[burnabrenn]

My 10 year old, neutered male chihuahua has been exhibiting peculiar behavior; pressing his snout into the couch, floor, etc (even my leg when sitting in my lap) as well as showing a tremor/spasm in his mouth and whining during both actions which have last up to several hours. My vet said his mouth/teeth are fine and he seems completely healthy aside from some minor pain in his lower back, for which he prescribed a daily anti-inflammatory (Novox 25mg once daily); however, we have seen no improvement in the snout pressing or mouth tremors as they may actually be occurring more frequently since medication was started.

 

[Grabby]

I wish I had some insight to share about what's causing this behavior. Have you contacted your vet and mentioned that the nose pressing and tremors continue? It might be you need to see about consulting with a specialist. I saw an article recently about dogs pressing their heads against walls due to neurological problems but that doesn't sound like what your dog is doing.

 

[TiggerBounce]

It almost sounds like he's using his Jacobson's organ. It's a special organ above the roof of the mouth that kind of has a special use. It enhances the dogs sense of smell by allowing it to detect scents that normally don't get detected by the olfactory system alone. I've personally only ever witnessed my male dog do it, and only two times at that. But he does exactly as you've described....He presses his nose into something, then his lower jaw trembles, sometimes chattering his teeth.

It usually doesn't last for hours though, so that's sort of weird. He'll do it a couple times maybe and then be done and move on.

Does your chi exhibit any anxiety type behaviors during every day life? Or maybe any obsessive/repetitive behaviors?

Also, did your vet do a full panel blood test?

 

[Foresthound]

Sorry about late response,I missed this thread but head pressing can be a sign of serious neurological and other problems.
Take Your Pets To A Vet ASAP If They Do This. Recognizing This Behavior Could Save Their Lives.
If you haven't taken the dog to the vet yet you should.

 

[Tess]

Yup, sounds like a real bad problem, neurological. Get another opinion from a better vet.