Our dogs exhibit plenty of quirky behaviors — barking at the mailman, scooting their hindquarters across the floor, or twirling in circles before going to the bathroom. But have you ever seen your dog's teeth chatter? This strange behavior is relatively common among our canine friends, and it often throws dog owners for a loop. Show What is teeth chattering, exactly? It's just what it sounds like: Your dog's top and bottom rows of teeth click together rapidly, possibly making an audible sound. It's what your teeth might do if you're shivering from the cold. The question is, why does dog teeth chattering occur in the first place? And is it a cause for concern? Read on to find out more about what could be causing your dog's teeth to chatter and when to contact your veterinarian. Why Are My Dog's Teeth Chattering?A dog's teeth can chatter for several reasons. Some of them are not very serious, and some are. If you know the common causes of teeth chattering in dogs, you can better decide if your dog's behavior, silly as it may look, is something to worry about. Physical, behavioral, and health-related reasons cause teeth chattering in dogs: Physical ReasonsSometimes, teeth chattering occurs for a physical reason. Possibilities include:
Aside from physical reasons for chattering, dogs might chatter the teeth for behavioral reasons, too. Behavioral ReasonsOften, the cause of your dog's chattering is behavioral. Your dog might chatter the teeth when they're experiencing:
Many cases of dog teeth chattering can be prescribed to the behavioral or physical reasons listed above. Sometimes, though, the cause is related to a health issue. Health ReasonsA variety of medical conditions could cause teeth chattering. If you suspect the issues listed below are causing your dog teeth to chatter, it’s time to set up a visit to the vet’s office. Medical reasons for teeth chattering include:
Another reason for dog teeth chattering is simple: old age. It's not entirely clear why, but older dogs seem to be more prone to teeth chattering than middle-aged dogs or puppies. If you have a senior dog on your hands who has started chattering their teeth, it's worth setting up a veterinary appointment for your furry friend. Many times, an older dog's teeth chattering isn't something to worry about, but talk to your vet to be safe. Should I Be Concerned About My Dog's Teeth Chattering?You've noticed your dog's teeth chattering. What do you do? Your response should depend on the situation. If there is an obvious reason for your dog's behavior, like extremely cold weather, social interaction with aggressive dogs, or pure excitement, you probably have your answer. It's unlikely that anything is medically wrong, although it's always worth calling the vet if you're concerned. However, if your dog is chattering because they're cold, move them indoors immediately. If your dog chatters their teeth when it's storming outside, or when they sense you're leaving the house, it's likely related to anxiety. Talk to your vet about helping your dog feel more comfortable. You might need a combination of solutions. Some anxious dogs feel better when they're given a chew toy, while some will benefit from medication or supplements. Your vet will be able to help. If you think a health problem is the root cause of the chattering, it's time to talk with your vet. Deal with oral health concerns right away. You don't want to leave periodontal disease, rotting teeth, tartar build-up, and other common dental problems unaddressed. Dogs with a neurological problem like epilepsy or shaker syndrome, will likely need anti-seizure medications and lifestyle adjustments, such as monitored playtime, a consistent sleep schedule, and a stress-free home environment. Your vet can help guide you through these steps. Why Are My Dog's Teeth Chattering, and What Do I Do About It?What causes dog teeth chattering? There are many reasons why your pooch might exhibit this behavior. It's possible that something as simple as low body temperature caused by the cold winter weather makes your dog's teeth chatter. Or, it could be a serious neurological condition like epilepsy or a dental issue like periodontitis. Keep in mind that some dogs chatter their teeth for no particular reason or for unknown reasons. Maybe your dog chatters when sniffing the ground as they're tracking a scent. Here's the bottom line: If you're concerned about your dog's teeth chattering behavior, call your vet's office. He or she will help you get to the bottom of your dog's behavior and point you toward a solution. Would you like more information on your dog's health and wellness needs? Visit the Native Pet blog here.A dog may chatter his teeth together, or his jaw, occasionally or more frequently than you would like him to. Several reasons why this could be happening are: Neurological Disorders Your pet may be having neurological issues, such as seizures. There are seizures that are not very noticeable, known as partial seizures. These types of seizures can make the jaw chatter. Other neurological conditions may also be causing your dog to chatter his jaw. Anxiety Your dog may be overstressed or become nervous easily, and may chatter his teeth together or his jaw. Anxiety can occur due to a stressful home environment, a thunderstorm or fireworks, other loud noises, or when around unfamiliar dogs. Cold If your dog is cold, his teeth may chatter. Just as humans sometimes do in frigid temperatures, dogs that are out in the cold may have difficulty tolerating the temperature drop. If this is the case, you may not need a veterinary visit, just be sure to keep your dog warm. Dental Condition A dental condition may cause your dog to not want to bite down on his teeth or chew on food. He may also chatter his jaw as a response to the pain from a tooth abscess or gum infection. If your dog is a puppy, he may be teething and may also chatter his jaw. Top Page 2A dog may chatter his teeth together, or his jaw, occasionally or more frequently than you would like him to. Several reasons why this could be happening are: Neurological Disorders Your pet may be having neurological issues, such as seizures. There are seizures that are not very noticeable, known as partial seizures. These types of seizures can make the jaw chatter. Other neurological conditions may also be causing your dog to chatter his jaw. Anxiety Your dog may be overstressed or become nervous easily, and may chatter his teeth together or his jaw. Anxiety can occur due to a stressful home environment, a thunderstorm or fireworks, other loud noises, or when around unfamiliar dogs. Cold If your dog is cold, his teeth may chatter. Just as humans sometimes do in frigid temperatures, dogs that are out in the cold may have difficulty tolerating the temperature drop. If this is the case, you may not need a veterinary visit, just be sure to keep your dog warm. Dental Condition A dental condition may cause your dog to not want to bite down on his teeth or chew on food. He may also chatter his jaw as a response to the pain from a tooth abscess or gum infection. If your dog is a puppy, he may be teething and may also chatter his jaw. Top Page 3A dog may chatter his teeth together, or his jaw, occasionally or more frequently than you would like him to. Several reasons why this could be happening are: Neurological Disorders Your pet may be having neurological issues, such as seizures. There are seizures that are not very noticeable, known as partial seizures. These types of seizures can make the jaw chatter. Other neurological conditions may also be causing your dog to chatter his jaw. Anxiety Your dog may be overstressed or become nervous easily, and may chatter his teeth together or his jaw. Anxiety can occur due to a stressful home environment, a thunderstorm or fireworks, other loud noises, or when around unfamiliar dogs. Cold If your dog is cold, his teeth may chatter. Just as humans sometimes do in frigid temperatures, dogs that are out in the cold may have difficulty tolerating the temperature drop. If this is the case, you may not need a veterinary visit, just be sure to keep your dog warm. Dental Condition A dental condition may cause your dog to not want to bite down on his teeth or chew on food. He may also chatter his jaw as a response to the pain from a tooth abscess or gum infection. If your dog is a puppy, he may be teething and may also chatter his jaw. Top |