Why is My Dog’s Jaw Trembling?

There are many reasons why your dog’s bottom jaw could be trembling including anxiety, neurological problems, dental problems, or they are cold.

There are many reasons why your dog’s bottom jaw could be trembling. Some of these reasons are less serious than others, but it is important to make a note of when your dog’s jaw is trembling to help rule out potential medical conditions.

Why Jaw Trembling Occurs in Dogs

Jaw trembling can be a sign of a neurological condition or could be something as simple as being too cold. Other reasons a dog’s jaw would be trembling could include:

Neurological disorders – Your dog could be having a small or partial seizure. These can make the jaw tremble or chatter. There are other neurological problems that could cause the jaw to tremble. If this is a concern, contact your veterinarian.

Anxiety – Your dog’s jaw could be trembling because of anxiety, which could be related to something stressful at home such as fireworks, loud noises, or even an unfamiliar dog or person around.

Cold – Dogs are similar to humans in that they get cold, and when they get cold their jaw will tremble. If your dog is out in the cold, they might be having a difficult time dealing with the drop in temperature.

Dental conditions – Your dog could have dental problems, making it so they don’t want to bite down or chew on food. Jaw trembling could be a response to the pain from a dental condition, either an infection in the gums or an abscessed tooth. If they are a puppy, it could be teething that is causing the trembling.

What to do if your dog’s jaw is trembling

If you notice your dog’s jaw is trembling and has any of these issues, you will want to take your dog to the vet:

• bad breath
• swelling around or in the mouth
• drooling
• bleeding
• loss of appetite
• losing weight
• loss of muscle tissue

It is considered best practice to consult a veterinarian whenever you have concerns about your dog.