Teeth Chattering when licking baby?

[freckledcat]

I decided to post this here since I think it is more of a behaviour then an issue with my son.

My son is now 7 weeks old. Fiona has been really good since we brought him home. She hasn't shown any type of aggression towards him, she hasn't even barked at him. When he cries she is the first one to go check on him and if he is really fussing and she gives him a kiss some times it is the only thing that calms him down. She tries to give him baths which we are working on stopping.

My question is this - every so often, when she is licking my son her jaw/teeth start this chattering movement. Nothing about her body language indicates a problem, but it makes me a little uneasy (although I try not to let her know that, I just tell her no more kisses and she gets down).

Has anyone else experienced this? Know what it means? Is it something we should be concerned about?

TIA

 

[kayboxer]

Wow, no idea but how interesting! If she isn't showing any agression though I doubt it is anything to be really concerned about. Can't wait to see what others have to say about this behavior. Very interesting.

 

[MaggienDeuce]

=When he cries she is the first one to go check on him and if he is really fussing and she gives him a kiss some times it is the only thing that calms him down.

That is interesting behavior. I have nothing to offer but wanted to say that the bond between Fiona and your son is really very sweet. My first child, a boy, is due in 3 weeks now and reading your post really warmed my heart.

 

[wiggle butt]

Does it look like she is doing little flea bites or like she is chewing on a cob of corn? My girl does this when she is really happy and giving us kisses. She would also do this to another dog when she was laing down playing with him. For her, she only does it in the upmost of sweetness. Don't know if it's the same thing that your's is doing, but sounds kinda like it in your description.

 

[freckledcat]

That is exactly what it looks like!
I'm glad someone else has seen it, I'm going to assume Fiona is just showing how happy she is like yours does

 

[IluvLucy]

I'm no expert, but I think it is some sort of grooming. Not sure of it's purpose in the dog world. We refer to it as "nibbling" and J.C. will do it to us sometimes when he is really excited.

 

[Donna1969]

My Blizzy did the exact same thing when we first brought Abbie home. It looked just like it did when Blizzy was grooming her self and she found something..like a tangle in the fur, a piece of whatever she was laying in etc..she did that teeth chatter looking thing as she was trying to remove it. My cats do the same thing. It seems to be a grooming thing. maybe your girl "feels" something on the babys skin, clothing and is trying to remove it.

I don't think its a sign of aggression of any form. Just your fur baby trying to take care of your skin baby.

Also, when my Abbie was an infant, I had NO need for a baby monitor. Blizzy would jump up from a dead sleep if she even made the slightest sound..even a rustle of the clothing. And she'd run down to the babys room, check on her and then fly back to our room and lick my face to wake me up. It was THE sweetest thing ever. And like your baby, sometimes the only thing that would calm her was Blizzy's snuggles, kisses or sheer presence

 

[Lola's mum]

I know exactly what you mean, our last dog did it when (sorry about this) she used to lick her bits. I have read somwehere why they do it but can't for the life of me remember, sorry.