It is normal for a dog to shake his head occasionally-perhaps a few times a day. It is not normal for constant shaking or scratching. This can be a sign of allergies--allergies in dogs often manifests as skin disease and ear inflammation/infection. Dogs can also get foxtails, grass awns, ticks, or other foreign bodies in their ear canals. The veterinarian should look down his ears with an otoscope to look for foreign body. Some dogs need to be sedated for an otic exam, ear flush, and foreign body removal.
An ear cytology should be performed to determine if an infection--yeast, bacterial, or both--is present. Ear mites can also cause discharge and scratching.
Your veterinarian can diagnose the problem and provide appropriate treatment.
An ear cytology should be performed to determine if an infection--yeast, bacterial, or both--is present. Ear mites can also cause discharge and scratching.
Your veterinarian can diagnose the problem and provide appropriate treatment.