Dog Scratching and Shaking

When a dog scratches while also shaking its head, trembling, or shivering, the combination may point to ear discomfort, pain, anxiety, or an allergic reaction affecting multiple body systems.

Quick Answer

A dog that scratches and shakes may be experiencing ear irritation, an allergic reaction, pain from a skin infection, or discomfort that leads to trembling. The type of shaking matters: head shaking commonly relates to ear issues, while whole-body trembling may signal pain, anxiety, fever, or chills. Veterinary evaluation is generally recommended when both signs are persistent or accompanied by other symptoms.

SYMPTOM TRIAGE

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What Can This Combination Look Like?

Distinguishing Types of Shaking

"Shaking" in dogs can refer to several distinct behaviors, each of which may be associated with different underlying causes:

Head shaking is a side-to-side movement of the head and neck that is often associated with ear discomfort or irritation. Dogs with ear issues may scratch at the ear and shake their head in the same episode.
Whole-body trembling or shivering is an involuntary quivering that may be subtle (a slight vibration of the muscles) or more pronounced. It can be associated with pain, fear, fever, or cold.
Full-body shake-off is the rolling motion a dog makes from nose to tail, which is typically a normal stress-release behavior. If it occurs very frequently alongside scratching, it may indicate ongoing discomfort.
Tremors or seizures are rhythmic, involuntary muscle movements that may affect the whole body or specific limbs. These are different from ordinary shaking and require urgent veterinary attention.

Scratching Patterns With Shaking

The scratching that accompanies shaking can vary:

Ear scratching is the most common pairing with head shaking and may indicate an ear infection, mites, or a foreign body in the ear canal.
Facial scratching and pawing combined with head shaking can occur with dental pain, eye irritation, or facial allergies.
Generalized body scratching with whole-body trembling may indicate widespread itching associated with systemic illness, pain, or an allergic reaction.
Scratching that intensifies when the dog is touched in a specific area, combined with trembling, may indicate pain in that region.

What May Be Associated With This Symptom?

Ear Conditions

Ear problems are one of the most common reasons a dog will both scratch at its ears and shake its head:

Ear infections (otitis externa) can be caused by bacteria, yeast, or a combination of both. Dogs with ear infections often scratch at the affected ear, shake their head, and may hold the head tilted to one side. Discharge, odor, and redness may be visible in the ear canal.
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are more common in puppies and dogs that have been in shelters or outdoor environments. They cause intense itching and a dark, crumbly discharge in the ear. Affected dogs may scratch and shake their heads persistently.
Foreign bodies in the ear canal, such as grass awns, seeds, or small insects, can cause sudden onset of head shaking and scratching. These are more common in summer months and in dogs that run through tall grass.
Allergic otitis is inflammation of the ear canal caused by underlying allergies. Dogs with food or environmental allergies may develop recurrent ear inflammation that leads to scratching and head shaking.

Pain

Pain can cause both scratching (as the dog tries to address the painful area) and trembling (as a stress response to discomfort):

Skin infections such as hot spots can be very painful. A dog may scratch the area and tremble from the pain of the inflammation.
Joint or muscle pain in areas such as the neck, back, or hips may cause a dog to scratch at the overlying skin and tremble, especially when moving.
Dental pain can lead to pawing at the face, scratching around the mouth, and trembling due to discomfort.

Allergic Reactions

Systemic allergic reactions can produce both skin itchiness (scratching) and trembling (due to stress, pain, or in severe cases, shock):

Hives (urticaria) are raised, itchy welts on the skin that can appear suddenly after exposure to an allergen. A dog with hives may scratch intensely and may tremble from the discomfort.
Anaphylaxis is a severe, rapid-onset allergic reaction that can cause scratching, hives, facial swelling, trembling, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. This is a medical emergency.

Anxiety and Stress

A dog that is anxious or frightened may tremble and engage in compulsive scratching or licking as a coping mechanism. Common triggers include thunderstorms, fireworks, separation, or changes in the household. While the scratching in these cases is behavioral rather than directly caused by skin disease, it can lead to skin damage over time.

Neurological Conditions

Less commonly, scratching and trembling can be associated with neurological causes:

Spinal pain or nerve irritation can cause a dog to scratch or chew at a specific area (referred itching) and may produce tremors.
Certain neurological conditions can cause both involuntary movements and changes in sensation that lead to scratching.
Tremor syndromes such as generalized tremor syndrome (also called "little white shaker disease," though it can affect dogs of any color) can cause whole-body tremors, though scratching is not a primary sign.

What Should the Pet Owner Monitor?

Owners should observe and record:

Type of shaking - Is it head shaking, whole-body trembling, or something else?
Frequency and duration - How often does the shaking occur and how long does each episode last?
Triggers - Does the shaking happen during specific situations (after meals, during walks, at night, during storms)?
Ear appearance - Look for discharge, redness, swelling, odor, or visible foreign material in the ears.
Skin condition - Check for hot spots, hives, redness, swelling, or signs of infection.
Gum color - Pale, blue, or bright red gums can indicate a serious condition.
Mental state - Is the dog alert and responsive, or disoriented, weak, or lethargic?
Other signs - Note any vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, or changes in appetite or water intake.

What Can the Owner Safely Do Next?

Inspect the Ears Gently

If head shaking is the primary sign, gently examine the visible part of the ear canal for discharge, redness, odor, swelling, or foreign material. Do not insert anything into the ear canal, including cotton swabs, as this can push debris deeper or damage the eardrum. If a foreign body is visible and easily removable, it may be safe to remove it with gentle, steady pressure, but if there is any doubt, a veterinarian should handle it.

Keep the Dog Calm and Warm

If the dog is trembling, providing a warm, quiet environment may help, especially if the trembling is due to stress, fear, or cold. Wrapping the dog in a blanket can provide comfort and warmth, but be careful not to restrict breathing or movement.

Prevent Further Skin Damage

If scratching is causing visible skin damage, a recovery collar or cone can prevent further injury while waiting for veterinary evaluation.

Check for Signs of Emergency

Look for signs that may indicate an emergency, including facial swelling, difficulty breathing, pale or blue gums, collapse, or persistent tremors. If any of these are present, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

Record a Video

If possible, record a short video of the dog's shaking and scratching behavior to show the veterinarian. This can be very helpful for assessing the nature and severity of the signs, especially if they are intermittent and may not be present during the examination.

When to Contact a Veterinarian

Seek Emergency Veterinary Care If:

Facial swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing develop suddenly, which may indicate anaphylaxis.
The dog has seizure-like activity, loss of consciousness, or is unable to stand.
Pale, blue, or brick-red gums are observed.
The dog is in severe pain (vocalizing, panting, unable to settle).
A foreign body is lodged deep in the ear canal or cannot be safely removed.

Contact a Veterinarian Promptly If:

Head shaking and ear scratching are persistent and accompanied by discharge, odor, or redness.
Whole-body trembling is frequent or prolonged and not related to an obvious, removable cause such as cold or fear.
Scratching has caused open wounds, hot spots, or signs of infection.
The dog is lethargic, not eating, or showing other signs of illness alongside the scratching and shaking.

Schedule a Routine Appointment If:

Head shaking is occasional and mild, with no visible discharge or odor from the ears.
Scratching and trembling are intermittent and may be stress-related, such as during thunderstorms.
The signs have been present for a short time and the dog is otherwise behaving normally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dog shake its head and scratch its ear?

Head shaking and ear scratching are common signs of ear discomfort. The most frequent causes include ear infections (bacterial or yeast), ear mites, foreign bodies in the ear canal, or allergic inflammation of the ear. A veterinarian can examine the ear canal with an otoscope and determine the cause.

Is trembling in dogs always a sign of pain?

No. Trembling in dogs can have many causes, including pain, fear, excitement, cold, fever, and certain medical conditions. Context is important. Trembling that occurs alongside scratching and other signs of discomfort is more likely to be pain-related, while trembling that occurs during thunderstorms or car rides may be stress-related.

Could my dog's scratching and shaking be caused by anxiety?

Yes. Anxiety can cause dogs to tremble and to engage in repetitive behaviors such as scratching or licking. However, before attributing the signs to anxiety, it is important to rule out medical causes. A veterinarian can help determine whether the scratching and shaking have a physical cause or are behavioral in nature.

What should I do if I think my dog has a grass awn in its ear?

Grass awns (also called foxtails) can become lodged in the ear canal and cause intense scratching, head shaking, and pain. If you suspect a grass awn is present, do not try to remove it yourself unless it is clearly visible and easily accessible. A veterinarian can safely remove it using an otoscope and specialized instruments.

SYMPTOM TRIAGE

The combination of scratching and shaking can have several possible causes, from ear infections to more serious systemic reactions. Use our symptom tool to evaluate your dog's signs and get guidance on the appropriate level of care.

Check Symptoms

This tool does not diagnose conditions or replace a veterinarian.

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Disclaimer: This article and the PawAI Symptom Triage tool provide general information and cannot diagnose conditions or replace examination, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If you are concerned about your pet's health, contact a veterinarian promptly.