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My dog shakes his head. What are dog flu symptoms or other causes?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 9 months old | 100 lbs

My two year old dog was laying with me in the couch he started to rapidly shake his head as if he had the dog flu. It happened once so far for about a minute. He hasn’t done anything since. What are other symptoms of dog flu?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 19th, 2018

Symptoms of dog flu (Canine influenza) are typically coughing, labored breathing, decreased appetite, nasal discharge (usually green or yellow) and severe lethargy. Shaking of the head can indicate your pet just got irritated around his face or ear and wasn’t trying to resolve the itchy feeling (as seen with allergies) or he could even have an underlying ear infection. Monitor him to see if he continues to shake his head. If he does then its a good idea to get his ears checked by your vet. Otherwise there is a very low chance your pet has contracted Canine Influenza if this is his only symptom. Best of luck with your pet Rosco. Take care.

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