Why Does My Dog Grind Her Teeth? Causes & Solutions

If you’ve noticed your dog grinding her teeth, you might wonder what’s going on. Dog teeth grinding, also known as bruxism in dogs, can stem from various issues, from dental problems to emotional distress. It’s crucial to identify the cause to ensure your canine companion is healthy and happy.

This persistent tooth-on-tooth contact in dogs isn’t just an odd habit; it can indicate underlying discomfort or health concerns. Fathoming the root of this behavior is the first step toward providing relief and maintaining your dog’s oral health.

Deciphering the Sounds of Canine Bruxism

The sound of teeth grinding can be quite alarming to a dog owner. It might sound like a soft clicking, a more pronounced rasping, or even a distinct grinding noise. This behavior can occur when your dog is awake, or you might notice it when they are sleeping. It’s important to pay attention to when this grinding happens, as it can provide clues about the underlying cause.

Common Reasons for Teeth Grinding in Dogs

Let’s explore the primary culprits behind bruxism in dogs:

Dental Problems: The Most Frequent Culprit

Dental issues are far and away the most common reason for jaw clenching dogs and tooth grinding. When a dog experiences pain or discomfort in their mouth, grinding their teeth can be a way to try and alleviate that sensation.

Tooth Pain: This can be caused by a variety of dental conditions.
- Fractured Teeth: A broken tooth, whether from chewing on something too hard or from an injury, can expose the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, leading to significant pain and prompting grinding.
- Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease): Advanced gum disease can cause inflammation, infection, and loosening of the teeth. The pain and instability associated with this condition can lead to teeth grinding as the dog attempts to stabilize or find a comfortable position for their teeth. This is a significant part of dental problems dogs face.
- Tooth Abscesses: An infection at the root of a tooth can create immense pressure and pain. Grinding might be an involuntary response to this throbbing ache.
- Worn Tooth Enamel: Over time, excessive wear on the tooth enamel can expose the dentin, making the teeth more sensitive to temperature and pressure.
- Malocclusion: This refers to an improper bite where the teeth don’t align correctly. This can cause teeth to rub against each other in abnormal ways, leading to discomfort and grinding.
Oral Irritation: Beyond the teeth themselves, other parts of the mouth can be a source of pain.
- Sore Gums: Inflammation or injury to the gums can also trigger teeth grinding.
- Oral Tumors or Growths: Any unusual growth in the mouth can cause irritation and pain, leading to the dog trying to adjust their bite through grinding.
- Foreign Objects: Something lodged between the teeth or in the gum line can cause significant discomfort.

Gastrointestinal Upset and Nausea

A less obvious, but still significant, cause of teeth grinding in dogs is gastrointestinal distress. When dogs feel nauseous, they may grind their teeth as a reflex.

Nausea: This can be triggered by a wide range of issues, from eating something disagreeable to more serious conditions like pancreatitis or kidney disease. The churning in their stomach and the feeling of sickness can manifest as teeth grinding.
Acid Reflux: Similar to humans, dogs can experience acid reflux, which can cause a burning sensation in their esophagus. This discomfort might lead to teeth grinding.
Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines can cause pain and nausea, contributing to the grinding behavior.

Stress and Anxiety: Emotional Triggers

Dogs, like humans, can exhibit physical manifestations of stress and anxiety. Stress in dogs and anxiety in dogs can certainly lead to behaviors like teeth grinding.

Separation Anxiety: Dogs left alone for extended periods may develop separation anxiety. Grinding their teeth can be a coping mechanism for their distress.
Fear and Phobias: Loud noises (like thunderstorms or fireworks), new environments, or unfamiliar people can trigger fear in dogs, leading to anxious behaviors such as teeth grinding.
General Stressors: Changes in routine, new pets in the household, or even a visit to the veterinarian can be stressful for some dogs.

Neurological Issues

In some instances, teeth grinding can be a symptom of neurological problems. These conditions affect the brain and nervous system, which can control muscle movements, including those in the jaw.

Seizures: While not all seizures involve teeth grinding, some types can manifest with jaw clenching and teeth grinding as a symptom.
Canine Distemper: This serious viral disease can affect the nervous system and can lead to neurological signs, including teeth grinding.
Brain Tumors: Tumors in specific areas of the brain could potentially influence jaw control and lead to grinding.

Age-Related Changes

As dogs age, they can experience various changes that might contribute to teeth grinding.

Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS): Similar to Alzheimer’s in humans, CDS can affect older dogs’ brains, leading to confusion, disorientation, and behavioral changes, including teeth grinding.
Arthritis and Joint Pain: While not directly causing teeth grinding, underlying pain from arthritis, especially in the neck or jaw area, could lead a dog to shift their position or clench their jaw in an attempt to find comfort, which might be interpreted as grinding. This is a manifestation of dog discomfort.

Identifying the Cause: What to Look For

To effectively address teeth grinding, it’s vital to be a detective and gather clues.

Timing: Does the grinding happen at specific times of day? After meals? When you leave? When they are sleeping?
Context: What else is happening when the grinding occurs? Are there any other unusual behaviors?
Physical Examination: Look inside your dog’s mouth for any signs of dental disease, broken teeth, or foreign objects. Gently feel their jaw for any swelling or signs of pain.
Other Symptoms: Is your dog showing other signs of illness, such as changes in appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling?

Seeking Veterinary Care: When to Visit the Vet

It’s always recommended to consult your veterinarian if you notice your dog grinding her teeth. They can perform a thorough examination to diagnose the underlying cause.

Dental Check-up: This is crucial. Your vet will examine your dog’s teeth and gums for any signs of disease, damage, or abnormalities. They may recommend professional dental cleaning.
Physical Examination: A general physical exam will help rule out systemic illnesses.
Diagnostic Tests: Depending on the suspected cause, your vet might recommend blood tests, urinalysis, or imaging such as X-rays to get a clearer picture of your dog’s health.

Solutions and Management Strategies

The treatment plan will entirely depend on the identified cause of the teeth grinding.

Addressing Dental Problems

This is often the most straightforward part of the solution, though it requires professional intervention.

Professional Dental Cleaning: This is essential for removing plaque and tartar, treating gum disease, and identifying any hidden dental issues.
Tooth Extractions: If a tooth is severely damaged or infected, extraction may be necessary to relieve pain and prevent further complications.
Medications: Antibiotics may be prescribed for infections, and pain relievers can help manage discomfort.
Dietary Changes: Switching to softer food can be helpful if a dog has painful teeth or gums. Dental chews and toys designed to promote dental health can also be beneficial, provided they are appropriate for your dog’s chewing habits.

Managing Nausea and Gastrointestinal Issues

Treatment for these conditions will depend on the specific gastrointestinal problem.

Dietary Adjustments: Your vet may recommend a specific diet, such as a bland diet, for a period.
Medications: Antiemetics (anti-nausea medication) can be prescribed. Medications to address underlying conditions like acid reflux or infections will also be vital.
Probiotics: These can help restore balance to the gut flora.

Mitigating Stress and Anxiety

If stress or anxiety is the root cause, the focus will be on behavioral modification and creating a calmer environment.

Behavioral Training: Positive reinforcement training can help build confidence and reduce anxiety.
Environmental Enrichment: Providing plenty of toys, opportunities for exercise, and mental stimulation can help prevent boredom and reduce stress.
Calming Aids: Pheromone diffusers, calming supplements, or prescription anxiety medications may be recommended by your vet for severe cases.
Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning: For specific phobias (like thunderstorms), gradual exposure and positive association can help reduce fear.

Neurological Condition Management

Treatment for neurological issues is often complex and may involve medication to manage symptoms and slow progression.

Medications: Anticonvulsants are used for seizures. Other medications may be prescribed depending on the specific neurological diagnosis.
Supportive Care: Ensuring your dog is comfortable and well-cared for is paramount.

Age-Related Support

For older dogs, managing the symptoms of age-related conditions is key.

Cognitive Support: Specialized diets and supplements may help manage CDS.
Pain Management: If arthritis is suspected, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can improve comfort.

Can I Prevent My Dog From Grinding Her Teeth?

Prevention is always better than cure. While you can’t entirely prevent all instances of teeth grinding, especially those related to underlying health issues, you can take steps to promote good oral health and manage potential triggers:

Regular Dental Care: Brush your dog’s teeth regularly with dog-specific toothpaste. Provide safe dental chews and toys.
Appropriate Diet: Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for your dog’s age and breed. Avoid feeding bones or extremely hard chews that can fracture teeth.
Monitor for Changes: Be observant of your dog’s behavior and look for early signs of dental discomfort or illness.
Manage Stress: Create a stable and predictable environment for your dog. Provide adequate exercise and mental stimulation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Teeth Grinding

Q1: Is teeth grinding in dogs always a sign of a serious problem?
No, not always. While it can indicate serious dental, gastrointestinal, or neurological issues, it can also be a response to temporary stress or mild nausea. However, it’s crucial to have it checked by a vet to rule out anything serious.

Q2: Can dogs grind their teeth from pain in other parts of their body?
Yes, though less common, generalized pain or discomfort, such as from arthritis in their hips or back, might cause a dog to adjust their posture and clench their jaw, which can lead to teeth grinding as a secondary symptom.

Q3: My dog only grinds her teeth when she sleeps. What does this mean?
Teeth grinding during sleep can still be related to dental discomfort, mild nausea, or even just a peculiar sleep habit. However, it’s still worth discussing with your vet, especially if it’s a new behavior. Sometimes, this can be linked to dream activity or muscle twitches during REM sleep.

Q4: What are some signs of dental problems in dogs besides teeth grinding?
Other signs include bad breath, difficulty eating, dropping food, excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, red or swollen gums, and visible tooth decay or damage.

Q5: Is it okay to give my dog human pain medication for teeth grinding?
Absolutely not. Never give your dog human pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These are toxic to dogs and can cause severe internal damage or even be fatal. Always consult your veterinarian for appropriate pain management.

By paying close attention to your dog’s behavior and working closely with your veterinarian, you can effectively address and manage teeth grinding, ensuring your furry friend enjoys a healthy and comfortable life. Fathoming the cause is the first step to providing the right care.