FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising.
We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published.
Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.
We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
Was this article helpful?
We’ll send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out.
Check your inbox for your latest news from us. You have subscribed to:
Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter.