When your dog shakes his head it can be an alarming sign, but there is hope. There are ways you can tell if your dog is having an adverse reaction to an allergy. The key is to identify the symptoms, understand how the allergies work, and know what to do if you are worried about your pet.
Hematomas
If your dog is shaking his head, it could be a sign of an ear hematoma. These painful lumps form when a blood vessel in the ear breaks. This may happen when the dog is injured, scratched, or bitten by a foreign object.
Dogs with long, floppy ears are more likely to develop ear hematomas. When they shake their heads, their ear flaps may break off, causing blood vessels to burst.
Hematomas in dogs are similar to a blood blister, but are not as red or warm as a blood blister. They are found under the skin and appear as a small bump or a thick swelling. The skin in the ear flap is very thin, and can easily tear.
Ear hematomas are very common in dogs. The resulting pain can make the affected ear feel like a balloon. There are several causes of hematomas, including trauma, recurring ear infections, clotting problems, and allergies.
Grass seeds
When your dog shakes his head after a walk, you may be looking at grass seeds stuck in his ear. This can be a serious problem that can lead to infection and a collapsed lung. If left untreated, grass seed in the ear can result in a ruptured ear drum, which can cause serious problems in the deeper structures of the ear.
Grass seeds are tiny, and can lodge in a dog’s ear canal or eye. They can be extremely irritating, and can also cause severe pain.
Grass seeds have a sharp point, and they can puncture skin. When they get into the eye, they may cause irritation, which may lead to continuous sneezing.
Grass seeds can be removed from the eye with a syringe or with forceps. However, a vet will probably need to do it under anaesthetic.
Grass awns
If your dog has been shaking his head and pawing at his ears, he may be suffering from grass awns. These seeds can enter the dog’s body and cause serious infections.
In order to treat an awn, a dog owner should take their dog to the veterinarian. A veterinarian is equipped with the right tools to safely remove the awn.
Some of the symptoms of a grass awn infection are inflammation, redness, and excessive chewing. In addition, the dog’s paws, eyes, nose, throat, and mouth can become infected.
Awns are usually a problem in the spring and summer, when they bloom. In addition, long-haired dogs are especially at risk for awns.
If your dog is prone to awns, you should groom him after walks. This will help reduce the likelihood that the grass seeds will get lodged in his coat.
Water
If you notice your dog’s head shaking, it may indicate that there’s something in his ears. A vet can help you determine the cause of the problem. They will ask you a few questions, such as when the shaking started, and whether it has worsened.
The most common cause of excessive head shaking in dogs is an ear infection. This can occur when the canal becomes infected with fungi or bacteria. You should see a veterinarian immediately, as this condition can become serious.
Head-shaking is an attempt by dogs to clear their ears. Water in the ear can also lead to persistent head shaking. It’s important to check your dog’s ears regularly, especially after swimming or bathing.
Infected ear infections can sometimes smell like yeast. Sometimes, the discharge can stick to the fur on your dog’s head. Your dog may also scratch his ear to relieve the pain.
Insects
There are a number of reasons why your dog may shake his head. Among the most common is a foreign object lodged in his ear. If this is the case, it is worth a visit to your veterinarian. In addition to treating the infection, your vet may also prescribe antibiotics to combat any secondary infections.
Other than shaking his head, a dog can do other things like scratch his face or rub his ears. However, if you’ve ever had your pet shake his paws, you know that it is not always the most pleasant experience. While your pooch might be excited about the prospect of getting a nice scratch, he might not be so thrilled when he realizes he has to get rid of the object.