Why Do Labradors Tilt their Heads?

Why Do Labradors Tilt their Heads?

It’s kryptonite to humans!

It’s mostly to be able to hear you better. Sometimes they do it to try to get a better look at you or your body language. Sometimes it’s the pitch of a sound you make– or something that they hear that causes it to occur. It really is like they are ‘tuning in.’

For most of us, head tilt is like kryptonite. It is for me, anyway. So many of us end up encouraging this behavior. Many dogs that learn a variety of words in the English language perk up when they hear a word they recognize like ‘treat’ or ‘walk.’

The only time that head tilt is a concern is if it comes on suddenly and does not go away, as in the case of Vestibular Disease. This is an inner ear issue that is idiopathic (we don’t know what makes it happen) but it is very common in older dogs. A few years back I had an old terrier mix that had this issue, but it did not affect her quality of life, whatsoever. With some time and holistic healing remedies, it just vanished. But if your Lab develops a constant head tilt, be sure to make a trip to your veterinarian. Don’t just let it go. Some dogs can become very dizzy and they may need medication or doggie chiropractic to reverse the side effects. But usually, it is just your dog’s way of responding to you and your voice.

So enjoy your daily does of ‘head tilt.’  You and your dog both enjoy it immensely, and you know it!