Dog suddenly shaking his head

[cashmerecardigans]

My 10 year old sprocker has suddenly started shaking his head, and pulling at his ear. We've been out for a walk, come back and he's had his food. It started quite suddenly and he's clearly uncomfortable as he can't settle.
Any ideas what it might be? His ear looks ok, no swelling or redness. I was wondering if he's got a bit of grass seed or something stuck. Would taking him for a quick swim help? We are close to a river with a shallow bit for dogs

Probably a grass dart, my cocker gets one every couple of years. We've never been able to spot them cuz they're usually so far down they need tweezing out by the vet. I wouldn't take him swimming in case it pushes it in further

Grass seed was my first thought. I'd take him to the vet-grass seeds tend to migrate.

Could be something's got down in his ear. A swim wouldn't help with that. He might need a vet to get it out.

Ok typical it happens on the evening, will it wait until morning? He's uncomfortable but it doesn't seem worse than that

Definitely grass seed. Off to the vets for an expensive retrieval tomorrow

Also we used to get them every year until we started keeping the hair under the ear very short and that helped with picking them up so easily.

Thanks everyone, at least it's something manageable (albeit expensive). But he's worth every penny

Must be something about the time of year …….. 4 seeds removed from Oscardog’s ears yesterday. As you describe, much head shaking and clearly in discomfort. I’m the 3 hours before I could get her in to the vet (this being the second episode so I knew the signs) ear already inflamed.

Happily vet got them out, no need to sedate and flush. Damage £80.