Dealing with a Puppy Losing Teeth and Refusing Kibble

Section 1: Reasons Why Dogs May Refuse to Eat During Teething

During the teething phase, dogs might be reluctant to consume their regular dog food due to two primary reasons:

Firstly, as dogs are teething, they may have gnawed on particularly hard objects to help with the process of wearing down their teeth. This can lead to bleeding, pain, and inflammation at the sites of tooth loss. It's completely normal for a dog to be unwilling to eat due to this discomfort. Once the pain subsides, their appetite should gradually return.

Secondly, teething typically occurs between the ages of 4 to 8 months. At this stage, dogs are accustomed to eating harder kibble. However, some dogs may experience severe gum pain during this time, making it difficult to chew on hard food. The act of chewing can thus be quite painful for them during the teething period.

Section 2: How to Handle a Dog's Refusal to Eat During Teething

1. Offer Soft Foods

During the teething phase, you can provide your dog with softer options. This can include homemade soft dog food, like broth made from cooked meat (without salt), softened kibble soaked in warm water or goat's milk, canned food in a liquid form, or white porridge. These are usually quite appealing to puppies.

2. Alleviate Pain

During teething, loose teeth or swollen gums can cause pain. You can help by placing a damp cloth in the refrigerator to chill and then allowing your dog to chew on it for relief. Alternatively, you can apply it directly to the affected area, gently massaging your dog's jaw to soothe the discomfort.

3. Utilize Teething Aids

Use a teething aid with an appropriate texture to help your dog grind their teeth, facilitating the natural shedding of milk teeth. Be cautious to avoid overly hard chew toys, as they can cause digestive upset or misaligning of new teeth.

4. Maintain Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is crucial during teething to prevent bacterial infections and inflammation. You can use a product like Purina's Oral Care Spray to kill bacteria, reduce gum swelling, and alleviate pain, as well as manage excessive drooling.

While a decrease in appetite during teething is not a cause for immediate concern, it's important not to ignore it either. Dogs are in a rapid growth phase, and a lack of nutrition can lead to developmental issues. If your dog consistently refuses to eat, it's advisable to take them to a veterinarian to rule out any underlying gastrointestinal disorders or consult with an online veterinary expert.