Horses show their teeth as a form of communication and due to various physiological conditions; understanding these cues can assist in better identifying their needs and overall wellbeing.
Communications and Behavior
Primarily, when horses show their teeth it’s often a part of their body language communication. This communication can be broken down into three key categories:
- Flehmen Response: Horses, particularly stallions, often curl back their upper lip exposing their teeth in a reaction known as the flehmen response. This bizarre-looking expression allows them to better sample and analyze scents in their environment.
- Aggression And Dominance: Horses may also display their teeth as a sign of aggression or discomfort, which is often accompanied by other signs such as pinned back ears and a swishing tail. This form of teeth display can be an important communication tool especially when interacting with other horses.
- Submissive Or Playful Interaction: On the flip side, teeth showing can also signify more friendly, submissive or playful intent, particularly among younger horses.
Physiological Reasons
In addition to communication, horses may also show their teeth due to various physiological stimuli:
- Nutritional Needs: Horses may show signs of an unusually tense mouth, tooth grinding, or even strange ‘smiling’ behaviour when they are hungry or when their diet is missing some crucial nutrients.
- Pain Or Discomfort: Like most animals, horses can’t verbally express when they are in pain. However, they will often show teeth as an indication of discomfort or pain, especially if it is dental or mouth-related.
| Dental Problems | Signs |
|---|---|
| Tooth Infection | Excessive drooling, bad breath, weight loss |
| Sharp Edges or Hooks | Difficulty eating, dropping food |
| Broken or Loose Teeth | Swelling, blood in the mouth |
- Age: Horses may also show their teeth due to age. Horses’ teeth grow and change throughout their lifetime. Older horses often display a unique dental pattern known as “Galvayne’s groove,” which might lead to more visible teeth.
Understanding Your Horse’s Teeth
Understanding why horses show their teeth can be critical in determining their health status.
By paying attention to when and why a horse is displaying its teeth, owners and caretakers can get a general idea of the animal’s overall wellness and social status. However, professional assessment from a veterinarian or equine dentist is always advised if unusual mouth behavior is displayed regularly.
Engaging in regular dental check-ups can also help ensure there are no unnoticed problems lingering that could potentially lead to more serious issues down the line. Many equine health professionals recommend an annual dental check-up for your horse.
Communication: The Art of Teeth Display
Horses have a unique repertoire of body language, and showing teeth is one of the most nuanced expressions they employ. Identifying the intent behind teeth displaying behaviors involves understanding some additional horse body language aspects.
A horse showing teeth with pinned back ears and snappy movements suggests a clear warning of possible aggressive behavior. In contrast, parted lips combined with relaxed body posture and soft eyes point towards playful or investigative behavior. Here’s a more detailed exploration of these behaviors:
Flehmen Response
- Curling of upper lip, closing of nostrils
- Mostly observed in stallions, but mares and foals also exhibit it
- Commonly occurs when introduced to novel or interesting smells
Aggression and Dominance
- Teeth are bared, ears pinned back
- Tail swishing or erect
- Can include nipping, biting, or charging
Submissive or Playful Interaction
- Parting of lips, teeth barely showing
- Soft eye expression
- Play bow: neck stretched low, snorting or blowing
Physiological Reasons Behind Teeth Showing
Among the physiological reasons for horses showing their teeth, nutritional needs, dental pain, and aging signs top the list. But there are a few more we could add:
Genetic Traits
Some horse breeds or individuals may naturally have a more visible dental display, such as the “parrot mouth,” where the upper jaw extends past the lower jaw.
Oral Paralysis
This is a severe condition where a horse loses control over its lips and mouth. If you notice your horse’s slack lips and drooping mouth, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian immediately.
Dental Disease
Dental diseases like periodontal disease, gingivitis, tooth abscess, and sinusitis can make horses uncomfortable, leading them to show their teeth more often.
| Dental Disease | Signs |
|---|---|
| Periodontal Disease | Teeth grinding, bad breath |
| Gingivitis | Swelling, redness in gums |
| Tooth Abscess | Facial swelling, nasal discharge |
| Sinusitis | Facial swelling, nasal discharge |
Monitoring Your Horse’s Dental Health
It’s important to monitor your horse’s mouth and teeth regularly to identify any potential problems early.
- Horse’s Behaviour: Notice if your horse displays any usual behavior such as dropping grain while eating, excessive salivation, strange mouth movements, or sudden changes in behavior.
- Oral Check: Check your horse’s mouth for wounds, swellings, or abnormal smells. Make sure the teeth are evenly worn, and there are no sharp edges or loose teeth.
- Professional Dental Check: An annual dental check by a trained equine dentist or a veterinarian is crucial. They can identify and address any potential issues before they turn into significant problems.
By comprehending why horses show their teeth, we’re not only able to understand their communication cues better but also pay timely attention to any potential health concerns. A deep understanding of these behaviors goes a long way in ensuring the overall well-being of the horse.
