If your dog is sneezing and shaking its head, it can be alarming to witness. These symptoms often suggest irritation, infection, or even something stuck inside the nasal passages or ears.
While some causes may be mild and temporary, others can signal more serious health concerns that require veterinary care.
We outline the common reasons why a dog sneezes and shakes its head, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Sneezing and Shaking Head — Why It Happens
Dogs sneeze and shake their heads most commonly due to irritants, infections, or foreign bodies. These movements are often attempts to relieve discomfort in the nasal passages or ears. Causes may include seasonal allergies, ear infections, nasal mites, or even a lodged grass seed. In some cases, dental disease or underlying respiratory infections can also trigger these signs.
Because sneezing and head shaking are broad symptoms, it’s important to observe your dog’s overall behavior and seek veterinary advice when needed.
Dog Sneezing and Shaking Head: Common Causes
Ear Infections
Ear infections are one of the most common reasons for head shaking in dogs. When bacteria or yeast overgrow in the ear canal, it causes itching, pain, and inflammation.
Dogs may shake their heads vigorously or scratch at their ears in an attempt to relieve the discomfort.
Sneezing can occur if the infection spreads or if ear inflammation irritates nearby structures.
You may also notice redness, discharge, or a foul odor from the ear. Ear infections can be very painful and, if left untreated, may lead to chronic problems or even hearing loss.
Read more: Dog Sneezing and Bleeding from Nose (What it means)
Allergies
Just like people, dogs can suffer from allergies that affect the skin, ears, and respiratory system. Environmental triggers like pollen, dust, or mold can irritate the nasal passages, leading to sneezing.
At the same time, allergies often cause ear inflammation, prompting head shaking and scratching.
Allergies may be seasonal or year-round, depending on the cause. Some dogs also develop food allergies, which can worsen skin and ear irritation. If your dog frequently sneezes or shakes its head, allergies could be a root cause.
Nasal Irritants or Foreign Bodies
A blade of grass, a seed, or even dust inhaled during play can become lodged in a dog’s nasal passages.
This leads to sudden, repetitive sneezing as the body tries to expel the irritant. In some cases, the discomfort radiates, causing head shaking as well.
Foreign bodies are especially common in active outdoor dogs. If sneezing is persistent, one-sided, or accompanied by nasal discharge, this may indicate something is stuck. Veterinary care is essential to safely remove the object.
Nasal Mites
Nasal mites are microscopic parasites that live inside the nasal passages of dogs. They cause intense irritation, leading to frequent sneezing fits and discomfort.
Head shaking often accompanies these symptoms as the dog tries to relieve the irritation.
Nasal mites are contagious between dogs and are usually contracted in areas where dogs interact, such as parks or kennels. Treatment typically requires veterinary-prescribed antiparasitic medication.
Dental Disease
It may come as a surprise, but dental disease can cause both sneezing and head shaking.
Infections or abscesses in the upper teeth can break into the nasal passages, causing irritation and discharge. Dogs may sneeze frequently and shake their heads from the associated discomfort.
Signs of dental disease can include bad breath, difficulty eating, drooling, or pawing at the mouth. Because dental infections can spread and become serious, prompt treatment is very important.
Respiratory Infections
Viral or bacterial respiratory infections can cause sneezing, nasal discharge, and general congestion.
Kennel cough, for example, is highly contagious and leads to sneezing and coughing. In some cases, the irritation and pressure may cause dogs to shake their heads as well.
Respiratory infections may also make your dog lethargic, decrease appetite, or cause watery eyes. These infections range in severity, but veterinary diagnosis ensures proper treatment and prevents complications.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Sneezing and Shaking Its Head
If your dog is experiencing these symptoms, start by checking for visible issues. Look in the ears for redness or discharge, and observe the nose for mucus or blood. Keep your dog in a clean, dust-free environment to limit irritants.
At home, you can gently wipe away nasal discharge with a damp cloth and keep the ears clean using a vet-approved solution. Avoid inserting anything into the ears or nose, as this can worsen irritation.
If allergies are suspected, reducing exposure to triggers and discussing antihistamines or diet changes with your vet may help. For mild cases caused by dust or pollen, symptoms may improve once the irritant is removed.
However, if symptoms persist for more than a day or two, worsen, or are accompanied by other warning signs, veterinary care is essential.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Contact your vet promptly if your dog has persistent sneezing, head shaking, or signs of discomfort. A single episode is usually not a concern, but ongoing symptoms may indicate infection or a foreign body.
Seek immediate veterinary attention if you notice bloody discharge from the nose, severe ear pain, or swelling around the face. These can be signs of a serious infection or obstruction.
Other red flags include loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, or difficulty breathing. Because dogs cannot communicate the severity of their discomfort, it’s always safer to have concerning symptoms checked by a professional.
Read more: Dog Sneezing and Runny Nose (Causes and solutions)
Key Takeaway
Dog sneezing and shaking head may be caused by something simple, like an allergy or irritant, but it can also signal infection, parasites, or even dental disease. Because these symptoms are often linked to discomfort, they should not be ignored.
Keep your dog’s environment clean, check for visible signs, and provide comfort at home when symptoms are mild.
If problems persist or red flags appear, timely veterinary care will ensure your dog gets the relief and treatment it needs.