Your dog’s worn-down, chipped, or broken teeth could be from play or age, but there may be something deeper going on related to your pet’s behavior or physical health. 

Dogs explore the world through their mouths. They chew, carry toys, play tug, fetch, and sometimes gnaw on items you wish they would not. When tooth wear goes beyond normal use, it is time to ask why.

Here are some common reasons for worn, broken, or fractured teeth and what they could mean about your pet’s emotional or physical well-being:

Behavior Can Affect the Teeth

Stress is one of the most significant behavioral reasons for worn or broken teeth. Dogs with separation-related behaviors that struggle with being left alone often chew to cope. This might be caused by confinement anxiety, isolation distress, or frustration from being unable to reach their caregiver or something they want.

These dogs may chew door frames, windowsills, crates, walls, or floors. Over time, this can seriously damage their teeth. Shelter dogs, or dogs left on tie-outs, are at even greater risk. Without the ability to move freely or find comfort, they often redirect their frustration onto the nearest objects, sometimes metal bars, crates, or leashes.

Dogs that bite or tug on metal leashes (which may be used as an alternative to prevent chewing through fabric) can cause fractures and erosion of the teeth. The same is true for heavy-duty crates made of hard plastic or metal. These tools are often used with good intentions to keep dogs safe, but they can cause more harm than good when your dog is in distress.

Medical Conditions Can Play a Role

Tooth wear is not always about behavior. In some cases, dogs chew or lick at objects because they are trying to soothe something deeper, like gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort. Dogs that eat dirt, rocks, sticks, or other non-food items may have GI pain, leading them to chew. This could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease, where acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus, causing a burning feeling.

Dogs with GI disease may also lick excessively, chew at themselves, or show signs of nausea. Chewing or mouthing objects might help them feel better temporarily, even though it can lead to tooth damage over time.

Sometimes, it is hard to know which came first, chewing or a medical issue. It is important to screen for underlying medical conditions in dogs with worn or fractured teeth, especially if they also show signs like vomiting, lip licking, fly biting, burping, or eating non-food items.

Worn Teeth Can Be Painful

Worn, broken, or fractured teeth are painful, whether the cause is behavioral or medical. When an animal is in pain, it affects every part of their life. They may become defensive around their mouth or head and avoid being touched, especially during grooming or veterinary exams.

Oral pain may change behavior in unexpected ways, such as fear-based behaviors or even aggression. If your dog suddenly becomes withdrawn, avoids food, or resists being picked up, dental pain should be on the list of possible causes.

How to Identify the Root Cause

Getting to the root of the problem starts with an examination by your veterinarian, who may recommend a sedated oral exam, dental cleaning, and radiographs, if needed. If the veterinarians and technicians noted any tooth damage, erosion, or signs of pain, they may ask you about your dog’s behaviors, such as:

• chewing on inappropriate objects at home;
• panicking when left alone;
• eating non-food objects or pacing after meals.

This paints a clearer picture of what might be going on. Tools like the Canine Frustration Questionnaire identify high frustration levels and track progress over time. When frustration, poor impulse control, and anxiety are at play, screening can guide treatment and monitor change.

Treat the Cause, Not Just the Symptoms

Real healing begins with understanding why the behavior is happening. Too often, people reach for quick fixes such as muzzles, metal crates, and escape-proof setups, which only address the symptoms, not the cause.

To truly help, look deeper. Here are ways to support your dog:

Building Frustration Tolerance

Giving dogs choice and control is an effective way to reduce frustration. The ability to make decisions is a powerful reinforcer. When a dog knows they have a choice, and their choice will be respected, frustration and fear will be dramatically reduced.

During nail trims, oral exams, injections, and grooming, you can teach your dog “start button” behaviors, such as chin rest or stepping onto a mat. These are signals that show your dog is ready to begin. Some dogs can even be trained to open their mouth on cue for exams or treatments, making care less stressful for everyone involved.

Pattern Games such as Up and Down or 123 Game, paired with nose targeting, give dogs structured activities that teach self-regulation and build confidence during overstimulating moments.

Enrichment and Mental Stimulation

Frustration can build up without enough stimulation and outlets for physical and mental energy.

Puzzle toys, frozen lickable mats, and interactive food-dispensing toys engage the brain and reduce stress. These tools give dogs something safe and rewarding to focus on, especially when alone or resting in a confined space.

Redirection

Dogs that bite or tug the leash out of frustration can learn better coping skills. Teach engagement games or the “Look at That” game to redirect focus. Encourage them to carry a toy in their mouth during walks.

Walking with two soft or longer leashes provides options. If your dog starts biting one leash, allow them to hold it briefly while you guide with the other. This keeps the walk moving without escalating frustration or encouraging leash aggression.

Confinement Anxiety and Isolation Distress

Dogs who panic when confined or left alone need a new approach, not a stronger crate.

Start with safe haven training, creating a cozy, secure area where your dog can relax. Begin while you are home: let them settle with a chew toy, snuffle mat, or food puzzle while you cook dinner or do chores. Slowly, they will learn that being alone in this space is safe.

Over time, and with the right combination of training, management, and enrichment, dogs can learn to self-soothe and feel secure even when you are not home.

Medication

In some cases, behavioral support alone may not be enough. Dogs facing intense fear, frustration, or anxiety may benefit from medications that help regulate their emotional state.

A veterinarian should always prescribe medications, and when possible, enlist the guidance of a veterinary behaviorist. Medication is not a shortcut but a valuable tool that can open the door to progress when used as part of a complete treatment plan.

Final Thoughts

Worn, broken, or fractured teeth are not just physical injuries; they can also signal deeper behavioral or medical issues. If your dog has damaged teeth or is showing behavior changes, work with your veterinary team to uncover the cause and create a plan supporting their physical and emotional well-being. Behavior is information, and every bite, chew, or bark might be your dog’s way of asking for help.