Dog Throwing Up and Shaking Head: Causes + What To Do

1. Ear Infections

One of the most common reasons for a dog shaking their head is an ear infection. But what does this have to do with vomiting?

When a dog suffers from a severe ear infection, especially a middle or inner ear infection, it can cause a disturbance in their equilibrium or balance.

This disorientation can make your dog nauseous, which might lead to vomiting.

Signs your dog may have an ear infection include:

• Frequent head shaking

• Scratching at the ears

• Redness or swelling in the ear

• Discharge or foul odor from the ear

• Loss of balance or stumbling

If your dog is shaking their head and throwing up, and also showing ear-related symptoms, it’s time to check for otitis (ear inflammation).

Related: Dog throwing up and not eating (Explained)

2. Vestibular Disease

Vestibular disease in dogs affects the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and spatial orientation.

Dogs with this condition may suddenly start shaking their head, stumbling, tilting their head, or vomiting due to motion sickness.

While vestibular disease is more common in older dogs, it can occur at any age.

The sudden onset of symptoms can be frightening but often improves over a few days with supportive care.

Vestibular disease symptoms include:

• Vomiting and nausea

• Head shaking or tilting

• Loss of balance

• Falling or walking in circles

• Eye twitching (nystagmus)

If your dog’s vomiting and head shaking is accompanied by disorientation or stumbling, vestibular disease may be the cause.

3. Ear Mites or Foreign Objects in the Ear

Another possible explanation for your dog shaking their head and vomiting is irritation caused by ear mites or a foreign object lodged in the ear canal.

The intense discomfort from mites or an object (like grass seeds) can cause your dog to violently shake their head, which may trigger motion sickness or stress-induced vomiting.

Common signs of mites or objects in the ear include:

• Persistent scratching or pawing at the ear

• Intense head shaking

• Whimpering when the ear is touched

• Dark debris or wax buildup

• Vomiting (in severe or stressed dogs)

If you suspect ear mites or something lodged in your dog’s ear, consult your vet immediately.

Avoid attempting to remove anything yourself.

Related: Dog throwing up and not eating (Explained)

4. Motion Sickness or Nausea

Some dogs are prone to motion sickness, especially during car rides. If your dog is vomiting and shaking their head after travel, motion sickness could be the culprit.

Even outside of car rides, dogs experiencing nausea from stomach upset, infections, or toxin ingestion may shake their head in distress or disorientation.

Head shaking can be a general sign of discomfort or anxiety related to feeling sick.

Other symptoms of motion sickness or nausea include:

• Excessive drooling

• Licking lips

• Whining or pacing

• Vomiting during or after travel

• Reluctance to get in the car

Dogs can also vomit due to gastrointestinal upset from food changes, infections, or eating something they shouldn’t have.

5. Allergic Reactions

Dogs suffering from allergies may experience a combination of symptoms, such as itchy ears, head shaking, and vomiting.

Food allergies in particular can irritate both the gastrointestinal tract and skin or ears.

If your dog is throwing up and shaking their head along with scratching, licking paws, or ear inflammation, allergies could be the root cause.

Common signs of allergies in dogs:

• Itchy skin or ears

• Chronic ear infections

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Head shaking or scratching

• Hair loss or red patches on the skin

Identifying and eliminating the allergen through diet trials or allergy testing can help reduce these symptoms.

6. Ingestion of Toxins or Foreign Objects

If your dog ate something toxic or a foreign object, they may begin vomiting shortly after.

In some cases, the ingestion can also cause neurological symptoms, such as shaking the head, tremors, or disorientation.

Common household toxins include:

• Chocolate

• Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum)

• Grapes or raisins

• Human medications

• Cleaning chemicals

Symptoms of toxin ingestion:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Drooling

• Seizures or tremors

• Head shaking

• Lethargy or collapse

If your dog is throwing up and shaking their head suddenly, and you suspect they may have eaten something dangerous, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

7. Neurological Disorders

Although rare, neurological conditions such as seizures or brain inflammation (encephalitis) can cause vomiting and abnormal head movements or shaking.

These disorders affect the brain and nervous system, leading to loss of coordination and other unusual symptoms.

Signs of neurological problems in dogs include:

• Repetitive head shaking

• Vomiting

• Unusual eye movements

• Disorientation

• Seizures

• Collapse or paralysis

These conditions are serious and require immediate veterinary evaluation.

Dog Throwing Up and Shaking Head: What to Do

If your dog is throwing up and shaking their head, it’s important to observe closely and take action based on the symptoms’ severity and duration.

Here’s what to do:

Monitor Closely

• Note when the vomiting and head shaking started

• Check for additional symptoms (ear odor, balance issues, eye movements)

• Examine the ears (but don’t insert anything)

• Observe your dog’s energy level and appetite

Remove Food and Water Temporarily

If vomiting is frequent, remove food and water for a few hours (no more than 12 hours).

Reintroduce small amounts of water first, then bland food like boiled chicken and rice if vomiting stops.

Avoid Home Remedies

Do not administer any over-the-counter medication without veterinary guidance. Many human medications are toxic to dogs and can worsen the situation.

When to See the Vet Immediately

You should consult your vet if your dog’s vomiting and head shaking is accompanied by any of the following:

• Repeated or projectile vomiting

• Blood in vomit

• Loss of balance or coordination

• Constant head shaking or signs of ear pain

• Seizures or collapse

• Unusual eye movements or disorientation

• Suspected poisoning

• Loss of appetite lasting over 24 hours

• Lethargy or severe dehydration

Puppies and senior dogs are especially vulnerable and should be evaluated promptly when symptoms like vomiting and head shaking occur.

Key Takeaway: Dog Throwing Up and Shaking Head

Dog vomiting and head shaking can occur together due to ear infections, vestibular disease, allergies, toxins, or neurological issues.

While some causes are minor and treatable at home, others may be serious and require veterinary intervention.

If your dog is throwing up and shaking their head, pay close attention to accompanying signs, act quickly, and don’t hesitate to contact your vet if you’re unsure.

Prompt treatment and accurate diagnosis can prevent complications and help your furry friend feel better fast.