Skip to content

Jaw quivering - an anxiety issue?

Basenji Talk
  • I was just playing with our mixed breed Rosie. She had a new hard Nylabone that she'd brought over to me. As I was reaching for it, she shifted her hold on the bone and accidentally caught my third finger (kind of got snagged on a pre-molar). I yipped a bit and had my eyes closed, as it did hurt plus I wanted her to be more careful. When I did open my eyes, she was sitting there with her lower lip quivering. I could tell she was really upset as she was sitting very still, without a command, and staring. I reassured her but she still had the lip quiver for a minute or more.

    My opinion is that she was upset about hurting the alpha dog in our pack. I got up and moved around, but when I came back and sat down, she followed me and tried to lick the fingers on both of my hands. She doesn't really do a lot of licking until we go to bed (seems like a social thing morning and night).

    I did some reading on the forum regarding jaw quivering so wondered if anyone had more info or opinions. Thanks!

  • @jerseygirl01 Could be anxiety, they are sensitive dogs. Nylabones are not safe for the dog despite what they advertise. I gave them to my girl who was a voracious chewer and found out years later that she had shattered many of her teeth. She had to have about eight teeth removed over three years.

  • Seems like you have a very cute and sweet girl. Congrats!

Suggested Topics

  • Separation anxiety and what to do?

    Basenji Talk
    15
    0 Votes
    15 Posts
    7k Views
    B
    We got him 2 months ago when he was a little over one. Thanks for all the suggestions! I am going to go out for a short time and come back, lengthen the time and also try the crate and Kong. He never goes when we are home so maybe it’s his way of saying if you do not want a mess, don’t leave me alone!!
  • Nighttime issues

    Basenji Talk
    8
    0 Votes
    8 Posts
    3k Views
    DebraDownSouthD
    If you hadn't been to vet, I'd have suspected UTI. If not that, kidney or bladder stones? Definitely thyroid check. Is he getting the same exercise? Can you do more so he's really tired at bedtime? Any new medications? Change in food? If it were something icky like a mouse, his buddy would be bothered too... but it could still be outside nocturnal creatures suddenly stopping by. Hope you find the cause. Losing sleep is not good for anyone.
  • Basenji in Dog Fancy magazine January 2012 issue

    Basenji Talk
    10
    0 Votes
    10 Posts
    4k Views
    Marie HeidebrechtM
    It's a very well-written article and I think it accurately describes the basenji's idiosyncrasies that we all know and love and that the average person would find frustrating. I think the take-home message for those who don't know basenjis is that they should educate themselves more before taking the "plunge". Personally, I was thrilled to see a b/w pictured. My only complaint is that the main cover dog wasn't a basenji!
  • Keoki's separation anxiety..

    Basenji Talk
    17
    0 Votes
    17 Posts
    3k Views
    RivermoonR
    Poor boy. I've never had to deal with that…it sounds like you've done just about everything you can. I wonder if taping your voices or making video of yourselves doing everyday things and playing it while you're gone would ease his anxiety a little? It's a just a thought.....
  • Having Some Issues

    Basenji Talk
    6
    0 Votes
    6 Posts
    3k Views
    S
    Any way to babygate the areas off, so the folks can step over but she can't?
  • Collar Separation Anxiety

    Basenji Talk
    8
    0 Votes
    8 Posts
    4k Views
    V
    every basenji that I've ever had, thought a collar was just for killin'! Vegas