or inflammation (behind the ear drum). More advanced testing would be needed to check for that.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has a droopy ear and is shaking her head. Is it an infection?

If the ear is droopy and she is shaking her head she probably has an ear infection. Because of the head shaking and probably scratching as well, blood vessels in the ear are exploding, causing blood and fluids to fill the pinea ans swell. This condition is called "ear hematoma" and needs medical or surgical treatment. The ear infection needs to be treated as well as it is the primary cause, usually ear drops from the vet will solve this, in some cases systemic antibiotics are prescribed as well. Regarding the the droopy ear I personally prefer the medical treatment (steroids for 4 weeks) over the surgical one, unfortunately most vets will still opt for the surgery.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my dog shaking his head excessively? When to call the vet?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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Why is my dog shaking her head and has a drooping ear? Is it serious?

Yes, it sounds like something is bothering her. Dogs have very long ear canals so what you can see just by holding up the ear flap and looking down there is not even 10% of the ear. It is best to take her to the vet so they can look down into the ear with an otoscope to see if there is something down there.

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My dog shakes head a lot. What to do for ear issues before vet?

I agree, it sounds like Voodoo is having a problem with her ears, and I suspect an ear infection. The problem with waiting a few weeks is that this is going to get worse, and if she keeps shaking her head, she will develop an aural hematoma which means more treatment. I would get her into a vet this week. Best of luck.

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Dog tilts ear and shakes head after barking. Is it an ear problem?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My puppy is shaking her head and whimpering. Is it an ear infection?

It would be Rambler has an ear infection. That would cause her to shake her head a lot, scratch at her ear, and whine in pain when scratching the ear. Ear infections in dogs can be caused by ear mites, yeast, or bacteria. A vet is needed to diagnose if she does have an ear infection, what's causing, and to prescribe medication to treat it. I would take her into the vet first thing in the morning. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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