Noticing your dog breathing abnormally while shaking their head can be worrying, even if they appear otherwise healthy.
Head shaking is often a sign of discomfort or irritation, and when paired with breathing changes, it may indicate an underlying health issue.
We outline the common reasons why a dog may not breath properly while shaking their head, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Not Breathing Properly and Shaking Head: Why It Happens
Dogs that are not breathing properly while shaking their head may be experiencing irritation in their ears, respiratory tract, or sinuses. This combination of symptoms can occur from infections, allergies, or airway issues that create mild breathing difficulties while prompting head shaking.
In some cases, foreign objects or ear problems can trigger discomfort that makes your dog paw at or shake their head.
Even if your dog continues eating and acting normal, these signs may indicate early-stage conditions that benefit from prompt attention and treatment.
Dog Not Breathing Properly and Shaking Head: Common Causes
Ear Infections
Ear infections are a frequent cause of head shaking and can indirectly affect breathing.
Inflammation or infection in the ear canal may cause pain and irritation that leads your dog to shake its head frequently.
Severe ear infections can trigger stress responses or mild airway changes, sometimes causing subtle breathing irregularities.
Other signs may include scratching at the ears, redness, odor, or discharge. Untreated ear infections can spread or worsen, impacting overall health and comfort, so early veterinary care is essential.
Related: Dog breathing heavy and fast (Here’s why)
Allergies
Allergies can inflame both the ears and airways, creating combined symptoms. Pollen, dust, mold, and smoke can irritate a dog’s respiratory system and ear canals simultaneously.
Dogs may shake their heads due to itchy ears while breathing faster or with mild difficulty.
Other signs may include watery eyes, sneezing, and paw licking. Managing the environment and seeking veterinary guidance can help relieve symptoms and prevent chronic issues.
Upper Respiratory Infections
Infections of the nose, sinuses, or throat can affect breathing and trigger head movements.
Viral or bacterial infections can cause nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and mild respiratory distress.
Dogs may shake their heads to clear discomfort or fluid from the nasal passages. Even if appetite and energy remain normal, untreated infections may progress to more serious conditions, including pneumonia or chronic sinus disease.
Foreign Objects in Ears or Nose
Small objects lodged in the ear canal or nasal passages can cause head shaking and mild breathing changes.
Grass seeds, small sticks, or debris can irritate the ear or nasal passages, leading to discomfort and occasional respiratory noise.
Dogs often paw or shake their heads to dislodge the foreign object. If left untreated, these objects may cause infection or damage delicate tissues, making prompt veterinary evaluation crucial.
Collapsing Trachea or Airway Disorders
Some dogs experience mild breathing difficulties due to airway collapse or obstructions while appearing otherwise healthy.
Conditions like a collapsing trachea or narrowed airway can lead to shallow breathing, honking coughs, or labored inhalation.
Dogs may shake their heads in an attempt to alleviate airway pressure or irritation. Small breeds are more prone to this condition, and early detection allows for management with medication, lifestyle changes, or supportive care to improve breathing.
Heart Disease
Subtle heart or lung conditions can affect breathing while leaving appetite intact. Early-stage heart disease or heartworm infection may cause mild respiratory changes that a dog can compensate for while eating normally.
Head shaking can occur if congestion or secondary ear or sinus irritation develops.
Detecting these conditions early is important to prevent progression, reduce strain on the heart and lungs, and avoid serious complications.
Related: Dog Not Breathing Properly and Coughing (Here’s why)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Not Breathing Properly and Shaking Their Head
Careful observation is essential. Note your dog’s breathing pattern, rate, and depth, and compare to normal behavior. Record how often your dog shakes its head and if it coincides with eating, play, or rest.
Create a calm environment, free of smoke, strong perfumes, or household chemicals that may irritate the ears or airways. Avoid tight collars or harnesses that put pressure on the neck and throat.
Monitor other subtle signs such as coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, or pawing at the ears. Providing a quiet, comfortable space allows your dog to rest and recover while you track symptoms.
Offer food and water in a calm setting, but do not force your dog to eat if discomfort occurs. Keeping detailed notes on breathing, head shaking frequency, and any additional symptoms helps your veterinarian identify patterns and potential underlying conditions.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Immediate veterinary attention is warranted if breathing appears labored, shallow, or rapid, especially at rest.
Seek care if your dog shakes its head persistently, has visible discharge from the ears or nose, or shows signs of pain or distress. Bluish gums, fainting, or exercise intolerance may indicate serious heart or lung problems requiring urgent attention.
Even if your dog continues to eat and behave normally, subtle breathing changes should not be ignored. Early veterinary evaluation can prevent progression, treat infections, and manage chronic conditions effectively.
Read more: Dog Not Breathing (What it could mean)
Key Takeaway
A dog not breathing properly and shaking its head may have underlying ear infections, allergies, airway issues, or early heart or lung conditions.
Observing symptoms carefully, documenting changes, and consulting your veterinarian promptly are key steps to protect your dog’s health.
Early intervention ensures your dog remains comfortable, maintains a healthy appetite, and avoids serious complications.
Staying proactive allows you to catch subtle signs before they develop into more serious problems, keeping your dog safe and healthy.