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My dog shakes head, scratches, and ears smell. Allergies or infection?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Male | unneutered | 4 years and 6 months old | 90 lbs

Is it possible for our dog to have allergies all year long our dog shakes his head n scratches his ears all the time n his ears smell wen we clean them he dont sleep cuz he is constantly scratching and walks around with his head tilted wat can we do to make him stop shaking his head he looks miserable?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 25th, 2018

Yes, dogs can have allergies all year long, but it could also be that Monster is suffering from an ear infection. Common signs of an ear infection include a bad smell from the ear, head shaking, and scratching the ear as well as a head tilt. I would take him into the vet first thing in the morning for this, especially since he is so miserable. The vet can diagnose if he does have an ear infection, what is causing it (ear mites, bacteria, or yeast), and can prescribe treatment for him. Best of luck!

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