Why Dogs Tilt Their Heads

Are you endlessly entertained by the sight of your cherished canine companions’ perked ears, curious eyes and upward turned faces that accompany the adorable tilt of their heads when they hear an interesting sound?

While several factors are involved in this endearing phenomenon, one is how we instinctively react with such positive reinforcement as gentle pats, wide smiles and soft words. This encourages them to repeat the gesture, enabling us to not only revel in its undeniable cuteness but to reward them again for the sheer pleasure we derive. WOOF about one awesome mutual admiration society of two!

Speaking scientifically, however, sound, in people and pups alike, is captured by the external ear canal, funneled to the middle and inner ear, and then transmitted to the brain. The muscles of a dog’s middle ear are controlled by the same part of the brain that controls his facial expressions and head movements. So, when your dog cocks his head to the side, he’s attempting to hear your words, understand what you’re saying, and assure you that he’s concentrating on you.

Dogs tilt their heads to one side when they’re listening intently and/or out of curiosity, pure and simple. They also tilt their heads in response to a sound they’ve never heard before, as if this will help them determine just what it is. And while dogs tilt their heads at almost any sound, the sound they truly love and respond to most is that of their loving pet parent’s voice. Doubly so when they hear words of praise and other familiar words such as “treat,” “walk” and “park.”

Dogs can pick up on sounds that people can’t, so if your dog is tilting his head seemingly for no apparent reason, he could be listening to something inaudible to you and trying to figure out its origin. This is especially true for extremely high-pitched sounds.

If, on the other hand, your dog has a head tilt for any reason other than curiosity or listening enhancement, this could be concerning, counsel veterinary experts, and can sometimes be signs of a medical issue. This ranges from a seemingly minor ear infection to a brain injury to neurological problems such as vestibular disease and/or a tumor. And so, if you notice any, some or all of the following behaviors, together with a head tilt, bring him to your vet as soon as possible. An abnormal amount of debris in his ears; shaking his head or scratching/pawing at his ear or face; walking with his head tilted for prolonged periods; losing his balance, and these telltale signs of cognitive dysfunction – disorientation, peeing and pooping inappropriately and a change in sleep patterns.