Excessive head shaking when excited

[Hitchems]

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My 5 year old lab excessively shakes her head whenever she gets excited; this is mainly when shes walked or if people come to the house. The shaking lasts for about 15 minutes and then stops- she otherwise doesn't shake her head. Its got to the point now that she has cuts to both of her ears and is ripping the scabs off each time she shakes. She has had recurrent ear infections in the past so I have a good understanding of the signs and managment of this, however, I am sure this is more a behavioural issue. Such a shame as she is otherwise such a happy healthy dog! Does anyone else experience similar and if so any tips on how to reduce the shaking?

 

[Chatterdog]

Hitchems, feel your pain.

My old lab has reacurring ear infections - vet says this is normal in older dogs so I am managing it. But when the infections go she shakes her head even if the ears are clean.

It's as if she has got into the habit of it. I don't have any advice for you but will interested to see if anyone does.

 

[eingana]

Hi Hitchems, and welcome to DogForum

I'm afraid I don't have an answer for you on this one. A friend has a dalmatian who does very similar and who sprays blood all over the house when she gets worked up. She too has had chronic ear infections in the past and so it started with a genuine medical issue, but it is now a behavioural issue rather than a medical one (apart from the medical issue of dealing with all of the wounds and haematomas that she gets in her ear flaps).

My friend has tried everything from hats to iVaseline or nflatable collars to immobilise her neck and as yet she has yet to see any improvement but I know that she shares your frustration.

If you find a solution please do let us know

 

[gypsysmum]

Speak to your vet and explain what your dog is doing. It sounds very distressing for the dog.