Dog Shaking Head After Grooming: Understanding the Reasons

Dog shaking head after grooming can be a common and concerning issue for many pet owners.

Some dogs may shake their heads due to the sensation of loose hair or debris on their skin, which can be caused by over-grooming or matting.

Dogs have scent glands located on their faces, near their cheeks and lips, and shaking their heads may help to stimulate these glands.

Shaking their heads can also be a way for dogs to self-soothe and relieve any discomfort or anxiety caused by the grooming process.

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Ear hematomas can be caused by excessive head shaking due to an ear infection, allergies, or a foreign object inside the ear.

Excessive head shaking can also lead to a broken blood vessel inside the ear flap, causing bleeding underneath the skin.

Dogs with blood-clotting disorders are more prone to developing hematomas, even without prior trauma or infection.

Ear shaking can also be caused by trauma to the ear, such as a bite from another dog or an overly vigorous play session.

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Ear shaking after grooming is a common behavior in dogs and is completely normal.

It helps remove any excess moisture or debris accumulated during grooming, keeping their ears dry and clean.

Dogs shake their ears vigorously to dislodge any remaining water or product residue, alleviating discomfort or itching caused by grooming.

Occasional ear shaking is normal after grooming, but excessive shaking may indicate underlying issues like ear infections or skin irritation.

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If your dog shakes its head after grooming, it's essential to check its ear flaps or pinnae, especially around the edges, as these are common locations for vasculitis or seborrhea to occur.

A thorough ear cleaning and flush can be a good first step if you suspect something is lodged in the ear canal, but it's always best to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.

Look for signs of inflammation, dark brown or black material, and a foul odor on the inside of your dog's ear, as these can be indicative of an ear infection.

If you notice your dog pawing aggressively at its ear and has a difficult time settling, it's likely that there's something more serious going on, such as a foreign object or tinnitus, which requires a veterinarian's attention.

In some cases, the cause of head shaking after grooming may be idiopathic head tremors, which can be uncomfortable for your pet, so it's crucial to observe your dog closely for additional symptoms and seek professional veterinary advice when necessary.

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Regular inspections of your dog's ears can help prevent ear hematomas. Look for signs of trouble such as excessive wax, crusty debris, redness, or odor.

Dry your dog's ears thoroughly after a bath or a swim, especially if your dog has floppy ears, as retained moisture can lead to the growth of yeast within the ear canal. This is crucial for preventing problems from developing.

Here's a simple ear care routine to follow:

If your dog develops an ear hematoma, it's essential to have it assessed by a veterinarian, who will also provide pain medications and treatment for any underlying ear infection.

Sometimes an ear hematoma is so small that it may not need to be repaired, but there's a risk that an untreated hematoma can leave your dog with a permanently scarred or deformed ear.

A veterinarian will determine the right method for repairing an ear hematoma, but there are several options available.

Regular ear cleaning is a crucial aspect of dog grooming, and it's essential to do it correctly to prevent ear infections and maintain your dog's ear health.

Gather all the necessary ear-cleaning supplies, including a dog-specific ear cleaner, cotton balls or pads, and treats to reward your dog afterward.

Gently lift your dog's ear flap and inspect the inside of the ear for dirt, debris, or redness. Be cautious and avoid using excessive force, as a dog's ears are sensitive.

Moisten a cotton ball or pad with ear cleaner and wipe the visible part of the ear canal gently. Avoid inserting anything deep into the ear canal to prevent damage or discomfort.

Reward your dog with a treat or praise after the ear-cleaning process to create a positive association with the experience.

Regular ear cleaning can prevent ear infections and maintain your dog's ear health.

Here's a quick checklist to ensure you're doing it right:

If your dog is shaking its head excessively or persistently after grooming, it's essential to investigate the underlying cause. This behavior can be a sign of an underlying issue that needs attention.

Ear infections are a common reason for excessive head shaking in dogs. Bacteria, yeast, or allergies can cause them, and if your dog's head shaking is accompanied by redness, swelling, or discharge, it could indicate an infection.

Ear mites are tiny parasites that can infest a dog's ears, leading to intense itching and irritation. Excessive head shaking is often seen in dogs with ear mite infestations.

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Foreign objects can also cause persistent head shaking. Sometimes, dogs may shake their heads if they have a foreign object lodged in their ear canal, such as a grass seed or debris from grooming.

Dogs can develop allergies to various substances, including certain foods, environmental factors, or grooming products. Allergic reactions can cause itching and discomfort, leading to excessive head shaking.

If you notice excessive or persistent head shaking in your dog, it's crucial to consult with a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Here are some factors to consider when investigating excessive or persistent head shaking:

If your dog is shaking its ears excessively after a grooming session, it's essential to know when you should be concerned. This behavior can be a sign of potential issues.

Excessive ear shaking can be a symptom of an ear infection, which can cause discomfort and pain for your dog. Foul odor or discharge from the ear is another red flag.

A foul odor or discharge from the ear is a clear indication that something is wrong. It's not just a minor issue that will resolve on its own.

If you notice any signs of inflammation, dark brown or black material, or a foul odor inside your dog's ear, it's likely that your dog has an ear infection. This requires immediate attention from a veterinarian.

In some cases, your dog may be shaking its head due to a foreign object lodged in the ear canal. This can be caused by a variety of things, including dirt, debris, or even a small toy.

If your dog is shaking its head excessively and you can't find any evidence of an ear infection or foreign object, it's possible that your dog is experiencing tinnitus or idiopathic head tremors. These conditions can cause discomfort and should not be ignored.

In any case, if your dog is shaking its head excessively after grooming, it's always best to err on the side of caution and consult with a veterinarian for expert guidance and solutions.

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Ear infections can be a common cause of head shaking after grooming, especially if your dog has a foul odor, dark brown or black material, or signs of inflammation in their ear.

A foreign object or material deep in the ear canal can also cause discomfort, and may require a veterinarian's diagnosis.

In some cases, head shaking can be caused by idiopathic head tremors, which are tremors that have no known cause, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as pawing at the ear.

Inflammation of the blood vessels, known as vasculitis, can cause inflammation of the ear tips in dogs.

This condition can lead to discomfort and head shaking in dogs.

Seborrhea, a skin condition characterized by flaky, itchy skin, can also cause ear tip inflammation.

Redness, swelling, and sometimes even ulceration at the tips of the ears are signs of ear tip inflammation.

Your dog may scratch its ears or try to rub them against furniture or the floor to alleviate the itchiness and discomfort.

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In my experience, inflammation of the pinnal tips is very uncomfortable and causes excessive head shaking.

To diagnose this condition, your veterinarian will perform a physical examination and may take skin samples to identify the cause of inflammation.

Treatment usually involves managing the underlying condition with topical medication.

In some cases, oral medications may also be prescribed to address the root cause of the inflammation, such as allergies or autoimmune disorders.

Ear hematomas in dogs are a common issue, and it's essential to understand what causes them. Excessive head shaking due to an ear infection, allergies, or a foreign object inside the ear is the most common cause.

If your dog is shaking its head excessively, it's likely a sign of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Regular inspections of your dog's ears can help you catch potential problems early on.

A broken blood vessel inside the ear flap leads to bleeding underneath the skin, which can cause a swollen, balloon-like appearance of the ear. This can happen due to trauma to the ear, such as a bite from another dog or even an overly vigorous play session.

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Dogs with blood-clotting disorders are also more prone to developing hematomas, even without prior trauma or infection. So, if your dog has a history of bleeding issues, it's crucial to keep an eye out for signs of an ear hematoma.

Here are some common causes of ear hematomas in dogs:

Even if your dog's pain seems to be under control, it's possible that another injury or condition is to blame. Some other injury or condition pathology could be the cause, especially if your dog has had an accident or reaction during grooming.

High-quality groomers will inform you of any issues, even if it's their fault, and may have insurance to cover veterinary care or follow-ups. They typically have insurance for those kinds of incidents.

Lower-quality groomers may not inform you of incidents, so you might have to do some investigating and diagnosing on your own with your dog's regular vet.

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