My dog has jaw spasms. Could it be seizures or something else?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on your description, I would recommend having x-rays taken for the raspy breathing and if these episodes continue to occur, consider placing Jordan on anti-seizure medications to see if that helps. For a further workup of these episodes, I would consider seeing a neurologist for a further exam and more diagnostics such as an MRI. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. Please take the time to mark this question as helpful or not as it helps us to improve on the quality of our answers to other pet owners. Thank you kindly!

Some dogs will have focal seizures known as 'chewing gum' seizures where the mouth will tremble or they will make chewing motions. Usually dogs will act a little disoriented after a seizure like this, but some dogs don't. If you think he may be having seizures you should see a veterinarian right away. It might be helpful to video an episode to show your vet. Of course it's possible that this is just a behavioral tic too, but it's better to be safe and have a veterinarian examine Mega to make sure.

This could be a neurological problem you are describing, or some kind of arthritis in his jaw/temporomandibular joint area. Or, sometimes dogs when they smell a strange smell, like urine for example, will exhibit something similar to what you are describing that almost looks like a very fast teeth-chattering kind of behavior. This is normal. I do recommend a full exam by your vet to make sure that this is not a partial focal seizure or severe dental disease or jaw arthritis/jaw dislocation that is causing the behavior, as these things are much more serious and a possibility as well. Try to video tape this behavior-- we'd be happy to view this on a Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach consultation, or you can take it to your vet during the examination. Best of luck and hope that helps!

Centralized muscle spasms, could indicate a neurological condition that can vary in severity, so it is hard to tell without examining him myself and running the necessary testing. However, if he seems stable otherwise I wouldn't worry too much. Especially if the spasm seems to only affect his jaw. The most important thing is to monitor him for overt signs of a serious problem and to have him evaluated by your local veterinarian soon for a full neurological work-up. This does not sound like it is cause for an ER vet visit; however you should aim to get him examined within the next 1-3 days if possible.

This could be a form of seizure activity. I recommend getting your dog seen by your vet as soon as possible for an exam and lab work. If you can get a video of the episode, please do, so your vet will know what you're seeing. Sustained or repeated seizures can cause the body temperature to rise to dangerous levels and increases the risk of brain damage. When you have a chance, take a look around and see if you can find anything he might have gotten into, since poisoning is one of the causes of seizures. If he has a history of liver or kidney disease, this is also a potential cause. Sometimes we never know why a pet has a seizure. If he does have a series of seizures, your vet will want to do an exam and bloodwork to try and determine a cause and potentially put your pet on anti-seizure medication to lessen the chances of this happening again in the future.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds that Manolo had an epileptic fit, which is not uncommon in older dogs. If the blood work came back normal and Manolo is back to normal, you need to monitor him at home for now. You should avoid excitement, excessive exercises, stress, loud noise, sharp light. If Manolo has another episode like this, your vet will likely prescribe anti-epileptic medication for him.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If you feel that Dexter may have had a seizure last night, I would have him evaluated by a veterinarian at their next available appointment. There are many causes of seizures including low blood sugar, liver disease such as a shunt, kidney disease, and disease within the cranium or cerebrospinal fluid. Your veterinarian can perform an exam on Dexter and best localize the problem. He/she may recommend bloodwork to help understand what may have happened to Dexter. I hope this is helpful!