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This condition is considered idiopathic because the cause is still unknown. There are many theories about possible causes of head shaking such as seizures, nervous system disorders, or head injuries. According to the veterinary care professionals, head tremors are not usually related to any other symptoms, although some dogs have shown signs of other illnesses in addition to head tremors. These may or may not be related to head tremors. This condition is usually seen more often in immature to middle aged dogs and some breeds are more susceptible than others. Head tremors have also been suspected as being reason for the condition called white dog shaker syndrome.
Head tremors (idiopathic tremor syndrome) in dogs are characterized as an involuntary side to side or up and down movement of the head. The movement has been referred to as a head bob like a bobble head doll. Head tremors have also been compared to Parkinson’s disease in humans. It is not a voluntary shake of the head as with ear itching or infections. Some of the breeds most often reported as having head tremors include Boxers, Spaniels, Chow Chows, Samoyeds, Doberman Pinschers, Labrador Retrievers, Dalmatians, Pitbulls, and Bulldogs.
The symptoms of head tremor in dogs include:
Types
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The most common head tremors have an unknown cause, but there are other types of head tremors that have certain causes such as:
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Diagnosing head shaking is extremely difficult to diagnose, especially when it is idiopathic. However, the veterinarian will do this by excluding other causes and narrowing it down. The first step is to perform a comprehensive physical examination. This usually includes a complete assessment of your dog’s entire body, including vital signs, auscultation, and palpation.
The veterinarian will also need your dog’s complete medical history and immunization records. Be sure to mention any medications you have given him. Laboratory tests are done next, which usually include a complete blood count, blood urea nitrogen, blood sugar, urinalysis, fecal examination, and electrolyte analysis. Finally, your veterinary care provider will get some head and spinal x-rays and possibly do a CT scan, MRI, and ultrasound.
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Treatment for head tremors involves addressing the underlying illness or condition your veterinarian finds. This may be medical or surgical, depending on the cause.
Medical
If your dog is suffering from some sort of treatable condition of the cerebellum, the veterinarian may prescribe an anticonvulsant drug such as potassium bromide, diazepam, or phenobarbital or an immunosuppressive dose of corticosteroids. If your dog is suffering from a toxin or drug ingestion, an emetic will usually be used to induce vomiting and an antidote will be given, if available. Intravenous fluids are given to flush the system and prevent dehydration. Mannitol may be given for CNS problems. Kidney disorders may be treated with medication or surgery, depending on the case.
Surgical
If your dog has a CNS condition or cerebellum damage, a surgical approach may be the best option. In some cases, the pressure may need to be relieved from the brain and the veterinarian may place a shunt to redirect the fluid.
Hospitalization
If your dog is having trouble breathing or needs to be stabilized, the veterinarian may admit him to the hospital until he is stable. The length of stay depends on your dog’s condition and the cause of the head tremors.
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While head tremors may seem like a serious condition, in the majority of cases it is an idiopathic tremor that is not dangerous and probably bothers you more than your dog. In fact, he may not even know it is happening. However, if your dog has a serious condition or needs surgery, his prognosis depends on the case. Generally, the overall prognosis is good.
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Ask a Vet
Shorkie Tzu
Eight Months
Unknown severity
17 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My dogs head is bobbing back and forth
Dec. 13, 2020
Owner
Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
17 Recommendations
This may or may not be a concern. It would be important to rule out a partial seizure if it seems compulsive. I would advise videoing the event so your vet can see, in case they don't do it during the check up.
Dec. 13, 2020
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Pomeranian
Five Months
Unknown severity
7 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My dog was sitting down when his head started rocking back and forth I thought he was cold so I wrapped him up but when his head is up it happens
Sept. 28, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
7 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Some puppies do have a head tremor when they are young, and most grow out of it. If this continues, it would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian, and perhaps take a video of the behavior so that they can see it if he does not have the problem when they are looking at him.
Oct. 8, 2020
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Chiweenie
Three Months
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My puppy just had the above symptoms and my 7 year old husky/lab has had the same symptoms in the past. They do not eat the same food. The 7 year old has had 2 sets of antibiotics. There is no known poison within their reach. What could cause these symptoms in both dogs at different times
Sept. 26, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails. Puppies are very prone to parasites, infectious diseases, and intestinal infections. Different things can affect adult dogs. It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them.
Oct. 15, 2020
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Chihuahua
Eight Months
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My dog started having head tremors after taking trazodone. Is this an emergency?
Sept. 26, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails. Trazadone can be sedating, and that may have been what was causing the tremors in your dog. If he is still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them.
Oct. 18, 2020
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Husky
Three Years
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My dog doesn’t want to get up . He’s been acting like this since five. when he gets up walks in circles and when he’s sitting he moves his neck around back and fourth. He also won’t eat.
Sept. 26, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails. It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them.
Oct. 18, 2020
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Yo-yo
Shih Tzu
9 Years
Fair severity
0 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
My dog just started having these “head tremors” today, but they keep happening repeatedly. Once I start petting him he stops. But once I stop it happens again. He’s always been healthy and I don’t know if I should be worried or not. His shakes move in a “no” direction.
Diesel
Bulldog
3 Years
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
This is not the first time this happens to mu dog diesel. The first time we notcied it he hadnt eaten anything for a couple of days and we took him to the vet. The vet said he has appendicitis. He was on medication for 14 days and recovered. A couple of weeks later we noticed the head trembling again but he was eating fine and wasnt sad or anything. Today hes doing the head trembling again and im scared he might have appendicitis again but i really dont have the money to take him to the vet right now. He had chiken earlier today that i boiled because hes refusing to eat his dog food. Any advice? .
Olive
Cane Corso
11 Months
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
Hi I need advice on whether or not you can leave dogs alone while they have a head tremor ? As both my husband and I work. It’s only just started so need to know everything I can
Lilly
Boxer
9 Years
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
Lilly has been getting head tremors for many years. The vet never determined the cause. Lilly doesn’t seem to know it’s happening and they last about 5-20 minutes. She’s usually sleepy afterwards. A friend suggested removing any Febreze products from my home and the tremors seemed to stop immediately and were gone for quite some time. She only has about two per year now.
Rosy
Tibetan Spaniel
4 Months
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
We have a puppy Tibetan Spaniel who has headtremors. She does this from the moment she was in our home. She now is 4 month old and seems to get worse when she has some stress. My own vet tells me not to worry ,that it will go away when she gets older but i'm worried because we bought her for breeding. Can we still breed with her or better to do not? And will this go away when she is bit older? Kind regards .... owner of Rosy
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