Sometimes dogs chatter their teeth like they are running a motor.
The chattering sound seems hilarious at first.
But as a good dog owner, you will indeed become cautious soon.
Why does my dog chatter his teeth?
Several reasons can be behind the problem of teeth chattering. First, the dog can be suffering from cold or other physical problems. Then there is the possibility of mental issues for the dog. Also, some diseases cause teeth chattering. You’ve to check all the symptoms to identify the exact cause.
To solve the issue of teeth chattering, you have to identify the reasons first. For that, details are a must.
Stay with us and get to know everything!
Why Does My Dog Chatter His Teeth?
The phenomenon of teeth chattering is very common as dogs shake their heads. The sound of chattering teeth can be very familiar if you own a dog. Your dog can chatter his teeth for lots of reasons.
On a large scale, these reasons can be divided into three categories. We have discussed all the categories here for your better understanding.
Reason 1: Physical Causes
Several physical problems or discomfort can make the dog chatter with its teeth. Look at some significant causes below.
Cold
Almost all types of animals shiver in cold weather. Even human beings chatter with their teeth in too-chilled temperatures. Though your dog has a layer of fur, sometimes it is not enough.
There are lots of benefits to having small dogs. The body temperature of the dogs can fall quickly due to cold weather. But if you own a small dog, the possibility of chattering due to cold increases.
A temperature that’s moderate to you can be uncomfortable for the dog. And then he will chatter his teeth.
Pain
Dogs are always jumping and playing. Many times they hurt themselves while doing such naughty things. But dogs are unable to express their pain through words. For that, they use chattering noise as a sign.
New Smell
New and unknown smells can also make dogs chatter with their teeth. Dogs smell everywhere by smelling around; a dog makes himself familiar with the environment.
Dogs have a vomeronasal system for conveying more information from the smells. This system can affect the dog’s face when smelling a new scent. And as a result, teeth chattering starts. This is normal for a dog.
These are the physical causes for a dog to chatter with his teeth. Now let’s go through the mental reasons.
Reason 2: Mental Causes
Dogs also have feelings like human beings. These feelings have effects on their brains which cause reactions. A dog can chatter his teeth due to these reactions.
Fear
Anxiety or fear is a prime reason for chattering. Several animals, including humans, chatter teeth in fear. Your dog can do the same too. Fear of a new place, people, or environment can make the dog chatter.
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Excitement
This is the complete opposite reason for fear. When the dog gets too happy, he clicks his teeth and humps the owner.
They can do this behavior before eating. That’s why don’t be alarmed if your dog is chattering teeth in excitement.
Nervousness
Dogs can get nervous pretty quickly. At that time, dogs start chattering as a defence mechanism. By rubbing their teeth, dogs try to warn the things they are threatened by.
A dog sometimes chomps his teeth to communicate during nervousness. They try to distract the other animal or thing by clicking their teeth.
Besides these physical and mental causes, dogs can also suffer from diseases and start chattering. Look at some illnesses for which your dog chatters his teeth.
Reason 3: Sickness
Diseases have different kinds of symptoms. One of the most common symptoms of sickness in dogs is chattering. Your dog can chatter his teeth if he has the following diseases.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal diseases are the disease of gums. Like humankind, dogs also suffer from gum disease. And chattering is a very repeating symptom of gum disease.
But before deciding on the disease, you have to look for other symptoms too. Lots of drooling, bad breath, and eating difficulties are the signs of gum infection. Check if your dog has these signs too.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy can be a reason for teeth clicking or chattering. Epilepsy occurs randomly. No relation exists between Epilepsy and any specific person, food, or place.
Find if your dog chatters his teeth in any specific situation. Then you can rule out the possibility of Epilepsy. Otherwise, random teeth clicking signals that your dog might have Epilepsy.
Dental Problems
Rotten teeth and other dental problems are very painful and create discomfort. If the dog suffers from these diseases, he rubs his teeth. He tries to get attention in this way.
The swelling of the dog’s mouth and bad breath are symptoms of dental problems. In such conditions, they rub their teeth and make sounds. If you’re feeding them rib bones, it might accidentally hurt your dog’s mouth.
Neurological Problems
Dogs can have Neurological disorders just like us. A significant disease in dogs that many people look over is Neurological sickness. At that time, they start chattering their teeth.
You should check for random teeth-chattering sounds because random clicking refers to more serious problems that your dog may have.
You can see that your dog chatters his teeth for several reasons. Observe to find the actual cause. Below we will discuss some measures you should take when your dog chatters.
How to Stop Your Dog from Chattering His Teeth
Though a dog chattering his teeth is funny initially, it becomes severe with time. As a sincere dog owner, you will surely want to solve your dog’s problem.
To help you, we have some solutions to offer. Let’s have a look!
Solution 1: Find the Time of Teeth Chattering
The first and most important thing is to find the exact timings of chattering because this information will enable you to find out the very reason behind chattering.
Solution 2: Pet the Dog
Petting the dog is a perfect way to calm him. No matter the reason behind chattering, the dog will love some pets. As the chattering is not charming for the dog, he will need some care. Pet him and ensure comfort.
Solution 3: Visit a Vet
Chattering can be a warning of severe disease. For that, timely visiting a vet will save you from trouble. The sooner you start the treatment, the better the result will be. If the chattering incidents become too old and repeated, visit a vet.
You can follow these suggestions to cure your dog and make him happy. Because dogs are our best friends, and they love us unconditionally. And we should take care of them in the same way.
FAQs
What causes a dog’s teeth to chatter?
Strong emotions can trigger chattering. Excitement, pain, fear, etc., will increase it. If your dog is too violent, it will chatter for small causes. This can be a medical cause too.
Why does my dog’s mouth quiver?
Your dog’s mouth quivers for many reasons. He can be excited about something. Possible threats can make a dog quiver too. Oral pains and some disorders can also be the reason.
Why does my dog stare at me?
Your dog stares at you to express love. Staring is a sign of love in all animals. While staring, the nervous system releases oxytocin in dogs. This increases the bonding between you and the dog.
