Teeth chattering can be a sign of pain, seizures, or a neurological disorder. Dogs will chatter their teeth simply because they are feeling cold, nervous, or excited. Why are your dog’s teeth chattering? What does it mean when a dog chatters its teeth?

Stress and Anxiety

If your dog is very frightened of certain environmental changes, such as loud noises, then she may chatter its teeth. Teeth chattering is a subtle way of communicating with other dogs who feel threatening to them.

Excitement

If your dog is extremely excited or happy about something, she may also have a teeth chattering response. You may notice your dog chattering when you walk in the door after a long day or when they know you’re about to feed them dinner.

Strong Smells

Dogs may sniff or lick something they like the smell of, then curl their lips back and chatter their teeth slightly. They may also chatter after licking or smelling something amazing.

Experience Pain

Chattering can be one way your dog expresses that she is experiencing pain somewhere in her body, such as the pain in the mouth. This is one way she can vent unpleasant emotions.

Cold Temperature

Like humans, dogs will sometimes chatter teeth when they are feeling very cold. This will often be accompanied by shivering. This is one way human and animal bodies attempt to create warmth.

Keep your eye on the frequency of your dog’s teeth chattering. If you’re concerned about your dog’s teeth chattering behavior, call your vet’s office. He or she will help you!