Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why does my German Shepherd's ear sometimes flop and she shakes her head?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | spayed | 55 lbs

MyGerman Shepherd (3yrs) has at times a floppy ear.It can come and go and doesn’t happen often.We were playing in the garden yesterday when the ear started to flop.It doesn’t stay like that for a long period. When it does, she does tend to shake her head a couple times. We’ve attempted to clean her ears out with ear drops and cotton and there is hardly anything that comes out. She did have ear mites a while back though but got rid of them. Just a trait that she has? Photos don’t do justice!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 4, 2019

This is probably just Lexi’s ‘normal’. If her ears do not appear inflamed or itchy and she is not shaking her head excessively I would not be concerned. She’s a very gorgeous girl!

I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My German Shepherd puppy shaking head and scratching. Ear infection?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This sounds pretty classic for either an ear infection or something in the ear (grass, bug, other). Try cleaning with a dog ear cleaner (your local pet store can help you). If no improvement, its time to see your vet on Monday so get the proper ear medication if needed. Best of luck to you and Chevy!

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

My dog shakes his head when we're outside. Is this normal behavior?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is probably behavioral, not medical. As the outside air hits him he shakes as we do, in stretching, in the morning. Dogs also shake their heads out of excitement. My dogs shakes his head and body EVERY TIME he gets up and A LOT when excited. It is normal for him and he's never had an ear infection. Stone is normal to be shaking his head when he goes outside. Have a great day!

Updated on September 23, 2025

Why is my dog shaking his head like he's wet and anxious?

Hello. Achillies may have a ear infection, ear mites, or a foreign body like a grass awn in his ear. Do try to have him seen tomorrow by your veterinarian to diagnose what the problem might be. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23, 2025

My dog's ears are flapping loudly. Is this normal or an ear issue?

If your dog is shaking her head and flapping her ears than she may have an ear infection or allergy. You can look in her ears to see if she has any redness, discharge or odor. If she continues to flap her ears, she is at risk of getting an ear hematoma so she should be examined by a vet to determine the cause and needed treatment.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Why are my Doberman puppy's ears not floppy and turning back?

I don’t see anything that appears abnormal in Lia’s ears. From the photo, it looks like she is holding them that way or that the ears are ‘rose ears’ which are Norma for some dogs. Doberman’s natural ears are floppy. If you have concerns that something is abnormal with the ears or you are seeing that she can’t move them normally, I recommend to have her examined by her veterinarian since they will need to check the ears for pain and palpate the cartilage. I hope this helps.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my dog constantly shaking her head like she's wet and bothered?

This would be typical for an ear infection. I recommend you schedule a vet visit for Layla. This could be a bacterial, fungal or mite infection or caused by an allergy. Excessive head shaking can cause an othematome ( burst blood vessels in the ear flaps which then can cause crippling of the ear. So I would not wait long for an appointment with your veterinarian.

Updated on September 23, 2025

My GSD puppy's ear is floppy. Will biting damage her cartilage?

As much as you can keep the other dog from chewing on her ears, do so, but it's not the end of the world. Their ears will go up and down as they're teething and growing, so they may tip up and down for a couple months more until they stand for good. Congratulations on your new baby, she's absolutely beautiful!

Updated on September 23, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share