"Dogs are active beings. Although, dogs may also flap their ears because of deeper internal health problems. "The reason why dogs shake when they get up is just like us," Jackie Cameron, dog trainer and founder of No Kill Kern, tells The Dodo. Note: Do not try and carry out an ear flush on your own. Unlike humans that have a short ear canal, dogs have a long narrow ear canal that makes an almost 90-degree bend as it travels to the deeper parts of the ear. Please consult a licensed veterinarian for any medical condition or query regarding the health of your pet. Ear infections are very common among canines and is most likely caused by moisture trapped in the ear canal from the result of grooming, bathing, and swimming. As a matter of fact, a lot of people find it very cute when their dogs flap their ears. It's charging the system." The bottom line? Family Stops At Nothing To Help Their Great Dane Run. The forces generated by a vigorous shake are impressive, as anyone who has been whacked by a dogs flailing ear can tell you. We are seasoned pet owners and enthusiasts who love to share everything that we learn about them! Why do dogs flap their ears in the morning? If left untreated, allergies can lead to ear flapping as well as chronic ear infections, hair loss, or excessive chewing or scratching. It is easier in the early morning hours or late evening hours to hear other dogs and try to communicate back with them which is why you will see this behavior in the morning. Ear infections are very common among canines and is most likely caused by moisture trapped in the ear canal from the result of grooming, bathing, and swimming. Treating ear infections may require oral or topical antibiotics or antifungals, flushing the ear, ear cleaning, or an ear-drying solution. Other dogs will rub their heads on your furniture or on the floor, which is no cause for concern provided youve cleaned their ears carefully. Remember to always use pet-formulated products for your dog. Microorganisms will start growing in the form of bacteria or yeast and will soon have your beloved dog shaking its head and flapping its ears excessively. Allergies, sensitivities, or even a stuck foreign object can all be the cause. If there are other factors involved, such as diet or environment, your vet may suggest lifestyle changes. If you lift up the flap of your dog's ear(s) and see redness, swelling, or discharge, an infection is likely. Your email address will not be published. Published: 02/07/2018, edited: 01/30/2020. "They want to stretch out and they want to get their muscles ready for activity. App. Dogs usually flap their ears because of ear problems. And sometimes, tumors. Insects such as flies may also bite at your doggies ears and may make them sore and cause wounds at the same time. While not nearly as pronounced at that morning stretch, some dogs do it when they first stir in the morning. The bottom line? "Stretching helps prepare for any hunt for food or brawl for territory that comes along. Ear infections tend to be itchy and produce a lot of discharge and inflammation, all of which make dogs want to shake their heads. So being descendents from wolfs is naturally the root of this behavior. There could also be ticks or foreign bodies inside the ears. All fields are required. Do remember to not miss your dogs ears when taking care of your beloved pooch. Fortunately, ear cropping is illegal in many countries, including the UK. Ear flushes are highly effective provided there are no blockages your vet will help you with this. Why do dogs flap their ears in the morning. This includes Amazon. Not only that, it is painful and potentially dangerous for dogs: rather than prevent ear infections, cropping can cause them. Chances are, if your dog is flapping its ears, something is up. "The reason why dogs shake when they get up is just like us," Jackie Cameron, dog trainer and founder of No Kill Kern, tells The Dodo. But is it a possible cause for concern? Remember to check your dog after hes been swimming. Just like with their humans, food is the most common cause of allergies in dogs, as well as inhaling or touching something which is considered dangerous by their immune system. As well as insect bites or wax build-up. Some dogs have lost their hearing because of cropping. Twigs, bits of leaves, stems, burrs, etc., are all easily picked up by a busy dog! Save my name & email in this browser for the next Your veterinarian can recommend a safe and effective product based on your dogs particular needs. If you are taking regular care of your dogs ears, your dog has a better chance of avoiding infections (provided hes not allergic to anything, see above.). Ear infections tend to be itchy and produce a lot of discharge and inflammation, all of which make dogs want to shake their heads. Here is a brilliant product to get and use from Amazon: Dont use human shampoo, vinegar, olive oil, or other substances to clean your dogs ears. Even though ear infections can be more prevalent in dogs with drooping ears, not all dogs with drooping ears get ear infections. If you lift up the flap of your dogs ear(s) and see redness, swelling, or discharge, an infection is likely. An extra barrier/gatekeeper for sound waves for enhanced sound detection. When does your dog flap their ears? "My dog does some downward dog every time he wakes up from a nap," Adan tells The Dodo. Some people sadly resort to ear cropping their dogs for cosmetic reasons. Ear hematomas, also called aural hematomas, are usually caused by excessive head shaking or scratching due to an ear infection, mites, allergies, or other irritation inside the ear canal. When tender ears slap against the hard skull, capillary within the pinna can burst, forming a pocket of blood referred to as a hematoma. Your dogs skin can become mutilated or severely inflamed as a result. Sometimes a simple ear flush can be enough to remove the debris without causing too much pain or discomfort to your dog. Dogs with ears that point straight up tend to be less susceptible to ear problems (though they can still happen.). Microorganisms will start growing in the form of bacteria or yeast and will soon have your beloved dog shaking its head and flapping its ears excessively. If you think your dog may have something stuck in his ear like an insect or a grass awn, the first thing to do is examine his ears. Ear infections are very common among canines and is most likely caused by moisture trapped in the ear canal from the result of grooming, bathing, and swimming. An extra barrier/gatekeeper for sound waves for enhanced sound detection. 2022 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved. Consult your veterinarian right away if you notice anything out of the ordinary. While its common for dogs to flap their ears, it usually means that something is not quite right. If your dog has recurrent ear infections, you and your veterinarian need to go on a search for an underlying cause, such as allergies, anatomical abnormalities, or hypothyroidism. These are the kind of questions to ask to try to identify the root of the issue. Microorganisms will start growing in the form of bacteria or yeast and will soon have your beloved dog shaking its head and flapping its ears . For dogs, stretching and shaking is likely hardwired instinct. Dogs scratch their ears because of ear mites or infections. Here are some of my other dog behavioral guides you may be interested in: I am a practiced pet owner with decades of experience owning a number of different pets. Earflaps are thought to help cool dogs off by lowering their body temperature, which can be very useful in warm weather. How To Potentially Spot Or Avoid Problems Leading To Flapping Ears, TropiClean Alcohol Free Ear Wash for Pets, 4oz - Alcohol Free - Made in USA - Dog Ear Cleaner Solution - Dog Ear Wash - Pet Otic Drops - Soothes Itching & Infection - Vet Recommended, My Dogs Acts Like He Sees Something [What Does This Mean? So, dont go running around like mad dog over a behavior as innocent as flapping ears. If your dog has an ear infection, you will most likely need to step up the cleaning routine to three times a week. People get delighted when dogs flap their ears. So finding the root of the problem and taking the appropriate step to rectify it is going to be the best course of action here. When they get up, they want to start moving. There are certain breeds such as Collies, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Dachshunds which are more prone to developing this condition. They've been in the same stationary position for an extended period of time so it's only natural that they do some body shaking to stretch the muscles out. If your dog is shaking his head more than typical, make a visit . Sunlight is essential for dogs to help keep their skin healthy and help avoid moisture retention, thereby helping to prevent yeast or bacteria from developing. Unfortunately, if left unattended, ear debris can cause an ear infection which can bring pain and other prolonged problems, not to mention a potentially large vet bill. Naturally Derived Ingredients Pet ear drops are made with non-irritating ingredients derived from nature's soothing elements. When they get up, they want to start moving. Dogs have ear slits because they help to regulate their body temperature. The most common treatment for ear vasculitis that is caused by bacterial infection are antibiotics. Often your dog will flap his ears because of an allergy, with a food allergy being the most common culprit. Allergies not only lead to ear flapping but also to hair loss, chewing on foot, as well as chronic ear infections. Other health conditions that can make dogs excessively shake their heads include foreign objects that become lodged in the ear canal, inflammatory diseases, or even neurologic disorders causing head tremors that are easily confused with head shaking. Ear infections are very common in dogs and are the most common cause of constant ear flapping. Instead, bathe his body from the neck down and wipe down his face and ears with a damp washcloth. Your vet will advise you on the best course of action to take. Helps dogs fold/flatten their ears, like a fold or pocket in luggage. Im also a technical writer for my day job and have helped several clients write about dog training and behavior. It could be your dog needs to change his diet, or you need to get him different bedding. ", "Evolution favors the prepared," Rosenberg adds. Gentle Ear Drops Provides a gentle clean that soothes itching and irritation. And leave the cotton swabs for other household uses: cotton swabs only push wax or debris further inside your dogs ear. [Are All Dogs The Same? When your beloved pet runs through wooded areas, tall grass or even ponds, there is a big chance that he can pick up foreign matter or debris. Head shaking falls into this category. Some things like grass awns can even burrow into your dogs skin and damage his ears. Should you be worried if you notice your dog doing this, and is there anything you need to do about it? Microorganisms will start growing in the form of bacteria or yeast and will soon have your beloved dog shaking its head and flapping its ears . The debris can find its way into your dogs ear canals and can become an ear infection over time. Keeping your dogs ears clean is one of the first steps in ensuring a healthy dog without any infections and problems. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Which is why dogs might not be so much copying humans when they stretch - but rather reminding us to to do it every day. How often youll want to clean your dogs ears depends on how much he comes into contact with debris or moisture. Ear infections are very common among canines and is most likely caused by moisture trapped in the ear canal from the result of grooming, bathing, and swimming. If your dog wont stand for cotton balls in his ears while swimming, consider using an ear band or cleaning his ears with a drying solution post-swim. "They want to stretch out and they want to get their muscles ready for activity. But, allergies are also possible. Avoid putting vinegar, olive oil, shampoo, or other substances in your dogs ears. I am also the main writer and chief editor here at Pet Educate; a site I created to share everything Ive learned about pet ownership over the years and my extensive research along the way. 2022 Group Nine Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Its easy enough for your dog to pick up all kinds of debris when hes off running through the woods or through fields. So maybe we don't share the exact same morning ritual with our best friends, but it's tempting to imagine our dogs like to wake up the same way we do. When dogs feel itchiness or irritation in their ears, they instinctively shake their heads. You can do a range of things to prevent or spot problems that cause your dog to flap his ears excessively. Like alopecia and contact dermatitis. Get answers fast from a veterinary professional 24/7 in the Wag! They Are Just Loosening Up The stretching and shaking could be viewed as an instinctive behavior to get their bodies warmed up. Just like with their humans, food is the most common cause of allergies in dogs, as well as inhaling or touching something which is considered dangerous by their immune system. It keeps the skin free from moisture, bacterial and yeast formation, as well as fungus.
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