why do dogs flap their ears in the morning

Start your day with heartwarming and hilarious animal stories that will make you fall in love. Like Angela Adan, a California-based dog trainer, who also happens to be into yoga. Ear infections tend to be itchy and produce a lot of discharge and inflammation, all of which make dogs want to shake their heads. 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. It's charging the system.". Is it only something really pleasant to see or could it be something more? Chances are, if your dog is flapping its ears, something is up. Head shaking falls into this category. If left untreated, allergies can lead to ear flapping as well as chronic ear infections, hair loss, or excessive chewing or scratching. Should you be worried if you notice your dog doing this, and is there anything you need to do about it? Why does my dog lick my ears 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. However, its a good idea to bear in mind the possible occasions where ear flapping is a sign of a more serious problem. [Is This Okay? 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. Allergies, sensitivities, or even a stuck foreign object can all be the cause. They Are Just Loosening Up. Keep in mind, however, that excessive ear flapping can be indicative of much more serious conditions such as ear infections, ear vasculitis, allergies, or ear blockage, especially when you see other symptoms such as swelling and redness. Ear mite infestations can cause similar symptoms, but they are not as common as yeast or bacterial infections in dogs (particularly adult dogs). And the shake? Numerous dogs suffer unpleasant and painful ear conditions for years on end. Breeds which have straight and upright ears are less prone to infections but this does not mean that they need less care. Dogs can often get bits of grass or hay stuck in their ears. Some of the things to look out for are foreign bodies, blockages, and sores. Dogs with ears that point straight up tend to be less susceptible to ear problems (though they can still happen.). Helps aid in the detection of higher pitched sounds by attenuating lower pitches. If left untreated, flies, ticks, or other insects can cause severe damage to your dogs ears. It is important to check your dogs ears after it has spent some time rolling or playing outside. The forces generated by a vigorous shake are impressive, as anyone who has been whacked by a dogs flailing ear can tell you. "Dogs, as hunters and fighters, in an evolutionary sense never know what will happen when they get up to roam their territory," Paul Rosenberg, a veterinary chiropractor at Pets in Motion Animal Chiropractic, tells The Dodo. "They want to stretch out and they want to get their muscles ready for activity. Its easy enough for your dog to pick up all kinds of debris when hes off running through the woods or through fields. As well as insect bites or wax build-up. Environmental allergies are best diagnosed through intradermal skin testing, but blood testing is a reasonable option for some dogs. Im an experienced dog trainer and owner of a free-range Siberian Husky who is a family pet that loves his tennis ball. 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. Symptoms of allergies in dogs typically include some combination of itchy skin, hair loss, recurrent skin and ear infections, scratching at the ears, head shaking, chewing on the feet, and rubbing at the face. While thoroughly researched and meticulously checked, the content on Pet Educate does not constitute, nor should replace any pet medical advice. "He does a yawn and a downward dog. While this can solve the problem if the dog has some water, a piece of grass, or an insect in his ear, continued head shaking indicates that the irritation is ongoing and needs to be addressed. They follow those of their ancient predecessors. Moisture can even stay trapped in your dogs ears through grooming or bathing. Dogs will always be exhibiting different behaviors and you will find most of them delightful such as ear flapping, head tilting,and tail wagging. Although, dogs may also flap their ears because of deeper internal health problems. Ear cropping also presents problems for dogs communicating they cant fold their ears back if the flaps are gone! 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. Save my name & email in this browser for the next Twigs, bits of leaves, stems, burrs, etc., are all easily picked up by a busy dog! 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. In addition to being an instructor in animal behavior, Ive also worked as a technical writer for over ten years and have taught dozens of dog trainers from beginners who have never trained or rehabbed a dog in their lives to people with decades of experience. Gentle Ear Drops Provides a gentle clean that soothes itching and irritation. As with humans, food allergies are the most prevalent type of allergies, so its worth checking your dogs diet. 2022 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved. All these might make your heart melt and you might even be asking your dog to do more. When they get up, they want to start moving. How long for? [Are All Dogs The Same? Your dogs ears are highly sensitive and delicate, so ear flushing or any deep investigation into your dogs ears is best carried out by your vet. 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 . "Don't stretch and you risk successfully hunting and you starve. But, allergies are also possible. Diagnosing and treating the reason behind a dogs head shaking is important not only because it is a symptom of a potentially serious problem but also because continued or especially vigorous headshaking can lead to ruptured blood vessels within a dogs ear flap. Not only that, it is painful and potentially dangerous for dogs: rather than prevent ear infections, cropping can cause them. While not nearly as pronounced at that morning stretch, some dogs do it when they first stir in the morning. Otherwise, a vet can help you find whats causing the problem. What to Do About a Dog That Bullies Other Dogs. Note: Do not try and carry out an ear flush on your own. Because ear vasculitis and other infections are caused by bacteria, the right antibiotics can do the job. Dogs flap their ears. Family Stops At Nothing To Help Their Great Dane Run. App. "My dog does some downward dog every time he wakes up from a nap," Adan tells The Dodo. Your dog could be flapping his ears because of an allergy, an object stuck in his ear, or internal issues. If your dog is shaking his head more than typical, make a visit . You can do a range of things to prevent or spot problems that cause your dog to flap his ears excessively. Ear problems often go hand in hand with allergies and sensitivities, however it can also be indicative of some other internal issues going deep within the dogs body. Allergies not only lead to ear flapping but also to hair loss, chewing on foot, as well as chronic ear infections. Even though ear infections can be more prevalent in dogs with drooping ears, not all dogs with drooping ears get ear infections. Dogs can't sweat, so the slits allow them to release heat from their ears, which cools their body. The ear flap funnels sound into the ear canal. The outer ear consists of the ear flap (also called the pinna), which can be upright (a prick ear) or floppy. Some people sadly resort to ear cropping their dogs for cosmetic reasons. Get injured or killed in a fight and you are less likely to provide for your offspring or pack mates.". It could be that they're happy to see you again after dreams of chasing rabbits, or because in the night we secrete sweat and oils in our sleep and may taste delicious to them. His ears will feel different to him, so its natural for him to give his head a good shake. Some dog behaviors are normal as long as they are infrequent, but become a problem when you begin to see them with some regularity. Sunlight is also another important thing as it keeps the dogs skin healthy. Grass awns have been known to burrow into the skin and damage dogs ears. Is it accompanied by other symptoms such as scratching, etc.? The aural hematomas that result often require surgery to repair, which is why, whenever possible, we should be preventing excessive head shaking and not just treating it when it develops. 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. Helps aid in the detection of higher pitched sounds by attenuating lower pitches. Your vet will advise you on the best course of action to take. Like many of the reasons why dogs do the things they do, the origins of the morning stretch - and often shake - can be traced back to a time when every day was a battle to survive. 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. If the symptoms disappear or at least significantly improve, a food allergy is likely. Each time your dog has spent time rolling or running around outside, check his ears. First, its important to understand why dogs shake their heads. Learn the basic anatomy of your dogs ears, as well as the basics of ear cleaning and both you and your dog will be so much the better for it. This kind of doggie action is deemed cute and beloved canines are even encouraged and rewarded for doing it. And leave the cotton swabs for other household uses: cotton swabs only push wax or debris further inside your dogs ear. Pay careful attention to see if you can spot any sores, blockages, or debris that shouldnt be there. "Dogs are active beings. Why Do Dogs Fall Asleep So Fast? It could be something in their environment that they are being exposed to, a product you may be using, among others. Why do dogs flap their ears in the morning. Bacterial and Yeast Infections in the Ear Ear infections tend to be itchy and produce a lot of discharge and inflammation, all of which make dogs want to shake their heads. When tender ears slap against the hard skull, capillary within the pinna can burst, forming a pocket of blood referred to as a hematoma. Certain dog breeds tend to be more prone to ear vasculitis than others, although any dog can get inflamed ear flaps. Two chihuahuas flapping away early in the morning can create quite a ruckus that will waken . As a matter of fact, a lot of people find it very cute when their dogs flap their ears. Do not use cotton swabs to poke around because it could push any wax or debris further in and damage your poochs eardrums. A simple ear flush might be able to help alleviate your dogs condition if there are no blockages to be found. Why is my dog throwing up in the morning? How often youll want to clean your dogs ears depends on how much he comes into contact with debris or moisture. This is especially important for breeds with long . Why do dogs flap their ears when they wake up? Usually, it is not something serious for owners to be concerned about. And youre going to want to know and help relieve any discomfort. When dogs angle their ears, they're letting the pouch do its job more effectively. If you lift up the flap of your dog's ear(s) and see redness, swelling, or discharge, an infection is likely. Many ear infections come about because of moisture thats been trapped in your dogs ears after hes been for a swim. Ear cropping is not essential and is mutilation. Allergies not only lead to ear flapping but also to hair loss, chewing on foot, as well as chronic ear infections. In animal anatomy, Henry's pocket, more formally known as a cutaneous marginal pouch, is a fold of skin forming an open pouch on the lower posterior part of the external ear. Ear infections tend to be itchy and produce a lot of discharge and inflammation, all of which make dogs want to shake their heads. There are several things you can do if your dog keeps flapping his ears, depending on what you suspect the cause might be. Although, dogs may also flap their ears because of deeper internal health problems. This includes Amazon. All fields are required. It keeps the skin free from moisture, bacterial and yeast formation, as well as fungus. 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. When dogs feel itchiness or irritation in their ears, they instinctively shake their heads. A dog's morning routine starts off a lot like ours: a gaping yawn, a long, lazy STREEEEEEETCH and then COFFEE AND MORE COFF errr, a full-body shake. If debris gets pushed too far inside, it can damage your dogs eardrums and cause permanent harm, so you are going to want to get them removed ASAP. Often all that head shaking can in fact create problems. Published: 02/07/2018, edited: 01/30/2020. In such instances the blood vessels of a dogs ear flaps become inflamed. So, youre going to need to try and think about the cause. The most frequently diagnosed health problem that causes excessive head shaking dogs is an ear infection. If your dog has an ear infection, you will most likely need to step up the cleaning routine to three times a week. 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. If your dog is shaking his head repeatedly and the behavior does not stop over the course of a day or so, its time to make an appointment with your veterinarian. Ear flushes are highly effective provided there are no blockages your vet will help you with this. "They want to stretch out and they want to get their muscles ready for activity. There are certain breeds such as Collies, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Dachshunds which are more prone to developing this condition. When they get up, they want to start moving. Why do dogs have a flap on their ears? Get answers fast from a veterinary professional 24/7 in the Wag! And sometimes, tumors. Other environmental factors (chemicals in the home or other pollutants), An abnormal odor coming from your dogs ears. Well, heres everything youre going to want to know. It may also be a way of loosening up and getting limber before tackling the day's exertions. Getting the advice and support of a vet is the right place to start. 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. 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. Do remember to not miss your dogs ears when taking care of your beloved pooch. 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? Remember to always use pet-formulated products for your dog. Remember to check your dog after hes been swimming. There are many things that can damage or block your dogs ears so it is necessary to examine them if you notice excessive head shaking or ear flapping. So, this is not something you should consider to alleviate or try and help 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. There are various types of ear cleaners but the important thing is you use one that has high quality. 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. 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 . Hi, Im Tiffany. Sometimes your dog may get something stuck in his ear, in which case hell often flap his ears to try and dislodge it. This debris can include dirt, small shard of twigs, and bits of leaves. If you lift up the flap of your dog's ear(s) and see redness, swelling, or discharge, an infection is likely. Consult your veterinarian right away if you notice anything out of the ordinary. The vigorous head shaking can cause a blood vessel inside the ear flap to break, which leads to the swelling. So, when should you start to worry about your pets head shaking? 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.). 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. Your email address will not be published. [Should You Allow It? For dogs, stretching and shaking is likely hardwired instinct. Allergies are another common problem that leads to head shaking in dogs. Just like humans, your dogs eyes and ears are very sensitive and they require regular care. "We think we are the brightest ones and oftentimes, we don't follow what our instincts are telling us," Lia Marques, a trainer with Marley's Mutts, tells The Dodo. Wolf type howling is where dogs vocalize and communicate to each other. They Are Just Loosening Up The stretching and shaking could be viewed as an instinctive behavior to get their bodies warmed up. Keep in mind that infections may occur deep within a dogs ear, so an infection may be present even if you dont see obvious signs of one. Avoid spraying or dumping water directly on your dogs head during a bath. Instead, bathe his body from the neck down and wipe down his face and ears with a damp washcloth. Your dogs skin can become mutilated or severely inflamed as a result. 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. Your dog will naturally flap his ears to try to get rid of the intruders. Also, in severe conditions, mutilated skin from excessive scratching and chewing. Sometimes its a little entertaining; its undoubtedly intriguing. It could be your dog needs to change his diet, or you need to get him different bedding. Dogs have ear slits because they help to regulate their body temperature. span I comment. We are seasoned pet owners and enthusiasts who love to share everything that we learn about them! There could also be ticks or foreign bodies inside the ears. 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. 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. Dogs may shake their head and body as soon as they wake up in order to loosen up. So being descendents from wolfs is naturally the root of this behavior. If you lift up the flap of your dog's ear (s) and see redness, swelling, or discharge, an infection is likely. Flies or ticks can also bite your dogs sensitive ears and can cause sores or wounds. ], Why Do Dogs Bite Each Other When They Play? These are the kind of questions to ask to try to identify the root of the issue. 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. Please consult a licensed veterinarian for any medical condition or query regarding the health of your pet. Allergies, sensitivities, or even a stuck foreign object can all be the cause. Other symptoms of infection are tenderness, redness, swelling, abnormal odor, and heat. 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. It is not unusual for a foreign body to get stuck in your dogs ears. The microorganisms will grow, forming bacteria or yeast, leading to an ear infection. Ear vasculitis can be one reason your dog is flapping his ears: a skin disease caused by inflammation. In addition to excessive ear flapping, some other signs of ear infections are: Most of the time, ear flapping isnt anything to be concerned about. An extra barrier/gatekeeper for sound waves for enhanced sound detection. 2022 Group Nine Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. "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. Ear infections are very common in dogs and are the most common cause of constant ear flapping. Often your dog will flap his ears because of an allergy, with a food allergy being the most common culprit. Your veterinarian can recommend a safe and effective product based on your dogs particular needs. Like alopecia and contact dermatitis. Here we answer the most important questions with complete, objective, thorough and extensive research, while also pulling from our combined 250 years of pet ownership experience. The stretching and shaking could be viewed as an instinctive behavior to get their bodies warmed up. Why do dogs flap their ears in the morning? Sadly, though, the practice continues in the US particularly at dog shows. However, lifestyle changes, and other medication might also be recommended by the vet. Sweet Cocoa Butter The light, tropical scent of coconut will take your pet's ears from stinky to sweet! The most frequently diagnosed health problem that causes excessive head shaking dogs is an ear infection. Help Prevent Infections Routine use of pet ear cleaner helps reduce the chance of ear infections. Alcohol Free Vet recommended ear wash contains no alcohol for a sting-free otic clean. Peteducate.com uses affiliate links; where we may earn from qualifying purchases (at no additional cost to you). Helps dogs fold/flatten their ears, like a fold or pocket in luggage. The pocket is situated in the approximate location of the antitragus in the human ear. Head shaking is a brilliant way for dogs to get something out of their ears that shouldnt be there. The dog must eat only this food for a month or two. Some dogs have lost their hearing because of cropping. Treating ear infections may require oral or topical antibiotics or antifungals, flushing the ear, ear cleaning, or an ear-drying solution. [What Can It Mean, Exactly?]. But of course, dogs don't follow in our footsteps. An extra barrier/gatekeeper for sound waves for enhanced sound detection. It's just his way of relaxing.". Dogs usually flap their ears because of ear problems. So, why do dogs flap their ears? Most of the time, once a week or once every two weeks is sufficient. There are other factors that contribute more commonly to ear infections, such as: Removing a dogs ears (or just the flaps) to avoid infection is not only ineffective but dangerous, unnecessary, and cruel. Avoid the temptation to diagnose your dog's ear swelling yourself. It's charging the system." The bottom line? Dogs may shake their head and body as soon as they wake up in order to loosen up. Diagnosing a food allergy involves putting a dog on a diet that contains a single carbohydrate (e.g., rice or potato) and single source of protein that has never been fed to the dog before (e.g., duck or venison) or that has been hydrolyzed (broken down into tiny, non-allergenic pieces). Which is why dogs might not be so much copying humans when they stretch - but rather reminding us to to do it every day. Sometimes a simple ear flush can be enough to remove the debris without causing too much pain or discomfort to 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. Other times, dogs can inhale or touch something that causes internal health issues at a later date. It doesnt. Insects such as flies may also bite at your doggies ears and may make them sore and cause wounds at the same time. Dogs scratch their ears because of ear mites or infections. ], Why Do Dogs Drool When Excited? There are several things that can cause ear vasculitis, such as: See below for how to treat ear vasculitis. So, dont go running around like mad dog over a behavior as innocent as flapping ears. Because it's good for all of us. People get delighted when dogs flap their ears. While its common for dogs to flap their ears, it usually means that something is not quite right. If there are other factors involved, such as diet or environment, your vet may suggest lifestyle changes. [And How To Calm Them], Why Do Dogs Dig Holes And Lay In Them? And these may lead to skin problems too. If the problem is chronic, surgery could be necessary. "Dogs are active beings. Keeping your dogs ears clean is one of the first steps in ensuring a healthy dog without any infections and problems. Earflaps are thought to help cool dogs off by lowering their body temperature, which can be very useful in warm weather. "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. 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. The debris can find its way into your dogs ear canals and can become an ear infection over time. Just imagine how adorable your dog will look on the video flapping its ears with a nice background music specially chosen by you, but what does ear flapping really mean? 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. If you notice your dog flapping his ears excessively or shaking his head, examine his ears to check if you can see anything wrong. This firm lump simply under the skin will frequently result in much more head shaking. Once youve cleaned your dogs ears, he may shake his head a lot, but that doesnt mean youve caused any harm.

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