https://www.chewy.com/education/dog/training-and-behavior/why-do-dogs-tilt-their-heads
Dogs often tilt their heads in response to sounds, which can help them better locate or understand noises, especially unfamiliar or high pitched ones.
This behavior is commonly seen when dogs hear their owner’s voice or words they recognize, such as “treat” or “park.”
Puppies exhibit the same head tilting behavior, often due to curiosity as they learn about their environment.
However, head tilting can sometimes indicate medical issues such as ear infections, vestibular disease, brain injuries, or neurological problems.
These conditions may require veterinary evaluation and treatment.
A persistent or prolonged head tilt accompanied by other signs - such as loss of balance, excessive ear debris, repeated head shaking, scratching at the ears, disorientation, or changes in behavior - warrants immediate veterinary attention.
While head tilting is usually a normal response to auditory stimuli, it can also signal serious health concerns.
Therefore, pet owners should monitor the behavior closely and seek veterinary care if the head tilt appears unrelated to normal listening or curiosity.
Chewy editorial team explores the reasons behind dogs tilting their heads, why puppies do it, when it may indicate a health concern, and answers common questions about this behavior - so you and your dog can better understand what’s happening and know when to seek veterinary care.
