Have you ever caught your dachshund in the act of vigorously shaking their ears? Well, we bet that this scene always puts a slight smile on your face. However, have you ever wondered why do they do that? If your wiener dog shakes their ears often, then it’s the ultimate time to think about the root of this behavior. Why do dachshunds shake their ears is an important topic that every pet parent needs to know.
Common Reasons Why Dachshunds Shake Their Ears
1. Irritation or Discomfort
Ear shaking can be a sign of irritation. Dirt, debris, or even hairs can irritate the sensitive inner linings of their ears. As we all know, Doxies have flopped ears, so debris and hair stay inside until your dog shakes his ears or you clean them with an ear-cleaning solution. Sometimes, your Dachshund can shake their ear because of the piece of grass or sand stuck inside. That’s why it’s extremely important to check their ears daily.
2. Allergies In Dachshunds
Allergies to food, pollen, or environmental elements can cause ear discomfort, leading to frequent shaking. Unfortunately, skin and ear allergies are more common in rare-colored Dachshunds, so their owners should always be cautious when choosing their diet or cleaning environment.
Food Allergies: Some dachshunds may have allergic reactions to certain ingredients in their food, such as beef, chicken, dairy, or wheat. These allergies can cause ear inflammation alongside other symptoms like skin irritation and gastrointestinal upset.
Environmental Allergies: Pollen, mold, dust mites, and other environmental allergens can also lead to ear problems. These allergens can cause seasonal flare-ups that result in itchy, inflamed ears.
Contact Allergies: Less common but still a concern are contact allergies, which occur when the dog’s ears react to something they’ve touched. This could be anything from cleaning products to plastic food bowls.
3. Why Do Dachshunds Shake Their Ears After Baths?
Moisture trapped in their ears from bathing or swimming can cause discomfort and even infections, prompting them to shake their ears. Therefore, when you take your Dachshund to swim with you, we recommend you pick up the water and excess moisture with a cotton ball. The same procedure
4. Ear Mites and Infections: A Deeper Dive
Ear mites or infections, such as yeast or bacterial infections, are common reasons for ear shaking. The enclosed shape of dachshund ears creates a warm, dark environment where mites thrive and infections can develop. The first signs that will show you that your Dachshund is having an ear infection are itchiness and bad odor.
Dogs with ear infections will scratch their ears, have visible red auricle and canal, and also release watery or yellow and smelly discharge.
Symptoms to Watch For
Keep your eyes on signs that your dachshund might be dealing with more than just a bit of dirt in their ears:
- Scratching: If your pup is constantly pawing at their ears, it’s a signal that something’s not right. This incessant scratching can lead to more serious damage, like cuts or hematomas, so early detection is key.
- Redness: A quick peek inside the ears can tell you a lot. Inflamed, red ears are a clear indicator of irritation or infection.
- Unusual Discharge: Any oozing or unusual gunk in the ear canal is a red flag. This discharge could be dark and waxy, or it could be pus-like, depending on the infection.
- Foul Smell: A bad odor emanating from the ears is a strong sign of an underlying issue, often an infection that needs immediate attention.
These symptoms, while common indicators of ear mites or infections, can severely affect your dog’s quality of life if left untreated.
Treatment Options
When it comes to treating these ear troubles, there’s a range of options, depending on the severity and the root cause:
- Routine Cleaning: Regular cleaning with a vet-approved ear cleaner can help keep minor issues at bay and prevent infections from taking hold. It’s important to be gentle and thorough, ensuring all parts of the ear are reached without inserting anything deep into the ear canal.
- Medicated Drops: If an infection is diagnosed, your veterinarian might prescribe ear drops that contain antibiotics, antifungals, or anti-inflammatories. It’s crucial to follow the prescribed treatment regimen closely, even if the symptoms appear to improve, to ensure the infection is fully eradicated.
- Oral Medications: Sometimes, especially in severe cases, oral antibiotics or antifungals are necessary to treat the infection from the inside out.
- Pest Treatments: For ear mites, specific treatments that target these parasites are necessary. These can include topical medications applied directly to the inside of the ear or on the skin, and in some cases, oral medications.
For best results, it’s essential to follow your vet’s instructions carefully and complete the full course of any prescribed medication. Additionally, keeping the ears dry and clean, especially after baths or swimming, can help prevent recurrence.
5. Behavioral and Communicative Aspects
When your dachshund starts that characteristic dachshund head shaking, it’s not just a random action; it can be a sign communicating a variety of needs or feelings. Deciphering these signs is crucial for understanding and effectively responding to your pet’s health and emotional well-being.
What Your Dachshund May Be Trying to Tell You
Dachshund head shaking can sometimes be a straightforward symptom of an ear infection in dachshunds, but it’s also a behavior rich with potential messages. Here’s how you might begin to interpret what your dachshund’s actions are indicating:
- Discomfort or Pain: Frequent head shaking is a common symptom when something is bothering your dachshund’s ears. Whether it’s an infection, mites, or simply trapped debris, this action is often your Doxie’s attempt to relieve irritation or discomfort. If the shaking is accompanied by scratching or pawing at the ears, or if you notice any swelling, redness, or discharge, these are strong indicators that your dachshund might be suffering from an ear infection.
- Communication of Needs: Beyond physical health, shaking might also be a way for your dachshund to communicate broader needs. For instance, if your dachshund shakes their head after eating or drinking, it might be an attempt to signal discomfort with their food or a dish that’s too small or uncomfortable to use.
- Behavioral Expression: Dachshunds are expressive animals, and head shaking can sometimes be part of a larger body language repertoire. That’s how they express emotions or reactions. For example, a dachshund might shake their head in excitement or agitation during play or when greeting family members.
Products To Use To Prevent Ear Shaking in Your Dachshund
Dachshund Ear Cleaner
This ear cleaning solution thoroughly clean debris, excessive ear wax and also provides your pet with an anti-bacterial effect. Our advice is to use this ear cleaning solution once a week to keep your Doxie’s ears safe and clean.
The solution leaves a fresh and pleasant scent and also gives an immediate release of itchiness.
Dachshund Ear Cleansing Solution
For all pet parents who want to give their dog ear protection against bacteria. The oil solution that contains Aloe Vera and marigold will work as a shield against elements and nourish the ear skin. Besides, both ingredients are known for their renewing effect.
Why Do Dachshunds Shake Their Heads? Conclusion
Dachshunds are a charming and spirited breed that require a bit of extra care when it comes to their unique ear structure. Understanding why your dachshund shakes its ears is crucial for preventing discomfort and serious health issues. Regular checks, proper cleaning, and being attuned to the needs of your pet will ensure their ears remain healthy. Always consult with a veterinarian if you notice unusual symptoms. The worst thing you can do for your pooch is to try solving an issue by yourself.