I have a 7 year old bitch Cocker Spaniel, who has always been in perfect health, we have had no problems with her at all.

However, she recently stayed with friends for a week, and when she returned last night we noticed some odd changes, mainly that she appear to be slobbering and salivating a lot (this is really unusual for her, she is never like this) and keeps shaking her head rapidly. When she shakes her head, she also makes a noise like jowls flapping, as a retriever or labrador might do.

I don't know if this would make any difference but when she returned she also had a lot of food dried around the edges of her ears and the fur around her muzzle so we washed this with usual dog shampoo and water, I don't think she could be shaking her head to dry herself as she's now completely dry.

Any ideas on what might have happened? I'm on the verge of taking her to the vets as it is really unusual for her so any help is really appreciated!

She could have something in her ear or more likely between her teeth, think perhaps the vets would be a good idea as this is strange behaviour.

Just been to the vets and we have some anti inflammatory drops and also some ear drops - she had a slightly irritated ear and slight temperature so we're just watching her eating habits etc and seeing how she goes!! Fingers crossed it'll clear up soon!

Sure it will, always nice if the vet can find something that may be causing the problem