Crunch alarm! Why is my dog doing this? [2024] –

We all know the sound – the unmistakable crunching sound when our beloved four-legged friend grinds his teeth. Whether you're the proud owner of a lively Labrador or an elegant Afghan Hound, this noise can be unsettling. What does it mean? Is it a cause for concern? In this article, we will reveal the secrets behind your dog's teeth grinding and show you how you can help him.[1]

Are you worried or unsure? Then click here to start a live chat with a veterinarian.

Toothache or mouth pain.

A dog in pain with a broken tooth or gum disease may grind his teeth. This is particularly common in bulldog breeds. Watch for signs like excessive drooling or bad breath.[2]

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

Pain in the jaw joint, which can occur in some German Shepherd breeds, often causes the dog to grind its teeth. Your veterinarian will examine your dog's mouth and may recommend an X-ray or CT scan.[3]

Gastrointestinal problems

Terrier breeds and other dogs with nausea or gastroesophageal reflux may grind their teeth. Your veterinarian may recommend laboratory tests and imaging tests such as ultrasound or endoscopy.[4]

Fear

Greyhounds and other breeds may grind their teeth when they are nervous or anxious. Once the stressor is removed, the grinding should stop.[5]

Seizures

Neurological diseases such as focal seizures can manifest as teeth grinding. Your veterinarian may ask you to videotape your dog's behavior to rule out seizure activity as a possible cause.[6]

Pheromones

Some dogs, especially bulldog breeds, grind their teeth to better smell odors. Salivation, sometimes foamy, may also occur.[7]

Ear infection or inflamed muscles

Less commonly, German Shepherd breeds and other dogs may grind their teeth due to ear infections or muscle inflammation. Your veterinarian will be able to determine this through a physical examination, and further testing may be recommended.[8]

Understanding the causes behind your dog's teeth grinding, whether in German Shepherd breeds, Bulldog breeds or Terrier breeds, is the first step to helping him. It is important to be vigilant and seek professional help if necessary. Your dog will thank you![9]

First Aid – What you can do if your dog grinds his teeth:

Observe the behavior

Note when and how often your dog grinds his teeth. Pay attention to patterns or triggers that could be causing the grinding.

Calm your dog

If fear is the cause, gentle stroking or calming words may help. Some terrier breeds respond particularly well to soothing voices.[10]

Check oral health

Take a look at your dog's mouth, especially if you have a bulldog breed that may be prone to dental problems. Look for signs of pain, inflammation, or foreign bodies.[11]

Change diet

If gastrointestinal problems are suspected, try changing your dog's diet. Softer foods or special diets may relieve grinding.

Seek professional help

If the grinding continues or if you notice signs of more serious problems such as seizures, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Consider training

If teeth grinding is related to behavioral problems, a professional dog trainer could help. Some terrier breeds could benefit from targeted training.

Check medication

If your dog is taking medication, check to see if teeth grinding could be a side effect. Your veterinarian may consider alternative treatment.

Watch out for pheromones

If the grinding is caused by pheromones, especially in intact male dogs, recognize that this may be normal behavior.

Treat ear infections or muscle inflammation

If your dog shows signs of an ear infection or muscle inflammation, see a veterinarian. Treating these underlying problems could stop the grinding.

It's important to know why your dog grinds his teeth and how you can help him. If your dog grinds his teeth, it means he may be in pain or stressed. It's similar to when you clench your teeth when you have a headache.

Strategies to promote your dog's oral health

We have so far examined the reasons and symptoms why a dog grinds its teeth, be it German Shepherd breeds, Bulldog breeds or Terrier breeds. Now let’s also look at strategies and general tips to promote oral health. Here are two key strategies:

Calming dog food: If your dog grinds his teeth, it could indicate gastrointestinal problems. Choosing a soothing dog food that is specifically formulated to support the digestive tract could relieve the grinding. This can be particularly important for terrier breeds that may be sensitive to certain foods. Your veterinarian can recommend special diets tailored to your dog's needs.[12]
Special toys for dental care: Your dog's teeth grinding could be a sign of a toothache or mouth pain. Special chew toys and treats designed for dental care can reduce teeth grinding while keeping teeth clean. This could be an excellent option for German Shepherd breeds that like to chew. Be sure to choose products recommended by veterinarians to ensure safety and effectiveness.[13]