Is Your Dog’s Bottom Jaw Chattering? Here’s Why!

It can be concerning when your dog’s bottom jaw is trembling or chattering.

Dogs’ teeth chattering may be typical behavior.

However, if it is concentrated on the lower jaw, it may indicate a medical condition.

Dental issues like periodontitis are the most prevalent reason for lower jaw chattering.

Let’s learn everything there is to know about a dog’s chattering teeth.

Why Does My Dog’s Bottom Jaw Chatter?

• Response to Excitement or Anticipation
• Response to Cold Temperature
• Dental Problems
• Neurological Disorders
• Pain or Discomfort

Response to Excitement or Anticipation      

When they’re thrilled, some dogs act unexpectedly.

They start jumping around, growling, and batting at their noses.

You can add a shaking bottom jaw to the list of symptoms.

Your dog could become excitable by going for a walk, pulling out their favorite toy, or having a journey in the car.

As your dog gets ready to play, don’t be shocked if you detect a shaking jaw and even some rumbling. ^[1]

Response to Cold Temperature

Similar to chattering teeth, your dog’s shaking lower jaw may only be a sign of cold.

You’ll most likely experience the recognizable shudder for this reason.

You can experience trembling throughout your entire body if the chilly air is the issue.

Small dogs and dogs with short hair are more likely to experience it. ^[2]

They don’t have much to keep them warm; thus they are vulnerable to cold temperatures.

The energy that is produced when muscles twitch helps the body to feel less cold.

So, make an effort to keep your pup inside on frigid days.

Or try to make them wear a sweater when you go for walks. ^[3]

Dental Problems 

• Periodontitis
• Malocclusions
• Tooth Decay

Periodontitis

A group of inflammatory disorders known as periodontal disease damage the surrounding tissues.

When gingivitis is in its early stages, the gums swell, get red, and occasionally bleed.

It is regarded as the primary cause of adult tooth loss worldwide.

Malocclusions

This happens when a dog’s teeth are not properly aligned.

It can cause bite troubles and subsequent dental complications.

Malocclusion may be inherited or the result of trauma. ^[4]

Tooth Decay

Teeth disintegration caused by bacteria acids is tooth decay or caries.

The cavities can be any hue, ranging from yellow to black.

Pain and difficulty eating are only a couple of the symptoms.

Your dog may shake in response to the pain in some circumstances.

If you believe this to be the problem, you can try looking at your dog’s teeth.

It might be simpler to have the veterinarian examine them, though, if they’re in pain.

Additional symptoms include drooling, bad breath and difficulty eating. ^[5]

Neurological Disorders

• Seizures
• Shaker Syndrome

Seizures

If you suspect a medical cause for your dog’s shaking jaw, you can start by ruling out a seizure.

We’re used to acknowledging seizures only then a whole person’s body is shaking.

However, seizures can be “focal” and “generalized”.

In focal motor seizure teeth chattering, and only some parts of the body start shaking.

Then pets are continuous during it.

Your dog’s body may occasionally remain shaken after a seizure.

That doesn’t indicate that your dog will soon come under attack once more.

The body just uses it as a means of recovery. ^[6]

Shaker Syndrome

Shaker syndrome can result from inflammation of the canine cerebellum.

The cerebellum controls how muscles move.

It can cause tremors throughout the whole body, including in the jaw.

When a dog experiences a shaking episode, the jaw is the last part to stop trembling.

As a result, if your pup had an attack and you notice their jaw twitching, it’s probably over.

Pain or Discomfort 

Any body pain can cause a dog to shake and feel uncomfortable.

This happens because the body tries to bring back the balance in neural signals.

Dog teeth chattering is not always related to pain and discomfort.

There are a few more reasons related to this issue.

To do this, it creates symptoms like anger, chattering, and eye squinting.

We call these “the side effects of pain”.

Visiting a vet would be the advised thing to do.

Contrarily, chattering their teeth after yawning is a normal body reaction in dogs. ^[7]

Also, there are cases of teeth chattering after the dog is licking their urine.

In that case, you should take your dog to the vet and see if there are some underlying health issues.

Diagnosis of Dog’s Bottom Jaw Chattering

• Blood tests
• X-rays

Blood Tests

X-Rays

A veterinarian might suggest one of a few different x-ray test kinds.

A dental radiograph is a typical X-ray test that is performed to closely check the jawbone.

Fractures, abscesses, or periodontal disease can be identified with the use of this.

A skull radiograph is used to evaluate the overall structure of the skull and jaw.

This includes the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which might be another cause.

The sort of X-ray test utilized will depend on the symptoms of the individual dog and the evaluation. ^[8]

Treatment of Dog’s Bottom Jaw Chattering

• Conservative Management
• Medical Management
• Surgical Management

Conservative Management

• Wartmth and Comfort
• Massage and Relaxation

Warmth and Comfort

1. Keep your dog warm. Especially in the colder months, make sure your dog has access to cozy bedding. To keep your pet warm, you can use a heated pet bed, blankets, or even clothing.

2. Manage the temperature. Maintain a pleasant indoor temperature, ideally between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep your dog away from air conditioning and chilly drafts.

3. Use a heating pad or hot water bottle. To give your dog extra warmth, place a heating pad or hot water bottle under the bedding.

4. Dress your dog properly. If your dog has short hair or is little, you might want to consider giving them a sweater or jacket to help them stay warm.

Just make sure their attire is cozy and doesn’t impede their ability to breathe or move freely.

5. Provide a comfortable den. Dogs frequently look for small, enclosed locations to feel secure and at home. Give your dog a comfortable den to curl up in, like a crate or covered bed.

 Additionally, giving your dog lots of love and assurance can help reduce stress.

Massage and Relaxation Techniques

Using a calming touch on your dog will calm him down and encourage relaxation.

Working your way down to your dog’s tail, give them long, deliberate strokes along their back.

In order to reduce tension and anxiety in dogs, specific acupressure sites can be used.

One of these is the GV20 point (a point on the Governor Vessel).

It is situated over your dog’s ears. ^[9]

You should massage this point in a circular manner while applying little pressure.

Dogs can be calmed by using essential oils like bergamot, chamomile, and lavender.

Near your dog’s bed or crate, put a cotton ball with a few drops of essential oil on it.

Dogs who listen to soothing music can become more relaxed.

Use a white noise machine or soothing music to drown out any distracting noises.

In compact, contained areas, dogs frequently feel more at ease.

Give your dog a comfortable bed or kennel to hide in when they’re feeling anxious.

Always keep an eye on how your dog responds to massage and relaxation methods.

If they show signs of unease or agitation, stop right away. ^[10]

Medical Management

• Medications for Pain and Inflammation
• Medications for Neurological Disorders

Medications for Pain and Inflammation

Surgical Management

• Dental Extraction or Treatment
• Surgery for Neurological Disorders

Dental Extraction or Treatment

A surgical, dental extraction may be required to remove teeth that are broken or infected.

The pain causing the chattering can be relieved by extracting the impacted teeth.

Dental radiographs are performed to assess the health of the roots beneath the gum line.

The vet will remove the damaged tooth after making an incision in the gum tissue.

The gum tissue is sutured shut after the extraction is finished, and your dog will be watched as they heal.

Bleeding, infection, and harm to neighboring teeth or structures are among the risks.

In affected dogs, surgical repairs end the jaw rattling. ^[11]

Surgery for neurological conditions poses some hazards, such as infection and bleeding.

Prevention of Dog’s Bottom Jaw Chattering

• Routine Dental Care
• Regular Veterinary Check-Ups
• Monitoring for Signs of Discomfort or Pain

Routine Dental Care

Routine dental care is necessary for maintaining good oral health.

But, some dogs may experience teeth chattering after a dental procedure.

The anesthesia can cause chattering during the procedure.

It is important to monitor your dog’s behavior after the procedure.

Contact your veterinarian if you have concerns.

Vets might recommend pain management or other treatment options to relieve any discomfort.

Monitoring for Signs of Discomfort or Pain

You might notice your dog’s teeth chattering outside of a dental procedure.

It may be a sign of dental pain or discomfort.

Other signs to look out for include:

• Difficulty eating
• Pawing at the mouth
• Bad breath
• Swollen gums

It’s important to bring these concerns to the attention of your veterinarian.

Vets can assess your dog’s dental health and recommend treatment options.

There is not much that you can do as an owner.

Is Teeth Chattering in Dogs Normal?

Yes, teeth chattering in dogs is normal.

However, it all depends on the severity and frequency.

Intensive chattering can be caused by dental or neurological medical issues.

It’s best to consult a veterinarian when being concerned.