Does Puppy Teething Cause Loss of Appetite? What You Need to Know

Bringing home a new puppy is incredibly exciting but it can also come with unexpected challenges. One moment your furry friend is happily munching away at their kibble and the next they seem completely uninterested in food. If you’ve noticed your puppy’s appetite taking a nosedive, teething might be the culprit.

Yes, Teething Can Definitely Affect Your Puppy’s Appetite

The short answer is Yes, puppy teething can absolutely cause a loss of appetite When puppies are teething, the pain and discomfort in their mouths can make eating an unpleasant experience, leading many puppies to eat less or even temporarily refuse food altogether

As a pet parent who’s been through this with my own pups I can tell you it’s perfectly normal, though definitely concerning when you’re witnessing it for the first time!

Understanding the Puppy Teething Timeline

Puppies go through the teething process between approximately 3 to 8 months of age, though the most intense period usually occurs between 3 to 6 months. During this time:

• Baby teeth (milk teeth) fall out
• Adult teeth push through the gums
• Gums become red, swollen, and sensitive
• Chewing becomes an obsession to relieve discomfort

The entire teething process can last several months, with puppies typically having all their adult teeth by around 6-8 months of age. That’s a long time for your puppy to potentially experience discomfort!

Signs Your Puppy Is Teething (Beyond Just Not Eating)

While a decreased appetite is a common sign of teething, there are several other symptoms to watch for:

• Excessive drooling – You might notice more drool than usual
• Finding baby teeth – You may spot tiny teeth around your home or in your puppy’s feeding area
• Increased chewing and mouthing – Puppies chew to relieve gum pain
• Bleeding or swollen gums – If you check their mouth, the gums may appear red and inflamed
• Whining and crying – Vocalization due to pain and discomfort
• Reluctance to eat hard foods – Particularly dry kibble that requires a lot of chewing
• Mild lethargy – Some puppies become less active when teething

Why Exactly Does Teething Cause Loss of Appetite?

The connection between teething and reduced appetite makes perfect sense when you think about it:

1. Pain and discomfort – Imagine trying to eat with a really sore mouth! The pressure of chewing against inflamed gums is uncomfortable and sometimes painful.

2. Sensitivity in gums – As new teeth push through, the gums become tender and sensitive, making the normal action of chewing unpleasant.

3. Changes in taste perception – Some puppies may experience changes in how food tastes due to mouth inflammation.

As one of my veterinary friends explained to me, “Think about how you feel when you have a toothache – the last thing you want to do is bite down on something hard!”

When to Be Concerned About Your Puppy’s Appetite

While some decrease in appetite during teething is normal, there are times when you should be concerned:

• If your puppy refuses to eat for more than 24 hours
• If there’s significant weight loss
• If decreased appetite is accompanied by severe lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea
• If you notice excessive bleeding from the gums
• If your puppy seems to be in extreme pain

These could indicate something more serious than teething, such as:

• Worms or other parasites
• Parvovirus (which can be fatal if untreated)
• Distemper
• Other digestive issues

Always consult your vet if you’re unsure or concerned about your puppy’s health. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Helping Your Teething Puppy Maintain Their Appetite

The good news is there’s plenty you can do to encourage your teething puppy to eat:

1. Soften Their Food

One of the simplest solutions is to make their regular food easier to eat:

• Add warm water to kibble – Let it sit for a few minutes until soft and mushy
• Mix in some wet food – The moisture and stronger aroma may entice them
• Try bone broth – Use it to soften kibble instead of water for added flavor

2. Try Different Food Textures

• Wet or canned puppy food – Much gentler on sore gums
• Homemade soft foods – Like boiled chicken and rice
• Smaller kibble pieces – Crush larger pieces into smaller, easier-to-eat bits

3. Soothing Solutions for Teething Pain

• Frozen treats – Cool temperatures can numb the gums
• Teething-specific toys – Many are designed to be frozen
• Refrigerated foods – Cool (not cold) foods can be soothing
• Dental chews – These can provide relief while cleaning teeth

I remember putting damp washcloths in the freezer for my Lab puppy – he loved chewing on them when they were cold (just supervised to make sure he didn’t tear them apart!).

4. Meal Timing and Environment

• Feed smaller, more frequent meals – Easier for sensitive mouths
• Create a calm eating environment – Minimize distractions
• Be patient – Don’t rush your puppy or show anxiety about their eating

Real Life Experience: What Worked for My Teething Puppy

When my Labrador was teething, he suddenly went from inhaling his food to turning his nose up at it. After some trial and error, I found success with:

1. Soaking his kibble in warm bone broth for about 10 minutes
2. Offering frozen carrots as teething relief between meals
3. Splitting his meals into 3-4 smaller portions throughout the day

The change was almost immediate – while he still ate less than before teething began, he was at least getting enough nutrition to keep his energy levels up.

When to Consult Your Vet

While some appetite decrease during teething is normal, there are times when professional help is needed. You should consult your vet if:

• Your puppy refuses food for more than 24-48 hours
• There’s significant weight loss
• You notice other concerning symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea
• Your puppy seems unusually lethargic or in severe pain
• There’s excessive bleeding from the gums
• You’re unsure if teething is the actual cause

Your vet can rule out other possible issues and may recommend supplements or pain relief options if necessary.

Common Questions About Teething and Appetite

How long will my puppy’s appetite be affected?

The decreased appetite typically lasts only during the most active teething periods, with most puppies returning to normal eating habits once their adult teeth have fully emerged, usually by 6-8 months of age.

Do all puppies lose their appetite when teething?

No! Some puppies sail through teething with barely any change in appetite, while others may be more dramatically affected. Every puppy is different.

Can teething cause diarrhea or vomiting?

Mild digestive upset can sometimes occur during teething, but severe or persistent symptoms should always be checked by a vet as they likely indicate something else.

Will my puppy lose weight during teething?

Some minor weight fluctuation is normal, but significant weight loss is not typical of teething alone and warrants a vet visit.

Final Thoughts

Puppy teething is a natural process that every dog goes through. While it can certainly cause a temporary loss of appetite, with some patience and the right approach, you can help your furry friend stay nourished during this challenging time.

Remember, this phase doesn’t last forever! Before you know it, your puppy will have a full set of adult teeth and will likely return to their normal enthusiastic eating habits.

Have you experienced appetite changes with your teething puppy? What solutions worked best for you? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!