Slack Jaw in Puppies

Slack jaw in puppies typically has an acute onset and can point to a medical condition. While certain dog breeds, such as English bulldogs, have a slack-jawed appearance, and this is normal, in other dogs the condition is a cause for concern. Given that the slack jaw hinders the puppy from eating, drinking and swallowing properly, immediate treatment is necessary to prevent anemia, dehydration and developmental issues.

  1. Possible Causes

    • Trigeminal neuritis, also known as dropped jaw, is a rare condition that causes paralysis and slack jaw in dogs. The condition is idiopathic, which means it has no known causes. The trigeminal nerve controls the movement of the lower jaw and the dog's ability to blink. When the nerve doesn't function properly, the dog will not be able to close its mouth. The slack-jawed appearance may also be due to a lower jaw fracture. The mandible fractures due to trauma or dental disease. In puppies, dental disease is rare, but trauma may be a result of chewing on hard objects or even bones and unsafe toys.

    Additional Symptoms

    • The puppy may have several additional symptoms, which may include excessive salivation, pawing at the mouth and facial area, the inability to close its mouth or blink. While trigeminal neuritis doesn't cause pain, a jaw fracture affects your dog, and it may be lethargic or depressed. You may also notice dehydration, lack of appetite and weight loss, resulting from the dog's inability to properly move its lower jaw when chewing or swallowing.

    Diagnosing Slack Jaw

    • Take your puppy to the veterinarian if you notice a slack jaw. The veterinarian will ask you questions about the puppy's history and behavior or symptoms. The additional symptoms help the veterinarian get closer to a diagnosis, but additional tests are required. The veterinarian will run some blood tests to rule out other conditions if she suspects trigeminal neuritis. She will also take an x-ray of the skull, which can show if the dog has a fractured jaw.

    Treatment Options

    • If the dog has a fractured jaw, it may require surgery. The veterinarian will administer pain medication and schedule a surgical intervention. He may recommend antibiotics prior to and after the surgery to minimize the risks of bacterial infection. If the dog has trigeminal neuritis, this condition typically resolves without treatment within two to four weeks, according to PetMD. However, you need to assist your dog when it's eating or drinking water. If it cannot chew, use a syringe to administer liquid food. If the dog cannot swallow, it will require nutritional support with transfusions.