Dog itchy ears and head shaking – when to see a vet?

Updated 2026-09-30 · 1 sources

Based on: PDSA

Contact a vet today

This can have a serious cause – contact your vet today if any of the warning signs below apply, or if you are unsure. Regular ear scratching or head shaking can be a sign of an ear or skin problem, including skin allergies, ear infections or ear mites.

When to contact a vetWhat to do now

Contact a vet if you see any of this

  • Head tremor

What you can do now

  1. Contact your vet.
  2. Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see.
  3. Take a photo or short video to show the vet.
  4. Keep fresh water available.
  5. Let your dog rest somewhere calm.

Don't

  • Do not give any human medicine.
  • Do not wait if it gets worse.

What it can mean

It can be a sign of an ear or skin problem, including skin allergies, ear infections or ear mites.[1] A swollen ear flap, something stuck inside the ear, an injury to the ear or a lump in the ear are also possible causes.[1]

Possible causes

  • Allergic skin disease
  • Ear infection
  • Fleas
  • Ear mites
  • Swollen ear flap
  • Something stuck in the ear
  • Ear injury
  • Lump or growth in the ear

What the experts say

“Overview. If your dog scratches their ears or shakes their head regularly, it could be a sign of an ear or skin problem. Common causes include skin allergies, ear infections and ear mites.”

If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure or can't stand up: go to the nearest vet now.

Not sure how serious it is?

OkPaw asks a few quick questions about your pet and tells you in 30 seconds whether it can wait. Free on Google Play for Android.

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Common questions

What can itchy ears and head shaking mean in dogs?

It can be a sign of an ear or skin problem. Common causes include skin allergies, ear infections and ear mites.[1]

When should I contact my vet straight away?

Contact your vet straight away if your dog develops a head tremor.[1]

What other causes are possible?

Other possible causes include fleas, a swollen ear flap, something stuck inside the ear, an injury to the ear or a lump in the ear.[1]

Sources

  1. PDSA

How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages

The same page for cats →

Other symptoms in dogs

Limping and stiffnessLoss of balanceLow energyLumpsMouth PainNystagmusOver-groomingRed or swollen eyesRed, inflamed or sore skinReduced AppetiteReverse SneezingRunny Eyes