Q:Why do dogs tilt their heads? I’ve noticed my pup leans their head to one side when I talk to them, almost as if they are confused. Is this normal?
A: Yes, it’s normal for dogs to tilt their heads when their human talks to them! Most of the time, this behavior occurs when a dog is trying to listen, though there are some instances when a head tilt can be cause for concern.
Besides trying to make themselves cuter than they already appear on a regular basis, what does it mean when dogs tilt their head when you talk to them? It’s a common question for anyone who has a canine in their family. We spoke to a veterinarian and dog behaviorist to explain the reasons behind a dog's head tilt—and when it might be time for a vet visit.
In This Guide:
4 Reasons Dogs Tilt Their Heads
There are several reasons dogs may tilt their heads to one side, and most of the time it is a totally benign, normal behavior in response to some kind of sound. However, there are some instances when a head tilt can be a signal that it’s time for a trip to the vet.
Some reasons for a doggy head tilt are:
1. Curiosity
Dogs tilt their heads to one side when they are listening and/or out of simple curiosity, says Courtnye Jackson, DVM, a veterinarian in Charlotte, North Carolina. Some dogs will tilt their heads at almost any sound, but most love to respond to the sound of their pet parent’s voice.
A dog will also tilt their head in response to a sound they’ve never heard before—almost as if the action will help them figure out what the noise is.
2. They’re Hoping To Hear Certain Words
If you’ve ever wondered “Why does my dog tilt his head when I talk to him?” and gotten an inkling that your pup is leaning their head to translate English to dog—that’s because they are!
Dogs will often tilt their head when actively listening, hoping to hear certain words like “treat” or “park,” says dog behaviorist Elisha Stynchula, CPDT-KA, owner of “I Said Sit” school for dogs in Los Angeles.
3. Trying To Figure Out Where a Sound Is Coming From
Dogs can pick up on sounds that we can’t, so if you catch your pet tilting their head seemingly for no reason, it could be because they are hearing something inaudible to people ears and they are trying to figure out where the noise is coming from. This is especially true for very high-pitched sounds.
4. There’s a Medical Issue
Usually, a dog's head tilt is all about listening, but Dr. Jackson says that sometimes it is a sign of a major issue, like a brain injury or neurological problems (such as vestibular disease and tumors). Neurological issues may be diagnosed with a visit to the veterinarian. Just be aware that they may take a little time and testing to pinpoint the exact cause.
Another fairly common reason for a head tilt is an ear infection, which is pretty easy to rule out with a quick vet visit.
We’ll discuss signs of a medical issue to look for in greater depth below.
Why Do Puppies Tilt Their Heads?
A head tilt in puppies is a common behavior, and they lean their heads for all the same reasons adult dogs do, as listed above. It might happen more often because, well, puppies are babies and just a little more curious!
Common reasons for a puppy head tilt are:
- They heard a new sound and are trying to figure it out.
- They are trying to figure out where the sound is coming from and if it’s anything they need to worry about.
- They’re young and learning about the world.
A head tilt is usually just an adorable part of puppyhood, but like with grown dogs, a head tilt in a puppy can also be a sign of a serious medical issue. If you feel your puppy’s head tilt is not just about curiosity, take them to a vet ASAP to be safe.
When Is Head Tilting Considered a Concern?
More often than not, a head tilt in puppies and dogs is not something to worry about. However, if you notice a persistent tilt and your gut is telling you something is wrong, there are some instances when a head tilt is a sign of a medical issue.
“If your dog has a head tilt for any other reason than curiosity or listening enhancement, you should be concerned,” says Dr. Jackson. “Even something that starts as small as an ear infection can cause larger issues if left without treatment for too long.”
According to Dr. Jackson and Stynchula, if you notice the following behaviors (along with a head tilt), you should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible:
- Your dog losing balance
- An abnormal amount of debris in their ears
- Your dog shaking their head, or scratching/pawing at their face or ear
- Your dog walking with their head tilted for prolonged periods
- Signs of cognitive dysfunction (disorientation; pooping and peeing where they know they shouldn’t; change of sleep pattern)
“Most pet parents know their dogs well enough to notice the difference between a listening head tilt and one that’s possibly medical-related,” says Stynchula.
So, if your intuition is telling you something is off with your pet, don’t waste any time getting them to the vet.
FAQs About Dog Head Tilting
Q:What sounds make dogs tilt their heads?
A:Some dogs will tilt their heads at any sounds. But for most dogs, their owner’s voice, high-pitched sounds, or novel sounds they have not heard before will cause the lean.
Q:Why do dogs tilt their heads when confused?
A:If a dog looks confused while tilting their head, they’re likely trying to source what a sound is and/or where it is coming from.
Dogs have hearing that is better than humans’, so sometimes they pick up on something that people may not be able to hear.
Q:Why do dogs tilt their heads when talked to?
A:Some very social dogs pick up on how endearing humans find the head tilt and offer the behavior more often because they think their pet parent likes it.
They also might be paying extra close attention to catch their favorite word, such as “walk,” “park,” or “treat.”
Q:Why is my dog walking with his head tilted?
A:If a dog is walking with a head tilt, this may be a sign of a medical issue, such as ear infection or vestibular disease (which may include the inner ear and also affect their balance), or blindness in one eye.
If you suspect your dog is walking with a head tilt for any other reason than listening, take them to the vet immediately.
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