Why is your dog grinding their teeth?
Find out why your dog might be grinding their teeth.
Do you ever find that, when it comes to your pooch, the grind doesn’t stop? No, we’re not talking about their impressive work ethic...
Like us humans, dogs sometimes grind their teeth. Grinding teeth, or ‘bruxism,’ can happen for various reasons. It’s not always something to worry about, but regular grinding can lead to dental issues and infections.
If your dog regularly grinds their teeth, a trip to your vet is in order. They can help you understand the underlying cause behind the grinding, and put your mind at ease.
Why is your dog grinding their teeth? Four reasons it could be happening
Phases of teeth grinding are a normal part of growing up for young pups who are teething. But regular teeth grinding in adolescent or adult dogs should be looked into. Here are some underlying issues that could be causing your dog’s teeth grinding.
Dental problems
It may sound obvious, but dental problems like disease or misaligned teeth could be the root of your dog’s teeth grinding. Your vet will be able to advise whether surgery is needed.
Dental surgery usually involves a dog having their diseased teeth removed under general anaesthetic, and their remaining teeth cleaned. This provides quick relief for your pup, and the remaining teeth can be maintained at home through teeth brushing.
Pain
Your dog could be grinding their teeth as a natural response to pain. Whether it’s abdominal pain, dental pain, or something else, this is a common reason for teeth grinding in dogs.
It’s important to get your pup checked by your vet if you think pain could be behind their teeth grinding. They’ll be able to identify the cause and advise on treatment.
Gastrointestinal problems
Discomfort in the throat, stomach, or intestines could be causing your dog’s teeth grinding. Speak to your vet if you think this could the case for your pooch.
If your vet deems your dog’s teeth grinding to be caused by a gastrointestinal issue, they’ll advise on the various ways of managing it. This could be medical or surgical, depending on the underlying cause and what’s best for your furry pal.
Anxiety or stress
If medical reasons have been excluded by your vet, anxiety or stress could be causing your dog’s teeth grinding. An accredited behaviourist can help you understand why your doggo might be feeling so down. It could be something simple like a change in routine, or a new person or pet around the house.
Finding the root of the problem is a must. Make sure all your dog’s needs are being met, whether that’s activity levels, attention, or opportunity to perform natural doggy behaviours.
Speak to your vet if you’d like more general advice on managing your pup’s anxiety or stress. They may refer you to an accredited behaviourist if they deem it necessary.
How do I stop my dog grinding their teeth?
There’s usually no shortcut to stopping your dog’s teeth grinding . First, you must find what’s behind it. Making an appointment with your vet today is the first step in identifying the underlying cause. Only then can you begin to think about how to stop them grinding.
And remember, whatever the cause, it’s important not to force your dog to stop grinding their teeth or become frustrated with them. This could add to their stress levels and make the behaviour worse.
Pick up the phone and speak to your vet if you’re worried about your pooch’s teeth grinding. The very least it will do is put your mind at ease.
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