Dog Shaking Head? Signs of an Ear Infection and What to Do
If your dog is shaking their head, scratching at their ears, or seems uncomfortable, an ear infection is one of the most common causes — especially during allergy season.
Ear infections in dogs can develop quickly and become painful if not treated, but many cases can be managed early with the right plan.
Common signs of an ear infection:
- Head shaking
- Scratching at ears
- Redness inside the ear
- Odor from the ears
- Discharge (brown, yellow, or black debris)
- Sensitivity when touching the ears
Is this an emergency?
Most ear infections are not emergencies, but they do need treatment.
If your dog is otherwise acting normal, eating, and drinking, this is usually something that can be evaluated and treated without an ER visit.
What causes ear infections?
- Allergies (very common in Florida)
- Moisture (swimming, humidity)
- Yeast or bacterial overgrowth
- Ear mites (less common in adult dogs)
What treatment is needed?
Most ear infections require medicated ear drops, and sometimes oral medication depending on severity.
A veterinarian can determine the best treatment based on what they see during the exam.
When to see a vet immediately:
- Severe pain or crying
- Head tilt or loss of balance
- Repeated infections
- Swelling of the ear flap
- Not eating or acting lethargic
Florida telehealth option:
If you’re in Florida, you may be able to speak with a licensed veterinarian online and get a treatment plan without going into a clinic.
When appropriate, medication can be prescribed following a proper video evaluation.