By the time you notice your dog shaking or scratching his ears, he may have a condition requiring veterinary attention. Ear shaking can be a sign of anything from parasites to allergies. While some conditions are easily treatable, many are or can become serious and lead to infections or hematomas that require veterinary treatment or even surgery. If your dog grows hair in his ear canal, as many do, it can make spotting obvious problems difficult.
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Ear Infections
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Check your dog's ears after he plays in the water. An ear infection (or otitis) in dogs can have many causes. Water is trapped in your dog's ear canal can lead to ear infections, especially in "floppy-eared" dogs or dogs with ear flaps. Ear infections can become recurring, particularly if your dog frequently goes into the water. In addition to ear shaking, pay attention to whether she is scratching her ears, if they're red inside, or if you notice an odor.
Ear Mites
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Ear mites are common in pets. Ear mites are common, and are an extreme nuisance and could be the problem if your dog is shaking his ears. Not only will they make your dog uncomfortable and lead to otitis if left untreated, but they can spread easily from one dog to another or even among other household pets of different species. They can also spread to other parts of the body. A proper course of treatment usually lasts two to four weeks. Ear mites are hard to see, so have your veterinarian examine your dog if you suspect ear mites.
Allergies
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Your dog may signal you by shaking her ears that she has allergies, even if the allergen was a food product or something that touched her skin.
Weeds or other Foreign Matter
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Weeds can get caught inside your dog's ear canal. Dog owners may not realize that plants, especially weeds, can lodge in a dog's ear canal. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, if she rolls on the grass or if you take her on camping trips, examine her ears frequently.
Preventing Ear Problems
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A healthy dog is a happy dog. Regular cleaning and examination can prevent ear problems in your dog. Looking for abnormalities can prevent ear infections and other potentially serious conditions, such as hematomas, which can require surgery or deformities in the ears. If you have difficulty seeing into your dog's ears because of hair growth, take him to a professional dog groomer and have the hair trimmed. Ask the groomer to show you how to do it at home, as proper trimming is important. Ask your veterinarian to demonstrate the proper way to clean your dog's ears as well.
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