Is Your Dog Grinding Their Teeth? Here’s What It Means and How to Help!

Is Your Dog Grinding Their Teeth? Here’s What It Means and How to Help!

Have you ever noticed your dog grinding their teeth? It’s not just a quirky habit; there are actually several reasons behind this behaviour.

While it might be cute to see, teeth grinding, or bruxism, can indicate pain or stress, and it’s important to pay attention!

 

Why Do Dogs Grind Their Teeth?

Dogs can grind their teeth for a variety of reasons, and it’s essential to get to the bottom of it. Excessive grinding can lead to some serious dental issues like fractures, infections, exposed pulp, and even painful gums. Yikes!

So if your pup has recently started this behaviour, a chat with your veterinarian is definitely in order.

 

Common Causes of Bruxism in Dogs:

  1. Pain: Just like us, dogs can grind their teeth in response to pain. This is often the most common reason for bruxism, so getting a vet checkup is crucial to find out what’s bothering your fur pal.
  2. Jaw Abnormalities: If your dog’s jaw isn’t quite aligned, they might struggle to close their mouth properly, leading to grinding. This misalignment can cause conditions like overbite or underbite.
  3. Stress: Dogs can be sensitive souls, and just like us humans, they may grind their teeth due to anxiety or stress. Whether it’s a noisy environment, changes in routine, moving to a new home or the arrival of a new baby, identifying the stressors with the help of a vet or a pet behaviourist can make a world of difference.
  4. Puppies: If you have a puppy, you might notice them grinding their teeth during the teething phase. As their baby teeth give way to adult teeth, this can cause some discomfort. Luckily, this behaviour usually stops once their adult teeth come in. In the meantime, you can help soothe their discomfort with frozen toys stuffed with fruit or veggies, or with specially designed puppy chew toys.
  5. Sleeping Habits: Some dogs may continue to grind their teeth while sleeping. Just like humans, they could be experiencing stress or pain even in dreamland.

 

What Can You Do About Teeth Grinding?

The first step in tackling this issue is to schedule a visit to your vet. They’ll likely conduct a thorough oral examination to check for any dental problems and may also perform a complete physical assessment to identify any other sources of pain.

If your dog gets a clean bill of health, your vet may ask about their environment and habits to see if stress is the culprit. Depending on what they find, they’ll offer suggestions on how to create a more calming atmosphere for your pup.

If the grinding isn’t due to pain or stress, your vet may recommend further tests or alternative medicine, such as massage or accupuncture, to see if it alleviates the teeth grinding.

 

While it can be concerning to see your dog grind their teeth, understanding the underlying causes is key to helping them feel better. Whether it’s a dental issue, anxiety, or just those pesky puppy teeth coming in, addressing the problem promptly can ensure your pet stays happy and healthy!

 

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