If you’ve ever noticed your dog’s bottom jaw quivering or trembling, you might be wondering what’s causing this unusual behavior. While some occasional quivering may be normal, frequent or persistent jaw quivering could be a sign of an underlying medical issue or a behavioral problem. But why does my dogs bottom jaw quiver in the first place?
If you’re noticing frequent or severe jaw quivering in your dog, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
By taking a proactive approach to your dog’s health and behavior, you can help them feel better and live their best life. So if you’re asking yourself, “Why does my dogs bottom jaw quiver” keep reading to know more about it!
Why Does My Dogs Bottom Jaw Quiver
Why does my dogs bottom jaw quiver? There can be various possible reasons for such a movement; some of them are:
Your Dog Is Too Excited or Afraid
It could simply be that your dog is experiencing an emotion on the extreme side of either spectrum, such as excitement or fear.
A dog often expresses their emotions as honestly as possible; this can be seen when you bring your dog to dog daycare, at home, or are simply meeting them after long periods.
In the case of daycares or other places relatively strange to them, your dog will show fear, in which their mouth may quiver slightly as their body may go into a fight or flight mode by releasing adrenaline in their body due to stress from the fear.
Your dog may quiver their mouth whenever they are too excited; this may happen if they meet you after your absence or go to a place they prefer.
Why does my dogs bottom jaw quiver? They are either anxious or too excited.
Your Dog May Be Facing a Dental Issue
It could be possible that your dog has issues with their gums; just like humans, dogs can experience dental problems. This is especially apparent for dogs as they are often less hesitant to dip their mouths into unhygienic places.
It may also be possible that a dog’s gum is not getting enough care as required and hence is far too dirty, or there is an internal issue with the gums.
In such a case, a dog may quiver their bottom jaw as a sign of a dental problem, and it will be essential to take your dog to an animal vet.
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The Weather Is Troubling Your Dog
Cold weather can be troubling for either animals (polar bears excluded) or humans. This can include dogs, too, as they are just as vulnerable to cold weather as others. In such a case, cold weather may make your dog quiver their bottom jaw as a sign that they are cold and shivering from the cold weather.
If this is the case, it will be essential to try and warm your dog up by either using the heater in your house, keeping them close but at a safe distance near a fireplace, or putting a blanket on them.
Your Dog Might Be Having a Seizure
Why does my dog’s bottom jaw quiver? The worst scenario possible would be that your dog is having a seizure. In this case, the dog’s bottom jaw may quiver along with the foaming of the mouth and slight shivering of the body. A seizure may sometimes also be accompanied by a loss of appetite for the dog, fatigue, and general lethargy.
If you notice these different symptoms, you must take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible, as a seizure can signify a severe underlying medical condition.
The Dog Has Gotten Old
Like it or not, while you may want your furry buddy to remain as young as you got them first, a dog will grow up just as humans do and may reach old age.
An older dog, in most cases, may exhibit a variety of symptoms related to old age, including quivering of the bottom jaw. Unfortunately, besides taking care of your dog, there is nothing you may do to stop the quivering.
The quivering of the bottom jaw for an older dog will be noticeable once they become 11-12 years old.
Why does my dog’s bottom jaw quiver? They have gotten old.
In most cases, while the quivering of the bottom jaw of an animal may indicate either old age or an emotion, it can be essential to take your dog to a veterinarian if the dog constantly keeps quivering their bottom jaw for extended periods.
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Anything Else I Can Do About My Dog’s Bottom Jaw Quiver
Besides the above stated, if your dog has any underlying medical condition causing the jaw quivering, then taking them to a vet will be a prudent decision as treating the disorder may cure their problem of the bottom jaw quivering.
Otherwise, if a dog is quivering their bottom jaw whenever they go to a new place, then all you will have to do is train them to handle new places better, along with comforting them whenever you bring them to a new place.
In cases related to emotions, petting a dog will have a positive effect of soothing them up and making them feel happy since their fur is ruffled.
Or it might simply be that your dog is waiting for you to take them to a particular place that they like and are quivering their jaw due to excitement, in this case, simply taking them for a walk to the park or to a place that they prefer will be more than enough to get them to stop quivering their bottom jaw.
If you live in a cold environment, simply getting your dog something warm will get them to stop their bottom jaw from quivering, along with the shivering of the body.
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Conclusion
Why does my dogs bottom jaw quiver? You may try the following stated above to try and get your dog to stop quivering their bottom jaw, along with keeping a check to ensure that your dog is not having a medical issue.
If your dog exhibits any severe symptoms, it will be essential to take them to a vet.
Common FAQs
Can Anxiety Cause Jaw Tremors?
Anxiety can cause jaw tremors in humans and animals, including dogs. Anxiety-related tremors may occur due to muscle tension or activation of the body’s fight or flight response. If your dog experiences jaw tremors, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
Can Dogs Move Their Lower Jaw?
Yes, dogs can move their lower jaw to chew, bite, and vocalize. They have a hinge joint on each side of their skull that allows for a wide range of motion in the jaw. However, certain health conditions or injuries may affect their ability to move their jaw correctly.
