Jaw-dropping Dilemma. Why Your Dog Can't Open Their Mouth Fully

Table of Contents

Introduction

A dog being unable to fully open its mouth, also known as lockjaw, is a concerning condition that requires veterinary attention. Lockjaw prevents the dog from opening its mouth normally, which can make eating, drinking, and even breathing difficult. Some potential causes include trauma, infections, tumors, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, neurological disorders, and even foreign objects lodged in the mouth. Without treatment, lockjaw can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, pneumonia, and significant pain. That’s why it’s critical to have a vet examine the dog as soon as symptoms appear to determine the underlying cause and start appropriate treatment. The sooner the issue is addressed, the better the outcome will likely be.

Potential Causes

There are several potential causes if a dog is unable to fully open its mouth. Some of the most common include:

Oral Injuries

Injuries to the mouth and jaw can make it painful and difficult for a dog to open its mouth fully. This includes trauma from being hit by a car or falling, as well as lacerations, fractures, or dislocated jaws from bites or other accidents. Severe injuries require immediate veterinary care. Milder soreness may resolve with rest and medication.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, an infection and inflammation of the gums and deeper tissues of the mouth, is very common in dogs. Advanced periodontal disease can be extremely painful and make dogs reluctant to open their mouths (Well Pets). Professional dental cleanings and ongoing dental care at home can treat and prevent periodontal disease.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

The temporomandibular joints on each side of the jaw connect the lower jaw to the skull. Injuries, arthritis, and other problems affecting these joints may make it difficult and painful for a dog to open its mouth fully. Medications, physical therapy, or surgery may be necessary depending on the specific disorder.

Symptoms

Dogs who can’t open their mouths fully often exhibit the following symptoms:

Difficulty eating or drinking – Dogs may drool excessively and struggle to pick up food, chew, or swallow. They may paw at their mouth trying to open it wider.
Excessive drooling – The inability to swallow normally leads to increased saliva buildup and drooling.
Facial swelling – In some cases, the dog’s face, jaw, or throat may be swollen and painful.

Change in bark – A dog’s bark may sound different if they cannot open their mouth fully.
Pawing at the mouth – Dogs may try to manually open their mouths wider by pawing at their jaw.
Discomfort or irritability – The dog may act agitated or restless due to pain and inability to eat or drink normally.

Reluctance to be touched – Dogs may shy away if their head or neck is touched due to pain.

Severe cases can lead to malnutrition and dehydration if the dog cannot eat or drink adequately. Immediate veterinary attention is required.

Some underlying disorders like tetanus may also cause additional neurological symptoms like stiff, abnormal gait or muscle spasms.

Diagnosis

Veterinarians will perform a thorough physical exam on a dog exhibiting difficulty or pain when opening its mouth. They will check for things like injury, swelling, bleeding, or misalignment of the teeth and jaws. According to Well Pets, vets may gently attempt to open the dog’s mouth to see how far it can open before pain occurs.

Imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans can also be used to get a closer look at the dog’s jaw, teeth, and surrounding bones for any abnormalities. These images allow the vet to see fractures, tumors, foreign objects lodged in the mouth, or joint issues that may be preventing the dog from fully opening its mouth.

Bloodwork may be ordered to check for underlying infections or inflammation that could be causing pain and stiffness in the jaws. According to PetMD, blood tests can also look for potential toxins in the blood that may be indicative of tetanus.

With a combination of a thorough physical exam, diagnostic imaging, and bloodwork, vets are able to get an accurate diagnosis of the underlying condition causing a dog difficulty and pain when opening its mouth fully.

Treatment

The main treatments for a dog that can’t fully open its mouth include medications, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery. Medications like corticosteroids and muscle relaxants can help reduce inflammation and pain, allowing the dog to gradually regain jaw mobility. Physical therapy techniques like massage, stretching, heat/cold therapy, and underwater treadmill exercising may also aid recovery. In severe cases, surgery may be required to correct underlying dental issues or temporomandibular joint problems impeding jaw motion. Some key considerations for treatment include the underlying cause, severity of symptoms, the dog’s age and health status.

While home remedies like garlic and turmeric have anti-inflammatory properties, veterinary oversight is strongly recommended. Self-treatment risks worsening the condition or missing serious underlying illness. With prompt, proper treatment guided by a vet, dogs can often make a full recovery. But delaying treatment raises chances of permanent limited jaw mobility.

Recovery Process

The recovery timeline for a dog unable to fully open their mouth depends on the underlying cause. Here are some typical recovery times:

If the cause is a dental issue like an abscess tooth, recovery time is usually 1-2 weeks after the tooth is extracted or the infection is treated with antibiotics. Prognosis is good if the underlying issue is addressed.

For jaw injuries or temporomandibular joint dysfunction, recovery can take 4-6 weeks with rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and restricting activity. Prognosis is generally good with appropriate treatment.

With neurological issues like a facial nerve paralysis, recovery can take several months. Prognosis depends on the severity and underlying cause. In mild cases dogs can make a full recovery over 2-3 months with supportive care.

For oral cancers, recovery is ongoing after tumor removal. Dogs will need regular vet checks to monitor for recurrence. With early treatment, prognosis can be good depending on the type and stage of cancer.

In all cases, follow-up vet exams are important to ensure proper healing and rule out complications or lasting mobility issues with the jaw. With appropriate treatment guided by a vet, most dogs can make a good recovery.

Prevention

There are several things dog owners can do to help prevent conditions that limit their dog’s ability to fully open its mouth:

Regular dental care – Brushing your dog’s teeth and providing dental chews can reduce plaque buildup and maintain good oral health.

Avoid hard toys and objects – Hard chew toys and tennis balls can lead to cracked teeth over time. Opt for softer toys instead.
Monitor chewing habits – Make sure your dog is chewing appropriately and not aggressively chewing on hard objects that could damage its teeth.
Provide a high quality diet – A nutritious diet supports good dental health. Avoid sugary treats.

Annual vet exams – Your vet can monitor for any potential dental issues during annual check-ups.
Avoid trauma – Take care to prevent your dog from being struck in the jaw area, as this could limit mouth opening.

With proper care and attention, many dental health issues that restrict mouth opening can be avoided. Be proactive with at-home dental care and regular vet visits.

Living with the Condition

If your dog is diagnosed with a condition that prevents them from fully opening their mouth, there are some things you can do at home to help them live comfortably:

Make their food easier to eat. Try softening their regular dry food with warm water or broth, or switch to canned food. You can also try blending their food into a gruel consistency to make it easier to lap up.

Help them drink. Dogs need access to fresh water at all times. You may need to hold the bowl up to their mouth or use a turkey baster to squirt water into their mouth if they are unable to lower their head to drink.

Keep their mouth clean. Gently wipe around their lips after meals and brush their teeth daily to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Use a finger brush or piece of gauze wrapped around your finger if they can’t open wide enough for a regular toothbrush.

Watch for signs of pain. Dogs who can’t open their mouths fully may have discomfort eating or trouble panting to cool down. Look for signs like whining, pawing at their mouth, or loss of appetite and have your vet adjust their pain medication if needed.

Avoid putting pressure on their jaw. Don’t play tug-of-war or other games that involve pulling on toys. Use a harness instead of a collar when walking them to avoid putting pressure on their jaw.

Be patient. It can be frustrating for dogs when they have trouble eating or drinking normally. Give them space but be nearby to help as needed. With time and care, many dogs can adapt well to living with limited mouth opening.

Outlook

With proper treatment and management, most dogs with difficulty opening their mouths fully can go on to live relatively normal lives. However, the long-term outlook depends on the underlying cause.

For dogs with masticatory myositis, the long-term prognosis is generally good if treatment is started early before significant muscle damage occurs. According to the VCA Animal Hospitals, with appropriate treatment, most dogs with masticatory myositis will regain the ability to open their mouths fully and can have a normal life expectancy.¹ However, the condition is managed rather than cured, so lifelong medication and monitoring may be necessary.

In cases of neurological disorders, arthritis, or trauma, the outlook depends on the severity and specific circumstances. With rehabilitation and pain management, dogs may regain good function. But some permanent limitations in jaw motion may persist. Close veterinary follow up is recommended.

For dogs with tetanus causing lockjaw, the prognosis is more guarded. According to WagWalking, even with prompt treatment the mortality rate is high.² Dogs that survive may take weeks or months to regain ability to open the mouth fully. Supportive care and monitoring are crucial.

Overall, while a dog’s inability to fully open the mouth can stem from serious conditions, the long-term outlook for a good quality of life is often positive, especially when appropriate treatment is provided. Regular veterinary care helps monitor dogs and ensure any changes are addressed promptly.

When to Seek Help

If your dog is suddenly unable to fully open their mouth, it’s important to have them seen by a vet as soon as possible. Here are some signs that warrant an immediate vet visit:

Inability to pick up toys, food or water – If your dog is unable to grasp and pick up objects with their mouth, this indicates a serious issue.
Excessive drooling – Uncontrollable drooling could be a sign your dog is in pain or having difficulty swallowing.
Loss of appetite – If your dog is refusing food and water, this could lead to dehydration and other problems.

Whining/yelping when opening mouth – Vocalizations when attempting to open the mouth wider is a clear indicator of pain and discomfort.
Bleeding or discharge – Any blood or pus discharge from the mouth warrants immediate examination.
Swelling – Swelling around the jaws, lips or throat could be obstructing jaw movement.

Difficulty breathing – Inability to open the mouth fully can impair breathing in some cases.
Loss of coordination – Neurological impairment may manifest as loss of coordination.
Lethargy – A typically energetic dog suddenly becoming very inactive is a concerning sign.

Don’t hesitate to contact your vet if your dog is showing any of these signs – early treatment greatly improves the prognosis. Some causes like infections can worsen rapidly if left untreated.