Why Does My Dog Keep Shaking His Head?
Based on peer reviewed veterinary research · For educational purposes only · Updated October 2026 · 6 min read
Key Takeaways
- Repeated head shaking in dogs is most often caused by ear disease, such as yeast, bacteria, mites or a foreign body.
- Allergy is a common underlying reason, so ears that keep flaring up may need a skin and allergy work up.
- A head tilt, loss of balance, pain or bleeding means a vet visit the same day.
- Cleaning helps remove debris, but it cannot fix a foreign object, a deep infection or an allergy.
- Do not put liquid in an ear that may have a damaged ear drum.
Products for this topic
Ear Infection Relief + Cleaner
0.2% ketoconazole + 0.2% chlorhexidine, 12 fl oz. Steroid free medicated ear cleaning solution. Use as directed on the label.
View Ear Infection Relief + CleanerDog Ear Cleaning Wipes
Non-medicated aloe vera wipes for routine cleaning of wax and debris from the outer ear.
View Dog Ear Cleaning WipesVetified makes this product.
Why Does My Dog Keep Shaking His Head?
A dog that keeps shaking his head is usually bothered by something in or on the ear, most often an ear infection with yeast or bacteria, or an itch from allergy. Other causes include ear mites, a grass seed or other foreign body, water in the ear and, less often, pain from the head or neck.
One study of dogs with otitis externa (Zur et al., 2011) looked at how breed, age and cause related to the germs found, which shows how varied the problem is. That is why the shaking is a sign to look at the ear, not a diagnosis.
What Can Cause Head Shaking in Dogs?
Use this table to narrow down the likely cause before you call your vet.
| Likely cause | What you may see | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Yeast overgrowth | Brown, waxy debris, musty smell, red ear | Vet cytology, then an antifungal as advised |
| Bacterial infection | Yellow or green discharge, pain, odor | Vet exam, sometimes prescription medicine |
| Allergy (food or environment) | Itchy ears, paws and skin, repeat episodes | Find and manage the allergy with your vet |
| Ear mites | Dark crumbly debris, strong itch | Parasite treatment from your vet |
| Foreign body or water | Sudden shaking, one ear, sometimes pain | Vet removal, dry the ear |
The 2020 guidelines on Malassezia (Bond et al.) note that yeast often overgrows because of an underlying problem such as allergy, so the cause matters as much as the cleaning.
Why Do Some Dogs Get Repeat Ear Problems?
Dogs with floppy ears, hairy ear canals, narrow canals or allergies trap warmth and moisture, which favors yeast and bacteria. A practical review of ear disease in dogs (Bloom, 2009) stresses finding the underlying cause, not just treating each flare. Read our guides on allergies and chronic ear infections and how to prevent dog ear infections.
How to Treat Head Shaking and Ear Debris at Home
These steps are for mild signs such as a little wax, odor or occasional shaking, when the ear is not painful and your vet has said the ear drum is intact.
- Look in the ear. Note redness, swelling, discharge colour and smell, and check for a grass seed.
- Do not clean the ear if your dog cries, pulls away, has bleeding or a head tilt. Call your vet.
- Fill the ear canal with a dog ear cleaner, following the label.
- Massage the base of the ear for about 30 seconds, then let your dog shake.
- Wipe the loosened debris from the ear flap with a cotton ball. Do not use cotton swabs inside the canal.
- Dry the ear well and repeat only as the label or your veterinarian says.
Ear Infection Relief + Cleaner contains 0.2% ketoconazole and 0.2% chlorhexidine and is steroid free. Chlorhexidine and azole antifungals are among the topical agents reviewed for Malassezia skin and ear disease in the WAVD consensus guidelines (Bond et al., 2020). Use as directed on the label. Use it as directed on the label. It does not remove a foreign body or fix an allergy, which is why repeat ear problems still need an exam. See is a ketoconazole ear cleaner safe for dogs for more.
When to See a Vet About Head Shaking
See your veterinarian the same day if your dog has a head tilt, loses balance, cries when the ear is touched, has bleeding, swelling or a swollen ear flap. Book a visit soon if the shaking lasts more than a day or two or keeps coming back. Deep ear infections can reach the middle ear and need prescription treatment, and a cleaner is not a way to skip the exam.
Quick Ear Check at Home
- ✓Look for redness, swelling or discharge.
- ✓Smell the ear. A strong musty or sour smell is a warning sign.
- ✓Check for a grass seed or other object.
- ✓Watch for a head tilt or loss of balance.
- ✓Call your vet if the shaking lasts more than a day or two.
⚠️ Important: Do not put liquid in the ear if the ear drum may be damaged, and stop use if the ear looks worse. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian first.
Products for this topic
Ear Infection Relief + Cleaner
0.2% ketoconazole + 0.2% chlorhexidine, 12 fl oz. Steroid free medicated ear cleaning solution. Use as directed on the label.
View Ear Infection Relief + CleanerDog Ear Cleaning Wipes
Non-medicated aloe vera wipes for routine cleaning of wax and debris from the outer ear.
View Dog Ear Cleaning WipesVetified makes this product.
Not sure what's affecting your dog's skin?
Use our free Dog Skin Condition Checker to identify symptoms, compare conditions, and learn when to see a vet.
Try the Skin Condition CheckerFrequently Asked Questions
Is head shaking in dogs an emergency?
Not always, but sudden severe shaking, a head tilt, pain, bleeding or loss of balance needs a vet visit the same day.
Can allergies make a dog shake his head?
Yes. Allergies often cause itchy ears and are a common reason ear infections keep coming back, so a vet may look at the whole skin picture.
Why does my dog shake his head after a bath?
Water in the ear can bother a dog for a short time. If the shaking continues or the ear smells, a veterinarian should check for infection.
Can I clean my dog's ears if he keeps shaking his head?
Only if the ear is not painful and your vet has said the ear drum is intact. Use a dog ear cleaner and follow the label.
Sources
- Zur G, Lifshitz B, Bdolah-Abram T. The association between the signalment, common causes of canine otitis externa and pathogens. Journal of Small Animal Practice. 2011;52(5):254-258. PubMed
- Bloom P. A practical approach to diagnosing and managing ear disease in dogs. Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian. 2009;31(5):E1-5. PubMed
- Jacobson LS. Diagnosis and medical treatment of otitis externa in the dog and cat. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association. 2002;73(4):162-170. PubMed
- Bond R, Morris DO, Guillot J, et al. Biology, diagnosis and treatment of Malassezia dermatitis in dogs and cats: Clinical Consensus Guidelines of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology. Veterinary Dermatology. 2020;31(1):75. PubMed
Related Reading
- Dog Ear Infections and Allergies: Why Atopic Dogs Get Chronic Otitis
- How to Prevent Dog Ear Infections: A Complete Prevention Guide
- Is a Ketoconazole Ear Cleaner Safe for Dogs?
Co founder and head of product development at Vetified. Not a veterinarian. Vetified makes the products mentioned in this article. Read our editorial policy.
Research basis: All Vetified content references peer reviewed research published in journals including Veterinary Dermatology, JAVMA, and Journal of Small Animal Practice.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health conditions. While we work to keep this information accurate and up to date, we can't guarantee it is complete or error free. While we work to keep this information accurate and up to date, we can't guarantee it is complete or error free.