Dogs breathing heavily while shaking their heads can alarm any owner, as these symptoms often indicate discomfort or a health problem that needs attention.
We outline the common causes of heavy breathing and head shaking in dogs, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Breathing Heavy and Shaking Head — Why It Happens
Heavy breathing combined with head shaking in dogs can signal a range of issues from ear infections and allergies to respiratory distress and neurological problems. Sometimes, the cause may be as simple as an irritant in the ear or nasal passage. Other times, it may point to more serious conditions like heatstroke, heart disease, or inner ear disorders. Because both symptoms can be signs of pain or distress, they should never be ignored.
Common Causes of Heavy Breathing and Head Shaking in Dogs
Ear Infections
Ear infections are one of the most common reasons for head shaking in dogs. The discomfort and itching caused by the infection make dogs shake their heads repeatedly.
Heavy breathing may occur if the infection is painful or if it spreads, causing systemic discomfort. Dogs with ear infections may also paw at their ears, have redness inside the ear canal, or emit a foul odor.
Prompt veterinary treatment is important to prevent the infection from worsening or causing hearing damage.
Read more: Dog Breathing Heavy and Shivering (What it means and how to help)
Allergies
Allergies can cause inflammation in both the respiratory tract and the ears. Dogs may breathe heavily due to nasal congestion or airway irritation and shake their heads because of itchy ears.
Environmental allergens like pollen, dust, and mold, as well as food allergies, can trigger these symptoms. Chronic allergies can lead to secondary infections if not addressed.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke occurs when a dog’s body temperature rises dangerously high, often due to hot weather or overexertion.
Affected dogs may pant heavily to cool down and shake their heads as a response to dizziness, discomfort, or inner ear effects from overheating.
This is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate cooling measures and urgent veterinary attention.
Heart Disease
Heart problems can make it difficult for a dog to get enough oxygen, leading to heavy breathing or panting. Fluid buildup from congestive heart failure may also contribute.
Head shaking may happen if the dog experiences dizziness or weakness from poor circulation. Dogs with heart disease may also have a persistent cough, lethargy, and reduced tolerance for exercise.
Foreign Object in the Ear or Nose
A grass seed, small insect, or other debris lodged in the ear canal or nasal passage can cause sudden head shaking and heavy breathing.
This is often accompanied by pawing at the face, sneezing, or yelping in pain. Foreign objects should be removed promptly by a veterinarian to avoid injury.
Neurological Disorders
Neurological issues such as vestibular disease can cause head shaking, loss of balance, and disorientation.
Heavy breathing may occur as a stress response or due to an inability to maintain posture comfortably.
These conditions can be serious and require diagnostic testing to determine the underlying cause.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Breathing Heavy and Shaking Their Head
First, make sure your dog is in a calm, cool, and safe environment. Monitor them closely for any additional symptoms such as vomiting, loss of balance, or changes in gum color.
Check their ears for visible redness, swelling, or debris, but avoid inserting anything deep into the ear canal.
If you suspect allergies, try to minimize exposure to potential triggers and keep their living area clean. Ensure they have access to fresh water at all times.
For suspected heatstroke, move your dog to a shaded area immediately, offer cool (not ice-cold) water, and use damp towels to help lower their temperature while seeking urgent veterinary care.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Seek veterinary help immediately if your dog is struggling to breathe, collapses, or has pale or blue gums.
Contact your vet promptly if symptoms persist for more than a few hours, worsen, or are accompanied by ear discharge, foul odor, or neurological signs such as stumbling or seizures.
Any suspicion of heatstroke, heart disease, or a foreign object lodged in the ear or nose should be treated as an emergency.
Read more: Dog Breathing Heavy and Wheezing (Causes and solutions)
Key Takeaway
Heavy breathing combined with head shaking in dogs can be caused by a variety of conditions, some of which require urgent treatment.
While mild cases may be due to allergies or minor irritants, others may signal heatstroke, heart disease, or serious infections.
Monitoring your dog closely, addressing environmental triggers, and seeking prompt veterinary care when needed are the best ways to protect your pet’s health and comfort.