Dogs are often prone to dental issues, and one of the most common is tooth chattering. This can cause pain for your pup, but why does my dogs teeth chatter? A dog’s teeth can chatter or clatter when they are in pain for various reasons, such as a toothache. In some cases, it could be caused by an infection or even because of gum disease.
There are many different reasons why this happens! Read on to find out more about why your dog’s teeth might be chattering.
What is a Chattering Teeth in Dogs?
A chattering tooth in dogs is when your pup’s top and bottom jaw move rapidly and make a noise. The sound can be loud enough to be heard from a distance, and it’s often accompanied by excessive drooling. Though it might be a little alarming to see your dog making this strange noise, chattering canines aren’t necessarily in any pain or discomfort.
Why Does My Dogs Teeth Chatter?
Dental problems occur more often in older dogs than younger ones due to plaque accumulation and tartar buildup; unfortunately, it is never too early for your pup to get their first set of cleanings and exams.
While your dog’s canines are chattering, it may be because of the following reasons.
1. Emotional Reasons
A dog may chatter their teeth when they’re feeling scared or anxious. This is often seen in dogs who are new to a home or in a new environment. As soon as they begin to feel more comfortable, the chattering will most likely subside.
It could also be because your dog is feeling playful. When puppies play, they often use their teeth to communicate with each other, and a lot of chattering usually accompanies this.
2. Low Temperature
If the temperature is too low, a dog’s body will startto shiver in order to generate heat.
A dog’s teeth may also chatter when they are coming down with something. If your dog is sick, their immune system will be working hard to fight off an illness. This can also cause chattering in dogs if they’re feeling cold.
3. Anxiety
When dogs feel anxious or nervous, they’ll often start to chatter their teeth. This can be triggered by numerous things, such as being in a new environment, meeting someone new, or during a thunderstorm.
4. Pain
If your dog is exhibiting signs of pain, such as their muscles and joints becoming stiff or appearing to be limping, then they may begin chattering. If you notice your dog is in pain, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible for an evaluation.
5. Infection
Bacteria and other germs can cause infection in a dog’s teeth, leading to pain and chattering. If your dog has an infection, they may have bad breath or appear to be drooling more than usual.
6. Malocclusion
If a dog’s teeth are not properly aligned, it can cause them pain and lead to chattering. If you suspect your dog may have malocclusion, it’s best to take them in for a dental examination.
7. Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a severe infection that can affect the gums, teeth, and bone. It is caused by plaque and tartar buildup, leading to pain and chattering of the teeth. If your pup is experiencing dental problems such as periodontal disease, it’s important to see a vet as soon as possible.
8. Nutritional Deficiencies
If your pup lacks certain vitamins and minerals in their diet, it can lead to periodontal disease and tooth loss.
9.Neurological Issues
If your dog has neurological problems, it can affect the muscles in their jaw and cause chattering. These issues usually appear at a younger age and are usually accompanied by other symptoms. Take your dog to the vet if they’re exhibiting any neurological problems.
What are the symptoms of chattering teeth in dogs?
If your dog’s teeth chatter or click when he opens his mouth, it could be a sign of dental problems. It’s also possible that your dog is feeling anxious, but it can be difficult to tell the difference between a dental issue and anxiety without knowing more about your dog’s behavior.
Other common symptoms of dental issues in dogs include bad breath, drooling, and reluctance to eat or chew.
If you notice any of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet for a check-up. Dental problems can be painful and lead to other health problems if left untreated.
What Causes Dental Disease in Dogs, and How to Prevent It
Causes for canine dental issues
There are several reasons why your dog may be experiencing dental issues. Some common causes include:
Poor Oral Hygiene
If you’re not brushing your dog’s teeth regularly, plaque and tartar will build up over time, leading to gum disease and bad breath. A recent study has shown that as many as 80 percent of dogs have some form of gum disease by the time they are three years old.
Exposure To Toxins
Many items that are toxic to humans can also be dangerous for your dog, including certain medications and common household items like chocolate, grapes, and onions.
Genetics
Some dogs are more prone to developing dental issues than others due to their breed and predisposition to certain conditions. Certain breeds, like pugs and Boston terriers, are more likely to have respiratory issues that can lead to tooth problems.
Diet
If your dog is not receiving the proper nutrients or enough hydration, they can develop dental issues.
If your dog is experiencing any of the above symptoms, or you are noticing that they have an excessive amount of tartar buildup, it is best to have them seen by a veterinarian.
Bad Breath
If you’re noticing that your dog has bad breath, it can be a sign of dental issues. Another common symptom of dental problems is inflamed or bleeding gums. Give your dog plenty of chew toys to reduce plaque buildup. And if you notice that the smell is coming from his ears, it could be a sign of a yeast infection.
Yeast infections typically cause a smelly brown discharge and can also lead to redness or swelling in his ears.
Risk Of Infection
One common symptom that can signify dental issues is the mouth being easily irritated. If your dog is drooling more than usual, has difficulty eating or drinking, or is pawing at his mouth, he may have an infection.
Plaque And Tartar Buildup
While most dogs will develop plaque buildup, it is more common in older or younger dogs. Dogs that don’t receive enough dietary fiber and those with predispositions to certain infections are more likely to develop tartar.
If you notice that your dog has a buildup of plaque or tartar, it is best to brush his teeth at least two times a week with dog toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush.
What are The Signs of Tooth Pain or Infection in Dogs?
Dogs can get cavities and infected teeth just as people do. While the canine mouth is made for chewing on bones, they also tend to form plaque and tartar on their teeth, just as we do. This can lead to tooth pain or infection.
The most common signs of tooth pain or infection in dogs are
- Drooling
- Bad breath
- Chewing on one side of their mouth
- Refusal to eat
- Pawing at their face or mouth
- Rubbing their head on the floor
- Yelling or whining in pain
- Lethargy
If you suspect that your dog is experiencing tooth pain or infection, take them to the veterinarian for an assessment.
How To Prevent And Treat Chattering Teeth In Dogs
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent and treat chattering teeth in dogs. Some tips include:
Providing Your Dog With A Comfortable Place To Sleep
If your dog is sleeping on a hard surface, it can cause discomfort and lead to chattering teeth. Make sure your dog has a soft place to rest his head, like a pillow or an old t-shirt.
Preventing Dehydration
Dehydration can also lead to chattering teeth. Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh, clean water, so he stays hydrated throughout the day.
Providing Chews And Toys
Purchasing dog chew toys, such as dental bones or rubber balls, can be a great way to discourage your pup from chewing on your furniture. You may also want to consider purchasing items that will help remove plaque and tartar buildup, like toothpaste for dogs and special toothbrushes.
Avoiding Stressful Situations
If your dog is feeling stressed or anxious, it can lead to chattering teeth. Try to avoid exposing him to stressful environments whenever possible.
Preventing Illness
If your dog frequently chatters teeth, it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Make sure to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian if you notice that your dog is frequently chattering his teeth.
Canine Dental Care At Home
If your dog’s teeth are chattering, it may be because of one of the causes above, or it may be because of other reasons. If you notice that your dog isn’t eating well, is excessively drooling, or showing signs of pain when chewing, it is time to take them to the veterinarian for a dental exam.
The good news is that you can help keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy at home by following a few simple steps.
- Use a toothbrush designed for dogs.
- Feed your dog dry kibble instead of canned food, which can lead to dental disease.
- Brush your dog’s teeth at least once a week.
- Clean between your dog’s teeth with a dental wipe or water and a finger brush.
- Give your dog a dental chew or bone to help keep his teeth clean.
If you are not comfortable brushing your dog’s teeth at home, take them to the veterinarian for regular dental exams.
Tips for Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
1.Use toothpaste made specifically for dogs. Human toothpaste is not recommended because it can upset your dog’s stomach.
2.Do not use bones, antlers, or hooves to chew on, as these can damage your dog’s teeth.
3.Brush at least once a day, but preferably twice a day.
4.Start by getting your dog used to you touching its teeth by gently rubbing your finger along the gum line.
5.Use a small amount of toothpaste on your finger or a soft toothbrush and brush the teeth in circular motions.
6.Be sure to get the inside surfaces of the teeth and gum line.
7.Finish by giving your dog a small treat to reward it for being a good patient.
8.If your dog resists having its teeth brushed, start by slowly acclimating it to the process by brushing its teeth for a second or two and then stopping. Gradually increase the amount of time spent brushing each day until your dog is used to it.
9.It’s also a good idea to have your dog’s teeth checked by a veterinarian at least once a year. Teeth problems can be expensive and painful to treat, so it’s best to catch them early.
Treatment Options for Dental Diseases in Dogs
If your dog is suffering from dental disease, there are a number of treatment options that your veterinarian may recommend. Treatment will depend on the severity of the problem but may include dental scaling and polishing, dental surgery, antibiotics, dental diets and treats, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and dental X-rays and blood work.
Dental Scaling And Polishing
This procedure involves removing the plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth.
Dental Surgery
If there is significant damage to your dog’s teeth, dental surgery may be necessary.
Antibiotics
If your dog is suffering from an infection in the gums or around its teeth, it will need to take antibiotics for several days.
Dental Diets And Treats
Some foods are explicitly designed to promote healthy teeth and gum tissue by reducing plaque buildup on the tooth surface.
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Sometimes, the inflammation around your dog’s teeth is so severe that it needs to be treated with anti-inflammatory medication like Advil or aspirin. Ask your veterinarian if this option is right for you and your pet.
Dental X-rays And Blood Work
Your veterinarian will need to check your dog’s blood for anemia, which can be a side effect of dental disease, and may also order X-rays to get a better look at the condition of your dog’s teeth.
FAQs
What causes a dog’s teeth to chatter?
There are several common causes of canine dental issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fractured teeth. Teeth chatter is often the result of a sudden change in temperature, such as drinking cold water after eating hot food. However, it can also be a sign of an underlying health problem. Consult your veterinarian if your dog’s teeth are chattering for no reason.
Why do dogs chatter their teeth when in heat?
Dogs chatter their teeth when in heat to communicate with other dogs. The sound is meant to attract potential mates, and it is often accompanied by a wagging tail and raised hackles. If your dog chatters her teeth for no reason, she may be trying to tell you something. Talk to your veterinarian to see if there is a medical reason for the behavior.
Why does my dog’s jaw chatter after yawning?
There can be a few reasons why your dog’s jaw chatters after yawning. One possibility is that he has an infection or inflammation in his mouth.
Yawning is a way that dogs regulate their brain’s temperature and allow them to cool down on hot days. If your dog’s teeth chatter after yawning, you might consider taking him for walks in the evening instead of during the day when it may be hotter outside.
Additionally, there can also be medical causes such as a brain tumor or a stroke that can cause your dog’s jaw to chatter after yawning. If you think this might be the case, please take your dog to the veterinarian for an evaluation.
In most cases, though, dental problems are the most common reason why dogs’ jaws chatter after yawning. Shivering and teeth chattering are ways that the body tries to generate heat when it’s cold. So if your dog has dental problems, he may be trying to warm up his mouth by chattering his teeth.
Why does my dog chatter his teeth when he smells a female?
Possible reasons why your dog’s jaw chatters when he smells a female can be because of hormone fluctuations or excitement. Both male and female dogs have hormones that rise prior to mating, making them more likely to chatter their teeth while smelling a potential mate.
Your dog might also be chattering his teeth in anticipation of going on an adventure with you. Excitement can cause dogs to chatter their teeth as well.
Why does my dog chatter his teeth while sleeping?
Your dog chatters his teeth while sleeping because he is dreaming. Dogs are more likely to chatter their teeth when they are in REM sleep, which is the deepest stage of sleep where dreams occur.
If your dog’s jaw chatters and wakes you up during a deep sleep cycle, it can be frustrating, but just lay there and let him finish chattering his teeth. Your dog is dreaming, and it’s best not to wake him up during this time as he will likely be groggy afterward, and it will be harder to get back into a deep sleep cycle.
Why do dogs chatter their teeth after licking?
When dogs lick an area of their body, they often try to keep it moisturized or clean. If your dog is licking his paw and his teeth start to chatter, he may be experiencing an allergic reaction to something he licked.
Additionally, if your dog has been licking his anal area, it could signify that he has an infection down there. If you notice your dog starting to chatter his teeth after licking any part of his body, please take him to the veterinarian for an evaluation.
Why is my dog chattering his teeth and drooling?
There can be a few reasons why your dog is chattering his teeth and drooling. One possibility is that he has an infection or inflammation in his mouth.
Another cause of chattering and drooling is that your dog could be in pain.
Last but not least, your dog may have a foreign body stuck between his teeth or on their gums.
If you notice any abnormalities with your dog’s mouth, such as swelling, bleeding, difficulty breathing, excessive salivation with no visible cause, or discoloration of the teeth, then you should take him to the veterinarian for an evaluation.
Early diagnosis and treatment of dental problems in dogs is key to preventing more serious health issues down the road.
If your dog does not have any other medical conditions and is generally healthy, a routine dental cleaning by a vet, every six months can help prevent dental problems.
Conclusion
Dental problems are the most common reason why dogs’ jaws chatter after yawning. Shivering and teeth chattering are ways that the body tries to generate heat when it’s cold, so if your dog has dental problems, he may be trying to warm up his mouth by chattering his teeth.
I hope this post has helped you understand why your dog is teeth-chattering in the first place. If it hasn’t, please feel free to give me a comment or contact me with any questions! I would love to hear your thoughts or experiences.
Thanks for reading!
Mark is an animal lover and a researcher. He has always been interested in understanding how animals think and behave. This passion led him to pursue a career in research, where he now studies the cognitive abilities of various species.
Mark’s work has taken him all over the world, and he has had the opportunity to study some of the most fascinating creatures on Earth. He is constantly amazed by the intelligence and ingenuity of animals, and he firmly believes that they are capable of so much more than we give them credit for.
