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Dog teeth chattering is normal, and you may find your dog chattering their teeth for seemingly no reason. But there are lots of reasons why a dog may do this, and, as pet parents, we’d like to know exactly why.
So, why do dogs chatter their teeth, and does it always mean they’re cold? Find out all you need to know about dog teeth chattering here.
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Dog teeth chattering, explained
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Teeth chattering is an involuntary reaction to certain things, like the cold, stress, or smells. But it could also mean your dog is dealing with something like dental pain.
The rapid movements in a dog’s jaw when they chatter can do numerous things, like producing heat or, in the case of dogs, stimulate smelling.
Common reasons for teeth chattering
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Temperature
So, does teeth chattering mean your dog is cold? It’s not always the case, but if it’s short-term, and it’s happening in winter or when the weather is cooler, then being too cold could be the cause.
Now, if your dog’s teeth are consistently chattering, it’s likely you need to look into keeping them warmer, or there’s a different cause.
The smell connection (Flehmen response)
It’s well-known that dogs use their noses a lot, but the depth of their smell adaptations doesn’t stop there. Chattering teeth triggers something called the Flehmen response, where the movement of their teeth directs smells and pheromones to a special organ called the Jacobson’s organ, or the Vomeronasal Organ (VNO).
The VNO is in the roof of a dog’s mouth and nasal cavity, and when a dog chatters to move their jaw, it can draw in scents and pheromones into it. This allows a dog to analyse everything it needs to know about the scent.
Emotional reasons for chattering
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Anticipation and joy
Some dogs get very excited. Whether it’s waiting for their walk, seeing you come home through the window, or in response to affection, dogs can chatter their teeth and shake when feeling very excited.
Competing emotions
When a dog feels conflicting emotions, like anxiety and excitement, or frustration and happiness, it can lead to teeth chattering.
Nervousness or stress
Nervous, stressed dogs will chatter their teeth to release anxiety and energy.
Reaction to change
Sudden changes can spike a dog’s stress levels, leading to sudden chattering.
Potential medical reasons for chattering
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Dental pain and oral disease
Chattering can be a symptom of dental problems, like gingivitis, excessive tartar, and tooth damage.
Neurological issues and tremors
In rare cases, teeth chattering can act as a symptom of focal seizures or other neurological disease.
Teething
Teething puppies will sometimes chatter their teeth due to discomfort and pain.
Is teeth chattering always a sign of pain?
No, it’s not. But check with a vet if you’re worried, particularly if you notice symptoms or any other signs of pain.
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Teeth chattering vs. teeth grinding (Bruxism)
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Teeth chattering and teeth grinding (bruxism) are subtly different and could have different underlying causes. So, what does bruxism look like? Severe bruxism can appear as:
Broken, chipped teeth
Clenched facial muscles
Dental problems
Grinding, especially while sleeping
Signs of discomfort
Signs of jaw pain
Since bruxism is a symptom of some troubling health conditions, it’s worth a vet looking into it, especially if you notice accompanying symptoms like behaviour changes, reduced appetite, abdominal pain or changes in toileting.
What about chattering teeth in older dogs?
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Do you need to be more concerned if an older dog starts chattering their teeth? It depends on whether there are other symptoms, like:
Anxiety
Dental problems
Joint issues
Neurological problems
Shivering (they may be too cold)
Always speak to a vet if you are concerned about your dog.
Do you need to manage and prevent teeth chattering?
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It depends on what’s causing it. If it’s a short-term thing because your dog is cold, excited, or nervous at something that’s just happened, then probably not.
But if your dog is consistently chattering their teeth or they are showing other symptoms, then yes, it’ll likely need management and prevention.
How to know if it needs looking into
Watch your dog closely
Take a mental note of when the teeth chattering happens. Is it when they’re excited for food? Is it in the evenings when they’re cold? Is there anything else going on, like frequent peeing or a lack of appetite?
Record them if you’re worried
If you book your dog in for a checkup, then take a video of their behaviour to show the vet - this can help them pinpoint possible causes and how to fix it.
When to call the vet
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You should always see the vet if you’re worried. But you should see one immediately if you notice:
Bad breath
Bleeding from the mouth
Chattering that doesn’t go away
Confusion or trembling
Chattering with signs of pain, like whining
Excessive drooling
Refusal to eat or drink
Seizures
Swelling around the mouth
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