Why Do Dogs Shake Their Heads? Cool Pet Dog Facts That Kids Will Love

For all dog owners that love their pets, it is needless to say how adorable dogs are!

Dogs are probably the best pets. When someone says that a dog is a man's best friend, it is said in the true sense, and it is no exaggeration.

From guarding the house to being a stress buster, these loyal beings find no match. As pet parents, while you enjoy the company of your dogs, it is imperative to understand your pet well and watch out for any strange behavior. Are you puzzled by your pets' actions? Read on to make sense of their odd habits.

If you find this article informative, you may enjoy reading our fun facts articles on why do dogs' feet smell like Fritos? And why do huskies talk? Check out these articles as well!

Why do dogs shake their heads when they wake up?

Dogs often shake their heads. Here's why your furry friend shakes its head after waking up.

You may often find your dog shaking its head after a bath or maybe after a dip in the swimming pool to get the water out of its ears. However, if your pet shakes its head more often, then it is time to look into it seriously. Excessive head shaking in dogs can be a cause of concern. Frequent shaking of the head from side to side can be a sign of health issues in dogs. It may indicate an ear infection or neurological disorders. Timely veterinary care is the best way to avert any complications in your dog's health.

It's not unusual for dogs to shake their heads as soon as they wake up from a sound sleep. After a long period of sleep, it is natural for them to yawn and stretch, just like we do. Shaking their head helps them to loosen up their bodies. By shaking their heads after a nap, dogs get rid of their sleepy head and reinvigorate themselves.

Dogs also give a head shake when they feel tickled. Most often, after a grooming session, when your dog's ears are cleaned, or the ear hair is removed, you can find your dog shaking its head. Head shaking is the dog's response to the tickling sensation.

Why do dogs shake their heads after sneezing?

A sudden series of sneezes, followed by vigorous head shaking in dogs can be concerning. Often, head shaking in dogs can be a sign of an underlying health condition or allergies.

Along with head shaking, if you also notice it rub its nose, has nasal discharge, or difficulty breathing, visit a veterinarian ASAP. These symptoms may indicate the presence of nasal mites or a foreign body in your dog's nose. Foreign particles such as grass may cause severe sneezing combined with discharge of blood from the nose. These conditions require immediate medical attention.

Shaking their head too much also can be a symptom of ear infections. The presence of ear mites may cause a severe itch in your dog's ears. With an ear mite infestation, your dog might scratch its ears with its paws very often. It also produces ear wax, which causes irritation and inflammation in the ears. Sometimes your dog may have dark, smelly discharge from its inflamed ears. These symptoms suggest an illness in your dog's ears.

Food allergies may also cause an infection in the ear canal, combined with itchy skin, hair loss, head shaking, and scratching of the face. Allergies can be triggered by ingredients in your dog's diet or environmental factors such as pollens or spores.

Inflammation and irritation in the ear canal can also be due to a yeast or bacterial infection. Besides yeast infections and parasites in the ears, malnutrition or a bite injury may also cause head shaking or cause your dog's ear flap to droop.

Ear hematomas are a condition involving blood vessels bursting under the ear skin, forming blisters. Hematomas in dogs cause severe itching. When dogs with ear infections or parasites shake their heads, their ear flaps hit against their heads, and this can cause hematomas to form under the ears. Ear hematomas can lead to further head shaking. Thus, head shaking can be a cause and an effect of hematomas. Consult your vet on guidance of the proper treatment to help your dog.

These health conditions should not be treated without consulting a veterinarian. An incorrect diagnosis and inappropriate treatment of your dog's ear infection can risk your pet's health. If left untreated, these health conditions may lead to permanent ear damage. Please leave it to your veterinarian to diagnose any health conditions appropriately and give your dog the right treatment to relieve him or her of any pain.

Why do dogs shake their heads when they see another dog shake?

Your pet's head shaking is always not a reason to worry. It's normal for your pet to shake its head to express emotions as well. When your dog sees someone he or she loves, it might shake its head in excitement. This is one way of getting its ears ready to hear you better. You can also rest assured that your dog is listening to you.

Perhaps more often, you might have noticed your pet shaking its head while playing with another dog. Head shaking is a way your dog communicates joy and excitement.

Why do dogs shake their heads when listening to music?

Music soothes the mind for dogs too. Keep your dogs away from loud and jarring music; that may make your pet anxious.

If you notice your dog whimpering or shaking its head, it means that the music is making the dog anxious and stressed. Classical music, soft rock, and reggae are found to make dogs relaxed and less stressed.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for why do dogs shake their heads? Cool pet dog facts that kids will love, then why not take a look at why do moths like light? Amazing moth insects facts or why do bats sleep upside down? Learn amazing facts about bats.