shaking themselves out

[Smilla]

What is the purpose of a dog's shaking himself out when he doesn't seem to have a reason to (i.e. he hasn't gotten wet or dirty)? Lefty is always shaking himself out--when he gets up from a nap, before we go for a walk, after we go for a walk, on his way from one room to another, etc... I've never known a dog to do this as often as he does. Does it serve any purpose other than to get things out of their fur?

[LorraineO]

I would assume its a dogs way of stretching.. easing out the kinks as it were,, kinda like we do ... I wouldnt worry too much,, but if you are,,, why not ask your Vet .. they are the best ppl to ask.

[lv4dogs]

I think there could be many reasons behind it.
here are some possible reasons:
stretching
they can't brush themselves so maybe they are shaking so their fur lays the right way
many times if they have an ear itch or ear problem they shake
an itch might make them shake
just to wake up a bit, like how we stretch