Dog’s Teeth Chatter: Why Do Dog’s Teeth Chatter?

Dog’s Teeth Chatter: Why Do Dog’s Teeth Chatter? – It may seem bizarre, however plenty of dogs chatter their teeth almost like they are in a fast-paced cartoon. Dogs’ teeth could be jittering, clacking or clicking. It might be alarming, or at the very least surprising. Ought to a pet parent be worried about this? The reply is perhaps. To explain, let us first answer the question, “Why do dogs chatter their teeth?”

Why do dog’s teeth chatter?

Emotional Reasons

• • Excitement – Many dogs chatter simply because they are excited or anticipating something good, just like the anticipation of a treat or a ball being thrown. Some dogs click their teeth when their owner comes home. It is also normal before they are about to be fed.

• • Anxiousness – Most owners know that a dog baring its teeth is an indication of feeling threatened or defensive. Chattering is a signal for stress and anxiousness. Dogs can experience social anxiety just like humans, and this odd toothy behavior could be a way of distracting or communicating with other animals they are intimidated by.

• • Fear/Anxiety – Dogs that are generally anxious might also chatter, or do it in response to situations like meeting new people or being taken on drives.

Physical Reasons

• • Low Temperature – It is just like for humans. Fur may not be enough to warm your dog. Teeth chattering can just mean that your dog’s body temperature is low. If you have a small dog, this reaction to cold weather can occur long before it occurs to you. For example, a chihuahua could be feeling the effects of your air conditioning more than you do. In that case, consider getting your dog a sweater or warm place for it to rest.

• • Pain – For geriatric dogs who could be experiencing other bodily pain, chattering along with other frustrated behaviors like growling might be your indication that something more severe is wrong.

• • Sniffing – Dogs could make very strange faces and mouth movements whereas smelling new scents because they’re utilizing their vomeronasal systems. This is perfectly normal.

Illnesses

• • Periodontal Disease – Dogs get gum disease just like humans. If the chattering is accompanied by drooling, difficulty eating, bad breath, or tooth loss, there is an opportunity that it is associated to periodontal disease, which might be quite painful. Look to see if there is blood in the dog’s water bowl or on its chew toys. Also, see if it only chews on one side, or avoids letting you touch its head or face.

• • Tooth Abscess – Much of the same symptoms might be applied to other dental problems like rotten teeth, although it may come with swelling on one side.

• • Seizure Disorders – Epilepsy and other seizure disorders could cause clicking and chattering, however often this behavior will occur randomly and not correspond with a specific behavior like greeting, meeting or eating.

• • Neurological Problems – Check your dog’s pupils for unusual dilation, and see if it has an unusual gait. Again, if the chattering is random or continuous, this can be an indication of something more serious, like shaker syndrome.

Because these reasons range from perfectly normal behaviors of life-threatening sicknesses, you might be still asking yourself, “Well, my dog’s teeth chatter. Ought to I be worried?”

Is a dog’s teeth chattering a cause for concern?

A dog’s teeth chattering could be a sign of normal problems like stress or severe problems like neurological issues, depending on the situation. Whereas attempting to gauge whether this is something to call your veterinarian about, use our checklist to comprehend the behavior:

• • Does the dog’s teeth chatter only whereas sniffing or smelling? This is quite normal, as your dog is utilizing what is essentially a secondary scent-collection system in its mouth.

• • Does plenty of drool accompany the chattering? This could be an indication of excitement, however it also might be a dental issue. Consider gently and carefully checking your dog’s teeth.

• • Does your dog’s teeth chatter after licking? Again, this is quite normal, as it is one other way of smelling or sensing.

• • Does the chattering occur only whereas your dog is meeting other dogs? If this is typically when your dog’s teeth chatter, it could be a sign of social anxiety. Dogs have social anxiety; yours could be a little scared. Socializing in smaller teams or having your dog wear an anxiety jacket may help.

• • Does the chattering only occur in sure situations? Whether you are just getting home or you are playing with toys, these are pretty exciting times in a dog’s day, so chattering in this case might be chalked up to excitement. However, if the chattering is persistent, it could be a more serious issue. If it is totally random, it might be serious.

• • Does your dog avoid chewing, does not bite down as hard, or eats slower than usual? These are hallmark symptoms of dental problems, whether it be rotten teeth or gum disease. This may cause the dog plenty of pain and might need removal. In this case, it is very smart to get in touch with a vet.

• • Is your dog resisting you touching its head? “Head shyness” is often an indication of dental problems or mouth pain, so the dog’s teeth ought to be checked.

• • Are your dog’s pupils dilated strangely? This is a little more of a concern, as it could be a sign of several seizure disorders. Contact your vet.

• • Does it occur when the dog is sleeping? A dog clicking its teeth during sleep is somewhat like when humans grind their teeth. It is called bruxism, and like chattering it could be a symptom of many causes like stress, anxiety or dental problems. Of course, please note that this also may a case of a seizure issue too; observe the dog’s behavior closely.

In sum, chattering can both be dangerous and harmless, so be certain to notice when the behavior is occurring and search for other important symptoms like blood in the dog’s bowl or head shyness. This might help your veterinarian understand what is going on and know what to check for. If you are still uncertain of which behaviors to check or are noticing something highly unusual, please contact us. We serve numerous locations around Florida and would be happy to set you up with an appointment.