clicking sound with jaw

[Jinnytee]

Hi ..... first time I am mum to a boxer. My 17 week old little girl has started to make a clunking / clicking noise with her jaw. It's only occasionally, and just seems random, ie:not associated with yawning, or chewing. She eats with no problems and doesn't seem bothered when chewing toys, tugging, etc, and she is happy for me to gently manipulate her mouth. She also does not have an overly pronounced underbite .... it is there, but you don't see her teeth when her mouth is closed. Just wondering if this is usual in boxers at this age, when teething is starting, or something I should be concerned about and take her to the vet.

 

[Jinnytee]

Its not her actually her jaw .....

"a clunking / clicking noise with her jaw"

I have paid really close attention over the weekend as to how often she does this- and it is maybe two or three episodes a day. I have realised that its NOT her jaw ... its her teeth clicking together ... kind of like she slides them sideways and makes a clunking noise.

Is this normal teething behaviour ?

I have raised dogs all my life, but have never seen this in puppies .... but she is my first boxer, and my first breed with a short snout and underbite, so not sure if this is usual.

Any experinece anyone ? ..... Thanks

 

[Roge]

What ever it is I think your besr bet is to mention it to your vet the next time you visit...it could be something to do with development and I would imagine that if she is sort of grinding it would weaken her teeth so its best to have it checked out.
Good luck and let us know how she gets on.

 

[Kisaq]

I have seen dogs chatter their teeth when they are nervous or over excited.

But I would also check this with your vet. She's rather young to be having dental issues (though this could cause them), but maybe she's biting her cheek, or growing a polyp (sp?) which is unfortunately rather common in boxers.

Her jaw could also be growing abnormally in one direction causing a "slip" when she relaxes...

Yeh, I'd walk it past your vet.

Kudos for listening closely!!
Try to take note of "when" it happens - right after play, during sleep, after eating, or randomly ...etc.

 

[Jinnytee]

Thanks guys- a vet visit definitely in order I think.

Her jaw could also be growing abnormally in one direction causing a "slip" when she relaxes...

Oh Dear .... It is when she relaxes ..... settling down to go asleep, or when she is quiet and pooped after playing.

I will phone for an appointment tomorrow, and let you know what the vet says after we have been seen. Fingers crossed it is nothing serious.

 

[Kisaq]

You know, I also just read that teeth clacking can be a sign of submissive behaviors too. I'll be interested to hear what your vet says...

 

[Jinnytee]

Hi Kisaq .... its not really clacking, as in hitting her teeth together, and its not repetetive, as in teeth chattering. Its a sliding sort of grind that ends in her teeth knocking together, just a one-off motion ..... makes me think she is trying to manouvre her teeth to get her mouth "comfy" - which is why it hit home when you said about jaw slippage. Hopefully its not that.

I have an appointment for friday ... could have been seen before then, but I really wanted her to see our favourite vet, who is very thorough, as well as absolutely lovely with the dogs.

So watch this space after friday !

Jinny.

 

[TwoDogs]

Not to scare you, but google "wry mouth" or "wry bite". It is a condition that is common in Boxers and usually shows itself within the first year. Every boxer owner should be aware of it. It results in the lower jaw growing off-set or with a twist in it.

One of the first symptoms is that the dog will change how it chews but that's not always easily observable. Upon examination, you might notice the lower teeth wearing on the upper teeth, teeth clicking or rubbing the gums while chewing.

It's unusual to notice it in a puppy so young, but keep it in mind if the clicking persists as she gets her adult teeth.

 

[Jinnytee]

Two Dogs ... yes, I had come across Wry Mouth when googling. Hoping it isn't that, but as you say, something to bear in mind. I did some prolonged belly rubbing last night ( always results in an upside down happy open mouth ) so I was able to clearly see her top and bottom jaw and teeth. Everything looked symmetrical to my eye ... but I am no expert.

I am noticing that the frequency of the grind/click is increasing the last couple of days, which is a bit disconcerting. I cannot wait for Friday to come around now, to hopefully get some answers.

When relaxed her mouth seems to close tight to me. Never used photobucket before, so hoping this link works !

 

[Jinnytee]

Another two photos- close up of mouth