Why does my dog keep shaking its head in spring? | arlo.® Atlas

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your dog keeps shaking their head in spring, it’s often because something is irritating the ears or the skin around them. Common causes include pollen, grass seeds, insects, ear wax build-up or an ear problem that just happens to become more noticeable in warmer weather.

Sometimes it’s a one-off. If it keeps happening, it’s worth checking the ears and the time pattern rather than assuming it’s just the season.

Things To Check

1. Check whether the head shaking happens after walks, time in long grass, grooming or playing outside.

2. Look at both ears for redness, swelling, discharge, bad smell or signs of scratching.

3. See if your dog is tilting their head, rubbing one ear more than the other or seeming sensitive when you touch near the ears.

4. Check around the ear flap and entrance for visible debris such as grass seeds, dirt or wax.

5. Notice whether the problem is worse on windy days, after pollen-heavy walks or when the coat is shedding.

6. Watch for other signs such as sneezing, watery eyes, paw licking or general itching, which can point to seasonal irritation.

7. Keep an eye on whether the shaking is occasional or frequent, and whether it is getting worse over a day or two.

Common Causes

Seasonal irritation is a common reason in spring. Pollen, dust and tiny bits of grass can make the ears or skin around them feel uncomfortable.

Grass seeds and other bits of plant material can also get trapped near the ear or in the coat after walks, which may lead to repeated head shaking.

Insects can be another trigger, especially if your dog has been outdoors more often and is getting bothered by bites or general irritation.

Ear wax build-up or a developing ear infection can also cause head shaking, and spring may simply be the time you notice it more because your dog is outside more often.

What To Do

Start by checking the ears gently after walks, especially if your dog has been in long grass or woodland. If you can see obvious dirt or debris near the outside of the ear, remove only what is easy to reach without pushing anything further in.

Keep a note of when the shaking happens, how often it occurs and whether one ear seems more affected. That pattern can help you work out whether it’s linked to outdoor exposure, grooming or something inside the ear.

Try to reduce obvious triggers where you can, such as long grass, heavy pollen areas or very dusty routes, especially if the shaking seems to start after being outside.

If the ears look clean but the shaking continues, or if your dog seems uncomfortable, arrange a vet check so the ear can be examined properly.

Products That May Help

If spring seems to trigger extra coat, ear or paw cleaning, a simple grooming routine can help you keep on top of dirt and debris at home.

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