Dog Teeth Chattering: Causes and What To Do

Updated Feb. 3, 2025
dog teeth chattering: dog chattering their teeth

Ivar Østby Simonsen/ via Getty Images

When you think of teeth chattering in people, you might picture someone who is cold or really nervous. But what about teeth chattering in dogs? If your dog’s teeth or jaws are chattering, are they just cold or nervous, or is there something else going on that you should have checked out? 

Here’s what you need to know about the causes of dog teeth chattering and what you should do about it. 

Key Takeaways

  • Teeth chattering in dogs can be caused by several health problems, the most common being dental or oral pain.
  • If your dog’s teeth and/or jaw chattering is associated with bad breath, drooling, bleeding, or other symptoms, contact your vet.
  • Dog teeth chattering is typically treated according to the underlying cause; these treatments may include medications, procedures, or calming interventions.

Why Do Dogs Chatter Their Teeth?

Several different health problems can cause your dog’s teeth to chatter. A veterinarian can do a thorough exam to determine the cause.  

Here are some of the causes behind teeth chattering in dogs. 

Dental or Oral Pain 

One of the most common causes of a dog rattling their teeth is oral cavity pain or dental pain

A dog with a broken tooth, dental abscess, or gingival inflammation can be in pain, which manifests as jaw chattering. Oral ulcerations or cancerous or benign growths, which don’t necessarily involve the teeth, can also cause pain and teeth chattering. 

If your dog has a dental or oral issue, they may also: 

  • Have trouble picking up and chewing food 

  • Prefer softer food or treats instead of hard bones or dry food 

Your veterinarian will perform an oral exam to look for evidence of dental disease or soft tissue inflammation, then make recommendations based on what is found. 

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) 

Dogs with pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may also exhibit jaw chattering. If a dog has a jaw fracture or arthritis involving the TMJ, they may show signs similar to a dog who has oral pain or disease. 

Your veterinarian will open and close your dog’s mouth to feel for grinding or resistance to movement of both TMJs.  

If TMJ disease is suspected, imaging such as X-rays or computed tomography (CT) may be recommended.  

Gastrointestinal Issues 

Gastrointestinal problems can also cause jaw chattering.  

Dogs with nausea, vomiting, or gastroesophageal reflux may chatter their jaws or grind their teeth. If your dog’s jaw is clenched, their teeth can rub together, causing grinding. They may also drool. 

Your veterinarian may recommend performing lab work and imaging, such as ultrasound or endoscopy, a procedure where a tiny camera is used to look at specific parts of the dog's GI tract. 

Anxiety 

Anxiety can result in jaw chattering behavior in dogs, too.  

Greyhounds commonly have chattering teeth during routine exams because they are nervous.  

Once a dog is out of the stressful situation, their jaw chattering usually stops.  

Seizures 

Neurological conditions such as focal seizures (seizures that only affect a specific area in one half of the brain), may show up as jaw chattering or even fly-biting behaviors. 

Unlike the other causes for jaw chattering, dogs with seizure activity usually won’t respond to you. With seizure activity, a dog tends to “space out” and not respond when you try to get their attention by calling their name or clapping. 

Your dog may show specific signs before or after a seizure. For example, just before the seizure, your dog may pace or become clingy, and after the seizure, they may be tired. Your veterinarian may ask you to try to get a video of your dog’s behavior and note the circumstances surrounding the seizure (such as level of activity, time of day, and duration) to assess seizure activity as a potential cause for jaw chattering. 

Pheromones 

Some dogs, especially unneutered male dogs, may chatter their jaws/teeth after smelling a female dog. However, female dogs can do this too when smelling the scent of a male dog.  

The thought is that the pet is trying to smell the scent better by bringing the odors into the scent organ at the roof of their mouth. When this happens, there may also be salivation that is sometimes foamy. 

Ear Infection or Inflamed Muscles 

Less commonly, dogs in pain from ear infections or muscle inflammation may have jaw chattering. Your vet will be able to verify either of these through a physical exam. Further testing such as X-rays, CT, or special bloodwork may be recommended.  

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What To Do About Dog Teeth Chattering

You should be concerned if your dog’s teeth/jaw chattering is associated with: 

  • Bad breath 

  • Swelling around/in the mouth 

  • Drooling 

  • Bleeding 

  • Loss of muscle tissue  

If you have a concern about your dog’s teeth/jaw chattering, make an appointment with your veterinarian. They will likely be able to find the possible cause based on the exam alone and will make recommendations to diagnose and treat the underlying problem. 

Dog Teeth Chattering Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause for the teeth chattering. The veterinarian will formulate a suitable treatment plan based on the diagnosis.  

Possible treatments may include:  

  • Professional dental cleaning 

  • Tooth extraction 

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, such as meloxicam 

Dog Teeth Chattering FAQs

What causes older dogs to chatter their teeth?

Older dogs can chatter their teeth due to a variety of reasons, such as dental pain, anxiety, underlying medical conditions, or low body temperature. 

What does sudden teeth chattering in dogs mean?

Sudden teeth chattering in dogs is likely due to stress or anxiety or from being cold.  

Why does my female dog chatter her teeth?

Female dogs may chatter their teeth when they encounter a male's scent (pheromones) as a result of what's called the flehmen response.  

What can I give my dog for chattering teeth?

If you notice your dog is chattering their teeth from being cold, you can give him a blanket or turn the heat up in your home.  

Dogs who are nervous may benefit from a calming diffuser or special shirt that decreases anxiety.  

Pet parents should never give any medications to their dogs for teeth chattering without first checking with a veterinarian.  


Heidi Kos-Barber, DVM

WRITTEN BY

Heidi Kos-Barber, DVM

Veterinarian

I am a small animal general practitioner in western Washington. The clinic I have worked at for the past 14 years sees a variety of...


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