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87 results for “cat shaking head”
After the Swim: Preventing Ear Infections, Skin Trouble, and Tummy Upsets in Dogs
Swimming is a great low-impact workout that cools dogs off and supports their joints—but skipping the clean-up afterward can lead to three common problems: ear infections, skin irritation, and digestive upset. A dog’s L-shaped ear canal traps water that shaking alone won’t fully remove, creating a warm, moist space where yeast and bacteria thrive. Thick or double coats that aren’t fully dried breed the same trouble on the skin. And a cold abdomen plus post-swim air conditioning or ice water can upset a sensitive gut. The fix is simple: clean and dry the ears, blow-dry the coat layer by layer (especially armpits, belly, and paw folds), and let the dog rest before any AC, cold water, or rough play—offering a probiotic if its stomach is delicate.
Why Dogs Shake Toys Side to Side
Shaking a toy mimics killing prey—dogs' front paws are less dexterous than a cat's, so the head shake helps tear meat. But if a dog shakes not just plush toys but also furniture, doors, and floors, the owner likely isn't meeting its needs. Most destruction comes from unmet daily exercise or too little companionship. Separation anxiety makes it chew items smelling of you (shoes, socks). The real fix is the root cause: spend more time with the dog—one extra hour a day is a week of extra happiness for an indoor dog.
Ear Mites in Dogs: Why the Smell Means Trouble
Ear mites (Otodectes) are ear-canal parasites that feed on lymph and fluid; females are 0.35–0.45 mm, males 0.275–0.36 mm—barely visible white dots. Left untreated they cause inflammation and crusting within about two weeks and can progress to middle or inner ear infection, even hearing loss and loss of balance. Signs: foul-smelling dark ear discharge, head-shaking and scratching, and sometimes worsened tear stains (the ear and facial nerves connect). Treat by isolating the dog and disinfecting its space, cleaning the canal, and applying a miticide as directed until gone; prevent with routine ear care. If it won't clear, see a vet. (Mites rarely infect people.)
Canine and Feline Otitis Externa
Otitis externa is inflammation of the outer ear canal, commonly triggered by ear mites, foreign material, or improper cleaning that lets bacteria or fungi take hold. Treatment means cleaning the canal and tackling the underlying cause, with surgery reserved for chronic, end-stage cases.
Canine and Feline Aural Hematoma
An aural hematoma is a pocket of blood that forms between the skin and cartilage of the ear flap, usually triggered by vigorous head shaking or scratching. Small collections may be drained, but most require surgery to prevent a permanently scarred, thickened ear.
Dog Ear Discharge: Symptoms and Treatment
Ear problems are among the most common dog complaints, and discharge is usually the first sign — most often from infection. Scratching and head-shaking start it, then secondary bacterial or yeast infection sets in. Here is how the vet works it up.
Why Your Dog Vomits Thick Yellow Fluid
Thick yellow vomit usually means illness — acute gastritis or a viral infection such as parvovirus — and comes with lethargy, fever, and diarrhea. See a vet for treatment; mild cases may get medication, severe ones fluids. Encourage water, feed bland meals, and watch for dehydration or shaking.
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