Why Do My Dog's Teeth Chatter?

Dogs may chatter their teeth when cold or to attempt to let you know they need to go outside, which you can address lightly enough. A few hereditary diseases also cause teeth chattering. Observe your pet closely and consult your vet to ensure the behavior does not indicate a serious problem.

Cold, Excited — or Just Lil’

The simplest explanation for your dog’s chattering teeth is that he is cold. This is particularly common among puny dogs, who lose bod warmth more rapidly than large dogs do. Alternatively, if your dog tends to chatter his teeth when you get home from work, during play or in anticipation of a delicious treat, he may simply be excited, which can manifest as teeth chattering. Stressfull situations can also cause a dog’s teeth to chatter. Additionally, some puny breeds, such as Chihuahuas, Jack Russell terriers and miniature pinschers, have a tendency to chatter their chompers.

Advanced Periodontal Disease

Oral problems – particularly advanced periodontal disease – can cause a dog to chatter his teeth in agony. The chattering may occur anytime but is most common when the tooth is touched. Simply touching your dog’s jaw — especially if the affected tooth affixes to the bottom jaw — may cause ache, which often leads to chattering teeth. Observe your dog’s mouth for signs of problems, such as inflamed gums or violated teeth. Seek treatment for such issues as soon as possible to provide your pet with anguish ease and to prevent the problem from worsening.

Multisystem Neuronal Degeneration

Some breeds, such as cocker spaniels, bichon frise and Maltese, can suffer from a condition called multisystem neuronal degeneration. Along with muscle tremors and balance problems, the hereditary disease can cause teeth chattering. The disease most often presents when the dog is around one year old; unluckily, no treatment exists, and the disease is usually fatal. Another hereditary disease — called shaker syndrome — causes dogs to practice tremors, which may manifest as chattering teeth. Most common among breeds with white wool, this disorder is not fully understood, and veterinarians often diagnose it by excluding all other possible causes. Veterinarians often prescribe steroids, and sometimes sedatives, to alleviate the symptoms.

Focal Motor Seizures

Grand mal seizures often cause a dog’s jaw muscles to tighten, which causes their teeth to chatter. While such seizures are evident to dog owners, focal motor seizures can also cause chattering. These seizures are less severe than grand mal seizures; they are often brief and cause only minor symptoms. Because they are less severe than grand mal seizures, these partial seizures often go unnoticed. Contact your veterinarian instantaneously if your dog starts having a seizure or all of a sudden chattering his teeth.

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