Have you been observing your dog making strange mouth movements? If so, you’re not alone. Many pet owners have noticed their pup displaying these odd behaviors, but are often left wondering why.
There are numerous explanations for why your furry companion may be making these strange motions, and in today’s blog post, we will look at some of the most startling reasons why your dog may be making weird mouth movements.
We’ll also explore some of the preventive measures and treatments that can help put a stop to these behaviors. Read on to learn more about this perplexing phenomenon and how to keep your pup smiling.
1. Stress/Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can be a major cause of strange mouth movements in dogs. In some cases, dogs may lick their lips, yawn, or bite their own fur due to an overload of stress or anxiety. If you think your dog is making weird mouth movements due to stress, it’s important to take steps to reduce their stress levels. Consider decreasing their exposure to loud noises, providing more exercise and playtime, adding calming toys and scent diffusers, and consulting a veterinarian or animal behaviorist to help create a plan to reduce stress.
2. Pain Or Discomfort
The second startling reason for your pup making weird mouth movements is pain or discomfort. This could be due to an infection, toothache, gum disease, or something stuck in the mouth. If your pup is pawing at their mouth, drooling, or having difficulty eating, this could be a sign of an underlying dental issue. Have them checked out by your vet immediately if these symptoms persist. Additionally, keep an eye out for any signs of swollen gums, abscesses, or lumps in their mouth.
3. Possible Allergies
Number 3 on our list of startling reasons why your dog is making weird mouth movements is possible allergies. Allergies can affect your pup in a variety of ways and the most common symptom is excessive scratching, licking, or chewing of the mouth area. This can cause irritation and inflammation, which can lead to your dog making odd, repetitive mouth movements. Allergies can also cause drooling, lip licking, or gagging. If you think your dog may have an allergy, be sure to check with your veterinarian as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
4. Possible Infections
Another possible cause of your dog making weird mouth movements is infection. Bacterial or fungal infection of the mouth is not uncommon in dogs, and can be caused by periodontal disease, dental disease, or even a cut in the mouth. If you notice any swelling, redness, or discharge in your dog’s mouth, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible for an examination and treatment. The vet may also do an X-ray to see if your dog has any foreign bodies lodged in their mouth, which can also cause irritation.
5. Compulsive Behavior
Compulsive behavior is one of the top startling reasons why your dog may be making weird mouth movements. These can range from excessive licking of the lips, repeated chewing of objects, or constant lip-smacking. This kind of behavior is indicative of underlying anxiety or stress, and should be addressed immediately. If left unchecked it can lead to more severe issues such as aggression or weight loss. Speak with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist to determine the cause of the compulsive behavior, and work to find a solution.
Conclusion:
While some dog mouth movements might be cause for concern, most are likely nothing to worry about. If your dog is making strange mouth movements and you’re concerned, be sure to bring it to the attention of a veterinarian. They’ll be able to diagnose the cause and advise a course of treatment. In any case, keep an eye on your pup and you’ll be well-equipped to handle anything that comes your way.