Is it normal for a dog not to eat b/c of teething / tooth ache?

Question

My 4 1/2 month shih X bichon has not been eat regularly (she eats 3 times a day). Could this be because she is teething and the dry kibble is causing tooth ache?

Answer 1

Could be, but open her mouth and see if any of them are purple in color and just hanging on a little, if they are try to help her by pulling them, they don't hurt that bad when pulled, but do cause some discomfort if eating hard kibble just before they drop out. If none seem loose enough to pull easily, then she may have an upset stomach, try offering some boiled chicken and rice for a couple of days, this is bland and may help settle her stomach, and if not, will definitely be easier on the painful teeth if they are the root of the problem. If she still doesn't want to eat even the soft good food, get her to a vet, she may have a blockage from something else she chewed on and swallowed. Good Luck.

Answer 2

Yes, dogs do change their eating habits slightly when they have tooth issues.

Put some water in her kibble an hour before you give it to her - it will soften it and allow her to get the same nutrition she usually does and will prevent her stool from changing (because it will change if you switch her food.)

Answer 3

try mixing in just a LITTLe canned food--not too much or she'll have diarrhea. she may have something wrong with her teeth so examine her mouth,, u kno, push gently on the gums and teeth to make sure nothing bleeds or is loose...otherwise, go to a vet

Answer 4

yes