When a dog suddenly keeps shaking their head, it can be startling and worrying. The motion is often repetitive, urgent, and sometimes accompanied by scratching, whining, or head tilting — all signs that something is bothering your dog.
This guide explains the most common reasons a dog may suddenly keep shaking their head, what you can do at home, and when it’s best to involve your veterinarian.
Dog Suddenly Keeps Shaking Head: Why It Happens
A dog suddenly shaking their head happens because something is bothering, irritating, or hurting their ears or the areas around them. This behavior is often linked to infections, inflammation, itching, or trapped moisture that causes discomfort inside the ear canal. Dogs shake their heads instinctively to try to dislodge whatever is causing the unpleasant sensation.
Conditions like allergies, mites, debris, or even a small scratch can cause intense itching, prompting sudden and persistent shaking.
In some cases, head shaking can be the first sign of a more serious issue, such as a deep-ear infection or hematoma, building up pressure and irritation.
Dog Suddenly Keeps Shaking Head: Common Causes
Ear Infections
Ear infections are one of the most common reasons a dog suddenly keeps shaking their head.
These infections often start with inflammation inside the ear canal, which becomes painful and itchy as bacteria or yeast multiply. Dogs may also develop a foul odor, redness, or visible discharge in the ears.
The pressure and discomfort created by infection make the ear feel “full,” prompting repeated head shaking as the dog attempts to relieve it.
Moisture, anatomical structure, hair inside the canal, allergies, or previous infections can all increase the risk. Ear infections tend to worsen quickly if untreated, making immediate attention important to prevent deeper complications.
Related: Dog panting heavily and shaking head (Here’s why)
Ear Mites
Ear mites are tiny parasites that cause intense itching inside a dog’s ears. When mites are present, the irritation is often extreme, making sudden and continuous head shaking almost unavoidable.
You may notice that the ears look dirty, with a dark, crumbly debris resembling coffee grounds.
The itching from mites is severe enough to disrupt sleep, cause constant scratching, and sometimes lead to secondary infections due to broken skin.
Although more common in puppies, any dog can get ear mites, especially those exposed to stray animals or environments with high parasite presence.
Foreign Objects or Debris
Even the tiniest piece of debris can cause sudden and dramatic head shaking. Dogs who run through grass, bushes, or tall weeds may pick up seeds, foxtails, or small particles that become trapped in the ear canal.
The moment something enters the ear, your dog’s natural reflex is to shake their head vigorously to remove it.
Unfortunately, objects like foxtails can travel deeper into the canal, causing pain, swelling, and infection. Signs often include sudden yelping, pawing at the ear, or holding the head tilted to one side.
Allergies
Allergies can make the ears incredibly itchy and inflamed. When a dog has environmental or food allergies, the ear canals can fill with wax and become irritated due to chronic inflammation.
This leads to ongoing discomfort that often shows up as head shaking, scratching at the ears, or recurring infections. Dogs with allergies may also have itchy paws, red skin, or frequent licking.
Because allergies are long-term conditions, the head shaking often appears suddenly during flare-ups triggered by pollen, mold, dust, or dietary sensitivities.
Water or Moisture in the Ears
Water trapped in the ears is a major cause of sudden head shaking. Dogs with floppy ears or dogs who swim frequently are especially prone to moisture getting stuck inside the ear canal.
When this happens, the ear becomes damp and warm — the perfect environment for irritation and infection to develop.
Moisture can also cause a tickling sensation deep inside the ear, prompting the dog to shake repeatedly until the feeling goes away. If the water leads to inflammation, head shaking may continue until the ear is cleaned and dried properly.
Ear Hematoma
An ear hematoma occurs when blood vessels inside the ear flap break, filling the ear flap with fluid.
This usually happens because the dog has been shaking their head so often that the repeated force causes tiny blood vessels to rupture.
The ear becomes swollen, heavy, warm, and sometimes painful. Dogs often continue shaking their head because the extra weight on the ear feels foreign and uncomfortable.
Hematomas need medical treatment to prevent permanent cosmetic changes to the ear.
Related: Dog licking paws and shaking head (Why it happens)
What to Do If Your Dog Suddenly Keeps Shaking Head
If your dog is suddenly shaking their head repeatedly, start by calmly checking the outside of the ears.
Look for redness, swelling, foul-smelling discharge, or visible debris. If the ear looks dirty or irritated, avoid inserting cotton swabs or anything that goes deep into the ear canal.
A gentle wipe of the outer ear with a veterinarian-approved ear cleanser can help remove mild debris or moisture. If the shaking started after a bath or swimming session, drying the ears carefully with a clean cloth can sometimes ease the irritation.
For dogs with allergies, you may notice flare-ups during certain seasons. Wiping your dog’s paws and ears after going outside can reduce contact with environmental triggers.
However, if the shaking is persistent, accompanied by pain, or associated with an unpleasant smell, it’s important to schedule a veterinary exam. Many causes of head shaking — especially infections, mites, or foreign objects — require prescription medication or safe removal by a professional.
Avoid using over-the-counter products unless recommended by your veterinarian, as certain solutions can worsen infections or cause discomfort if the ear canal is already inflamed.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Contact your veterinarian promptly if your dog shows:
• Persistent or violent head shaking.
• A swollen or puffy ear flap.
• Visible discharge or a strong odor coming from the ear.
• Signs of pain when the ear is touched.
• Head tilting or balance issues.
• Sudden hearing changes.
• A foreign object you can’t safely remove.
• Signs of bleeding or redness inside the ear.
If your dog is scratching until the skin breaks, shaking nonstop, or unable to settle due to discomfort, same-day veterinary care is best. Delay can lead to worsening infections, hematomas, or more serious complications involving the inner ear.
Read more: Dog Excessively Shaking Head (What it means)
Key Takeaway
A dog suddenly shaking their head is almost always a sign that something is bothering their ears, whether it’s irritation, infection, allergies, moisture, or debris. Because the ear canal is sensitive and issues can worsen quickly, it’s important to watch closely and take action when needed.
At-home care can help with mild, short-term irritation, but persistent shaking, discomfort, or discharge should always be evaluated by a veterinarian.
With the right treatment and care, most dogs recover quickly and get back to feeling comfortable and relaxed.