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Potential Causes and What to Do About Them: Why Do Dogs Shake Their Heads?

It is completely normal for your dog to shake its head every now and then, and not necessarily a sign of illness or injury.

Here are a few general reasons for head shaking.

Dislodging an Object in Their Ear

Since pooches don’t have opposable thumbs, head shaking is the easiest way to get rid of an object that is stuck in their ear.

1

Loosening Up in the Morning

Just like humans tend to stretch in the morning when first getting out of bed, your pet may just be shaking its head to loosen up.

2

3

Playing or Feeling Excited

It is normal for dogs to express this excitement by shaking their heads and flopping those ears about. They may even go all out and do a happy full-body shake.

Causes for Concern in Head-Shaking Behavior

- Ear Infection - Ear Mites - Itchiness Due to Allergies - Water Clogging the Ears - Foreign Object in the Ear Canal - Ear Trauma

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