Dog Making Weird Mouth Noises? | 10 Common Reasons

As a dog owner, you perhaps noticed that your furry companion is making strange noises with his mouth?

I understand that it can be concerning when your dog is suddenly making weird mouth noises – especially if it’s a new behavior.

The good news is that there are several typical causes why dogs make these noises. In this blog post, I will discuss the most most common reasons for dogs making weird mouth noises and when you should see a veterinarian.

I. Common Reasons for Weird Mouth Noises in Dogs

There can be several reasons why your dog might be making weird mouth noises. Some of the most common reasons include dental issues, respiratory problems, and digestive issues. Let’s take a closer look at each of these reasons.

A) Dental Issues

1. Oral Cavity or Dental Pain

Teeth or jaw chattering in dogs is often caused by oral cavity or dental pain, which is one of the most frequent reasons.

A broken tooth, dental abscess, or gingival inflammation can cause pain in your dog, which may manifest as jaw chattering.

2. Tooth Decay or Abscesses

Abscessed teeth can be excruciatingly painful for dogs, but they may not always display obvious signs of discomfort. Instead, your dog may show reluctance to chew on toys or pull away when their head is touched.

As a vigilant owner, you might notice that your dog is only using one side of their mouth to eat or chew, or they may drop food while eating.

3. Gum Disease

A Gum Disease like Periodontitis is a bacterial infection that can occur in your dog’s mouth. Unfortunately, this silent disease often doesn’t show any obvious signs or symptoms until it has advanced to a severe stage.

However, a gum disease can lead to gum-erosion, chronic pain, tooth loss, and even bone-loss. The supporting structures of your dog’s teeth can be weakened or lost over time.

Summary

Dental issues are a common cause a dog producing unusual sounds with its mouth. Tooth decay or abscesses can cause your dog to make clicking or popping sounds with their mouth.

Gum disease can also cause keeping your dog making strange mouth noises, as well as bad breath and swollen gums.

B) Respiratory Problems

1. Reverse Sneezing in Dogs

If you hear your dog “reverse sneeze” for the first time, it may be a little disconcerting. The sound can be difficult to describe to someone who hasn’t experienced it, but witnesses often liken it to a dog sneezing inwardly, hence the aptly-named condition.

Paroxysmal respiration, commonly known as reverse sneezing, happens when a dog inhales air rapidly, unlike a regular sneeze where they exhale air quickly.

This phenomenon is typically caused by an irritation in the nose or throat that triggers a spasm.

2. Allergies and Asthma

Wheezing in dogs occurs when the flow of air in and out of the airway is obstructed, causing a whistling sound during breathing.

The blockage can happen in the trachea (windpipe) or the larger bronchi. Asthma, allergies, mucus, foreign objects, or infection can all lead to constricted airways and wheezing.

3. Kennel Cough

Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs. It’s usually caused by a combination of bacteria and viruses – it spreads easily in places where dogs are kept in close proximity to each other.

The primary symptom of kennel cough is a vigorous, hacking cough that may sound like your dog has an object lodged in their throat. This cough can be either dry and harsh or productive, leading to gagging, swallowing, or the expulsion of mucus.

Summary

Reverse Sneezing and Respiratory problems can also be a reason for Strange noises coming from the dog’s mouth.

Asthma and Allergies, can cause your dog to sneeze or make wheezing sounds. Kennel cough is another respiratory problem that can cause your dog to make strange honking sounds.

C) Digestive Issues

1. Acid Reflux

Dogs with Acid Reflux may exhibit symptoms such as teeth grinding or jaw snapping, painful swallowing (which may result in crying or whining), and regurgitation of their food.

These signs can indicate that the acidic contents of the stomach are backing up into the esophagus, causing discomfort and irritation. If your dog is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

2. Bloating

Dogs with bloating, also known as “Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)“, may make strange sounds with their mouth. This condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas, fluid, or food and twists on itself, blocking the flow of blood to the stomach and other organs.

As a result, your dog may appear restless, anxious, or uncomfortable, and your dog may create odd noises with its oral cavity. These sounds can include excessive drooling, belching, or gagging.

If you suspect that your dog is experiencing bloating, seek emergency vet care as this is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt treatment.

3. Swallowing Foreign Objects

Dogs that have swallowed a foreign object may make weird sounds. This can include excessive drooling, gagging, or coughing.

A foreign object will cause irritation and inflammation in the throat or esophagus – leading to discomfort and difficulty swallowing for your dog

In severe cases, the foreign object can also cause an obstruction in the digestive tract, which requires emergency veterinary care.

If you suspect that your dog has swallowed a foreign object, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Summary

Digestive issues can cause your Dog producing irregular sounds with its mouth. Acid reflux, for example, can cause your dog to make gulping or swallowing sounds.

Bloat, a life-threatening condition, can cause your dog to make gagging or retching sounds. Swallowing foreign objects can also cause weird mouth noises – as well as vomiting and diarrhea.

If you suspect that your dog is experiencing digestive issues, it’s important to consult with a VET for proper diagnosis and treatment.

When to See a Veterinarian

If your dog is making weird mouth noises, it’s important to know when to see a veterinarian. Seek for immediate medical help when:

• If the behavior of your Dog making weird noise with the mouth is new or sudden
• If the dog is experiencing other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite
• If the dog appears to be in pain or discomfort
• If the dog is lethargic or unresponsive
• If the dog has difficulty breathing or swallowing
• If the dog is coughing or gagging excessively
• If the dog has a fever or shows signs of infection
• If the dog has a history of dental or respiratory issues
• If the dog has swallowed a foreign object or ingested something toxic

Additionally – if your dog is experiencing other symptoms, such as lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea- or your dog is in pain or discomfort, it’s important to seek veterinary care.

Home Remedies

Important: Rely on home remedies only if you know the underlying causes – why your canine is creating odd noises with the mouth, and always consult with a VET before.

Otherwise, there are a few things you can do at home to help your furry friend feel better. Here are some home remedies you can try:

• Provide fresh water and food: Make sure your dog has access to fresh water and food at all times. Dehydration can make your dog feel worse; so it’s important to encourage them to drink water. You can also try feeding your dog smaller, more frequent meals to help with digestive issues.
• Adjust the diet: If your dog has digestive issues – it may be helpful to adjust their diet. Consider switching to a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice, or a special prescription diet recommended by your veterinarian.
• Clean the dog’s mouth and teeth: Dental issues can be prevented by regularly cleaning your dog’s mouth and teeth. You can use a toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for dogs to clean their teeth, or you can offer dental-chews and toys to help remove plaque and tartar.

Conclusion

If your dog keeps making weird mouth noises, don’t panic. There are several common reasons why dogs make these noises, including dental issues, respiratory problems, and digestive issues.

It’s crucial to know when to seek veterinary attention, such as when the behavior is new or sudden, or if the dog is experiencing other symptoms, in pain or discomfort.

Remember, your dog’s health is important, and seeking timely medical attention can help ensure that your furry companion is healthy and happy.

Sources:

1. Harvey, C. E. (2008). Periodontal disease in dogs. E-vet Diagnostics Library.
2. Schwartz, D. S., & Lanz, O. I. (2013). Gastrointestinal foreign bodies in dogs and cats: a retrospective study of 208 cases. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 49(6), 369-377.
3. Raditic, D. M., Remillard, R. L., & Tater, K. C. (2010). ELISA testing for common food antigens in four dry dog foods used in dietary elimination trials. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 94(5), e186-e191.
4. Proverbio, D., Spada, E., Bagnagatti De Giorgi, G., Perego, R., & Valena, E. (2018). Association between canine hypothyroidism and chronic and recurrent otitis externa: a retrospective study of 29 cases. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, 9, 143.