Head shaking?

[maxfox426]

I've noticed over the last couple of days that Morgan has been shaking his head a lot. I'm going to call the vet first thing tomorrow morning to ask about it (he's probably due to go in for a check-up anyways), but I was wondering if you guys had any thoughts about it.

He shakes his head they way that I would expect him to try to dry himself off, except that he'll do it over and over and over for several minutes. Then he'll be fine for a long while, and then start it again... over and over.

I've checked his ears, and they look clean. He didn't really seem sensitive to my messing with them, either. I even checked his eyes, nose, and teeth/gums in case there is something he was trying to "shake out" of any of those places. I really think this is an ear thing, but I am not sure.

Again, I'm calling the vet tomorrow, but any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[noludoru]

Did you smell them? Could be an ear infection.

 

[bubbatd]

Could be mites ....let us know !!

 

[Punkygirl0101]

I second the ear mites, when Elliot had ear mites he shook his head a lot.

Is Morgan also scratching?

 

[Toller_08]

Could be mites or an infection, or he might just have a stray hair in the ear canal. Dance has the hair problem. Hairs constantly grow inside her ear and bug her. Fortunately they haven't for a while, but it was a problem for a while.

 

[maxfox426]

He isn't scratching at them at all, just shaking his head.

I don't smell anything weird, but I guess I don't know what a weird smell would be in a dog's ear. Haha! It doesn't stink, if that is what I should be worried about.

I'll let you guys know after I talk to/see the vet. Thanks for the input!

 

[CharlieDog]

Let us know what the vet says!

Ozzy shook his head a lot once. We couldn't figure out what was wrong with him. A vet looked in there, and there was a grass seed! He managed to get it out, but it had probably been bugging him for a few days before we decided it was bad enough for him to have to see the vet.

Ear mites and waxy build up both cause a distinctive gross smell.

 

[ledoc]

If he is an outdoor going dog then things like grass seeds would also be a possibility.

 

[Buddy'sParents]

I think that you would know if it were an ear infection. The smell is very distinct. I know Buddy is getting one when he starts to shake his head a lot. Hope the vet has good news for you!

 

[CharlieDog]

What was the ear wash PW was talking about?

Blue Power Ear Wash or something? Do you have to buy that or do you make it at home? I know a lot of people really liked the results.

(Sorry to sort of hijack. Maybe someone could post a link?)

 

[Buddy'sParents]

Blue Power Ear Wash is AMAZING stuff. *knocks on wood* Buddy hasn't had an ear infection in MONTHS.

Its actually a PDF which can be downloaded from here http://www.itsfortheanimals.com/BLUE.HTM

 

[maxfox426]

Update

I took Morgan to the vet this morning, and they did a full ear/skin checkup on him.

Good news:
-There is no infection in either ear.
-His head shaking seems to have stopped on its own.
-He was VERY well behaved in the waiting room, even though there were a couple other dogs about his age that he DESPERATELY wanted to play with.
-There was no bad news!


The vet did see a couple mildly red/irritated spots in one ear. They weren't down in the canal or anything, just right at the surface, and they honestly looked to be healing. He things that he probably just got a bug bite or some other kind of mild allergic reaction that seems to be going away. If it happens again, I have directions for a type of cream I can rub on the allergic spots.



Hooray for it not being a big deal!

 

[bubbatd]

Great news !!!

 

[maxfox426]

Great news !!!

I thought so!

I had to breathe a sigh of relief that nothing was wrong with my baby. I am going to be sure to keep an eye on his ears to make sure they keep getting better!