Common dog ‘head shake’ symptom that’s actually serious infection

A behaviour commonly seen in dogs could actually be the early signs of a major infection that could potentially require surgery. While it is usually normal for a dog to shake their head, especially when petting them or scratching their head, if they're doing it excessively, it could be a sign that they have an ear infection. An ear infection can be incredibly painful for some dogs and is usually the result of bacteria or yeast inside the ear. However, it could also be due to an underlying condition such as excessive wax, excessive cleaning, ear mites, or a skin allergy. If left untreated or allowed to get worse, an ear infection may need to be treated with surgery from a vet, and your dog's ear could become misshapen. However, if caught early and treated appropriately, your dog should be able to make a full recovery and be pain-free. The three main ear infections that can present themselves in dogs is either an outer ear infection (otitis externa), a middle ear infection (otitis media), and an inner ear infection (Otitis interna). An outer ear infection typically occurs in the lining of the outside part of the dog's ear and can be seen much more easily than the other types of ear infections as the outer part of the ear will generally be red and inflamed. However, a middle and inner ear infection may be harder to spot and could be left untreated for a long period of time. This could be significantly dangerous for your pet because if the infection spreads throughout the ear canal, it can result in a variety of other problems, including loss of balance and deafness. If your dog is suffering from an ear infection, they may present one or more of the following signs and symptoms: If a vet discovers that your dog has an ear infection, they will likely either prescribe an antibiotic or antifungal medicine, depending on what is causing the infection. This medicine can either be given to the dog through eardrops or through tablets, depending on the severity of the infection. If the vet believes your dog is in a lot of pain, they may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medication as a form of pain relief. If there is an underlying cause that has led to the infection, your vet should also discuss treatment for this to help avoid any future infections. According to guidance from PDSA, a vet may need to carry out surgery for ear infections in situations where the condition hasn't improved, and the ear has become misshapen. If you're concerned your dog is showing symptoms of an ear infection, the first thing you should do is have them examined by your vet.