My Dog’s Mouth Is Quivering, What’s Wrong? 6 Vet-Reviewed Causes

Mouth quivering isn’t a normal behavior in dogs, and it’s often a sign of an underlying medical issue. It can be a minor issue, but it can also point to more serious conditions like joint pain, dental disease, or neurological conditions.

Because a variety of health issues can cause a dog’s mouth to quiver, it’s best to contact your veterinarian and get your dog in for a physical exam. Your veterinarian can diagnose the issue and provide a proper treatment plan and viable next steps.

The 6 Reasons Your Dog’s Mouth May Be Quivering

Mouth quivering, drooling, and teeth chattering can point to several different health issues. Here are some possible reasons that can cause your dog’s mouth to quiver.

1. Feeling Cold

Sometimes, the answer is straightforward. Just like how humans shiver when they’re cold, dogs can shiver, and it may look like their teeth are chattering. Dogs can continue to shiver after they’ve returned from being outside in the cold.

Smaller dogs, older dogs, and dogs with thin coats are more likely to shiver when they’re outside on a cold day. They’ll appreciate wearing a winter coat and spending a shorter amount of time outside during the winter months. It’s also helpful to lay out a plush blanket or warm up a hot water bottle for them to stay warm.

2. Dental Issues

Mouth quivering or drooling can be a sign of dental pain. Conditions like a dental abscess, inflammation, or a broken tooth may all cause pain. Dental pain is usually accompanied by bad breath, resistance to oral examination, and difficulty chewing. The gums around the affected tooth are often also inflamed.

Since dental disease is common in dogs, especially as they age, it’s best to implement a healthy dental hygiene routine as early as possible. Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly can significantly reduce plaque and tartar buildup and lower the risk of cavities and other dental issues.

3. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

The temporomandibular joint refers to the jaw joint and is commonly called the TMJ. Dogs have a TMJ on either side of their jaw, and they work together to help them open their mouths and chew.

Sometimes, dogs can develop joint pain or arthritis, which can cause their mouths to quiver or their jaws to chatter. Other signs of TMJ disorders include difficulty closing or opening the mouth, a deviated mandible bone, difficulty eating, and a loss of appetite. TMJ disorders are often caused by injury to the joint or stress from carrying heavy objects in the mouth.

4. Anxiety

A common sign of anxiety in dogs is shaking. Their whole body trembles, and it can look like their mouth is quivering. Other signs of anxiety in dogs include licking the lips repeatedly, whining, panting, and drooling. A dog often pulls back their ears, and the whites of their eyes will be showing when they’re feeling scared. They may also bark excessively and engage in destructive behaviors.

If you notice anxiety in your dog, make sure to address it right away by working with a dog trainer or behaviorist. After assessing your dog, they can provide a treatment plan or training plan to help reduce anxiety in your dog. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend anti-anxiety medication for your dog.

5. Neurological Issues

Sometimes, neurological conditions can cause a dog’s mouth to quiver. You may see a dog’s mouth twitching if they’re having a focal seizure. Focal seizures can precede generalized seizures. Dogs experiencing seizures may also have foaming at the mouth or may drool excessively. Their bodies can also jerk, twitch, or stiffen. Dogs experiencing a generalized seizure can lose consciousness during an episode, while dogs with focal seizures can remain conscious when they occur.

6. Gastrointestinal Issues

Mouth quivering and jaw chattering can also point to gastrointestinal issues. Some people may describe a dog’s mouth movement as quivering when they’re feeling nauseous or experiencing gastroesophageal reflux. They may end up grinding their teeth or drooling excessively.

If you suspect your dog might be suffering from underlying health issues or is experiencing any of these signs, you should contact your vet.

Conclusion

If you notice mouth quivering in your dog, make sure to pay close attention because it may be caused by something more than feeling cold. You can look for other signs that can give you clues about possible medical conditions that cause the quivering.

We recommend contacting your veterinarian when your dog engages in strange or unusual behavior. They can complete a physical exam and relevant diagnostic tests to determine if your dog is healthy or if they require medical attention and care.

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