Whether you’re grooming your dogs at home or by professional groomers, you can notice that they shake their heads and body instantly. Well, it’s a quite natural action. Most of the times, they shake their body to remove the water after a bath. It also helps them to rid of loose hair and debris.
However, there is a possible chance that your dog shaking head after grooming due to discomfort or pain. It’s important to monitor your dog after grooming and be aware of any signs of pain or discomfort. There are also other reasons for this action that you’ll learn in this post.
Dog Shaking Head After Grooming
When your dog shakes its head after grooming, it could indicate a few different things. Though dogs naturally shake their heads to help remove debris, such as dirt or water, from their ears. This is their way of keeping their ears clean and free from potential infections.
After your dog’s grooming session, you might notice them vigorously shaking their head, and there could be various reasons behind this behavior.
However, if your dog is shaking its head excessively or seems to be in discomfort, it may be worth investigating further. Let’s delve into the possible causes:
1. Ear Injury
Dogs often get injured during the grooming process. They have sensitive skin around the ears. So when trimming their hair around the ears, they feel tingling and move suddenly, causing unwanted cuts by the scissors. Dogs keep shaking their head to express their feelings and discomfort.
2. Mites in the Ears
Mites in the dog’s ears are a common issue. While grooming, the dog’s ears get wet and this wet condition attracts the mites. As a result, your dog feels itchiness and irritation. It can even lead to inflammation.
Moreover, mites are highly contagious. So if your dog meets an infected dog at the groomer’s, there’s a risk of transmission.
3. Ear Infections
An ear infection could be the cause of your dog’s head shaking. Ear infections are common in dogs, especially those with long or floppy ears, as their ear canals can become warm and moist creating the perfect environment for bacteria or yeast to grow.
If your dog’s head shaking and also scratching or rubbing of the ears excessively, redness, swelling, or an unpleasant odor, you should consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
4. Water Stuck
Similar to humans, dogs can also experience water getting stuck in their ears during grooming. This can impede their hearing and cause discomfort. The head shaking is their way of trying to dislodge the trapped water and restore normal hearing.
5. Allergic Reaction
Dogs can develop allergies to certain ingredients in grooming products, such as shampoos or conditioners. If your dog’s head shaking occurs shortly after a grooming session, it may be worth considering if a specific product could be causing the reaction.
Switching to hypoallergenic grooming products or consulting with a veterinarian for alternative options may help alleviate your dog’s discomfort.
6. Health Issues
It is also possible that your dog’s head shaking is unrelated to grooming and could be a symptom of an underlying health issue.
For example, your dog may be experiencing pain or discomfort in its ears or head, which could be a result of an injury, dental problems, or even neurological issues.
If your dog continues to head shaking, especially if it is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as loss of balance, disorientation, or changes in behavior, seeking immediate veterinary attention is recommended.
What Should You Do if Your Dog Keeps Shaking Its Head After Grooming?
If your dog is persistently shaking its head after grooming, it’s essential to take proactive steps to ensure their well-being. Here’s what you should do:
1. Inspect the Ears
Start by checking your dog’s ear closely and look for any signs of irritation and infection. This helps rule out potential health issues that might be causing the excessive head shaking. Also, check out for redness, inflammation, or unusual discharge.
2. Recheck the Grooming Products
If you find any grooming products with such ingredients that can cause allergies, you should opt for alternative products or ingredients.
Some dogs have sensitivities to certain products. Discuss with your vet to determine which grooming products are safe and suitable for your dog to avoid further irritation.
3. Use a Gentle Ear Cleaning Solution
Sometimes earwax can irritate grooming. So, opt for a mild ear-cleaning solution to eliminate any accumulated dirt or debris in your dog’s ears.
You can find suitable solutions at your local pet store or create one at home using natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar mixed with water.
4. Apply Natural Oil
If your dog is really very uncomfortable, you can soothe your dog’s ears by applying natural oil such as coconut or olive oil. Take a small amount of a cotton ball and gently rub it on the inside of your dog’s ears. This helps alleviate irritation and keeps the skin moisturized.
5. Warm Compress
You can easily relieve your dog’s discomfort or pain by using a warm compress. Soak a clean towel in warm water, wring out excess water, and hold it against your dog’s ears for a few minutes. This simple technique can provide relief.
6. Offer Pain Relief Medication
If your dog is experiencing significant discomfort, consult your veterinarian about the possibility of using pain relief medication. It’s crucial to seek professional advice before administering any medication to ensure your dog’s safety.
When To Consult A Vet?
If the head shaking continues for a longer time and any step can’t soothe your dog, or you’re uncertain about the cause, consult with your veterinarian immediately.
Your vet will be able to diagnose the root cause of the head shaking and provide the best possible treatment. It’s important to act quickly to avoid any further pain and discomfort for your dog.
However, regular cleanliness can prevent your dog’s ear irritation or infection. Use a gentle ear-cleaning solution and avoid over-cleaning or over-plucking, as this can exacerbate the issue. Consistent maintenance ensures overall ear health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it common for dogs to get ear infections after grooming?
Improper grooming can cause ear infections in your dogs. If moisture is left in the ears, especially in breeds with floppy ears, can create an environment conducive to bacterial or yeast infections.
So, proper drying and cleaning of the ears during and after grooming can help prevent such infections.
Can a dog get a bacterial infection from a groomer?
While it’s not the norm, there is a possibility of dogs contracting bacterial infections from groomers. This risk can increase if grooming tools are not properly sanitized between usages of different dogs.
If a groomer works on an infected dog without taking proper precautions, there is a chance of transmission. So, it is important to choose reputable groomers who prioritize hygiene to minimize such risks.
Conclusion
Occasional head shaking after grooming is typically normal, but excessive or persistent shaking is not a good sign. Also, if you notice other symptoms, should not be ignored. Pay close attention to your dog’s behavior and consult with a veterinarian.
However, the general advice is to keep clean your dog’s ear to prevent further infection. Besides, check through the grooming products so that your dog can enjoy an irritation-free grooming.
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