It can be worrying when your puppy suddenly stops eating, especially during the teething phase. While teething is a natural developmental stage, it can make mealtime stressful and uncomfortable for your young dog.
We outline the common causes of dog teething and not eating, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Teething and Not Eating — Why It Happens
When a puppy is teething, the discomfort in their gums can make eating less appealing. This phase typically begins around 3 weeks of age and continues until about 6 months old. During this time, sore or inflamed gums, loose baby teeth, and emerging adult teeth can cause oral sensitivity. Your pup may shy away from hard kibble or even soft food due to the discomfort.
While teething is the primary reason a young dog might not eat, other concerns like infections, foreign objects, or underlying illnesses can also contribute.
Common Causes of Dog Teething and Not Eating
Teething Pain
Puppies, like babies, experience significant gum irritation when teething.
The pressure of emerging adult teeth can cause soreness, swelling, and general discomfort in the mouth.
You may notice your puppy pawing at their face, chewing excessively on objects, or drooling more than usual.
When the pain becomes too intense, they may refuse food altogether, particularly crunchy or dry kibble that aggravates their gums.
Teething pain is usually temporary but can affect a puppy’s nutritional intake if it causes prolonged food refusal.
Read more: Puppy Shivering and Not Eating (What’s normal and what’s not?)
Loose or Retained Baby Teeth
As permanent teeth push through, baby teeth should fall out naturally.
However, in some puppies, baby teeth may be slow to fall out or become retained, leading to crowding or misalignment.
This can create pressure points in the mouth and make chewing painful.
If your puppy has double rows of teeth or visible retained baby teeth, this could be why they’re avoiding food.
Left unchecked, this can also lead to dental complications or infection.
Gum Infections
The teething process can open small wounds in the gums, creating an entry point for bacteria.
This can result in localized infections or gingivitis in young dogs.
Symptoms might include bad breath, bleeding gums, and visible redness or swelling.
Infected gums can make eating extremely uncomfortable and should be treated promptly.
Your vet may prescribe antibiotics or suggest a change in oral care products.
Mouth Ulcers or Injuries
During teething, puppies often chew on hard surfaces or inappropriate items.
This habit can lead to cuts, abrasions, or ulcers on the tongue, gums, or roof of the mouth.
Mouth injuries make it painful to eat, especially if the food is salty or acidic.
If you notice your puppy wincing when chewing or licking their lips frequently, this could indicate a mouth injury.
Prompt vet care is important to avoid secondary infections or prolonged discomfort.
Stress and Appetite Loss
Teething can coincide with other stressful life stages like weaning, new home transitions, or early training.
Stress can reduce appetite and cause your puppy to skip meals.
If your dog is teething and also facing major environmental changes, the combination may suppress eating behavior.
Look for other signs of stress like pacing, whining, or hiding to determine if this might be part of the cause.
Underlying Illness
While teething is a common reason puppies won’t eat, it’s important not to overlook illness.
Parvovirus, digestive upset, or systemic infections can all reduce appetite in young dogs.
If vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or fever accompanies the lack of appetite, seek veterinary evaluation immediately.
Teething should not cause whole-body symptoms, so their presence may point to a more serious concern.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Teething and Not Eating
Start by offering softer, lukewarm foods that are easier to chew. Wet puppy food, warm broth-soaked kibble, or scrambled eggs can be more palatable during teething. Avoid serving food straight from the fridge, as cold temperatures can irritate sore gums.
Give your puppy access to safe teething toys that are designed to massage the gums and alleviate pressure. Cold rubber toys or frozen wet washcloths can offer relief. Just make sure they don’t swallow any pieces.
Feed in a calm, quiet area away from distractions. Teething can make your pup irritable, and a calm setting helps them focus on eating without stress.
Stick to regular meal times even if your puppy only eats a little. This keeps their routine stable and encourages gradual return of appetite.
Hydration is crucial—make sure your puppy continues to drink water. You can even offer ice cubes or diluted broth as a tasty alternative.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
If your puppy hasn’t eaten for more than 24 hours and shows no interest in food, it’s time to call your vet.
Watch for signs like:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Drooling excessively
Bleeding or pus in the mouth
Lethargy
Bad breath
These symptoms suggest that something more serious than teething could be going on.
Your vet may recommend x-rays, a dental exam, or bloodwork to rule out infections or developmental concerns.
Puppies can deteriorate quickly when not eating, so timely intervention is key.
Read more: Puppy Lethargic and Not Eating (Should you worry?)
Key Takeaway
Teething is a normal yet uncomfortable part of puppy development, and it can cause temporary food refusal. While soft foods, teething toys, and a stress-free feeding routine can help, it’s important to stay vigilant.
If your puppy stops eating completely, seems in pain, or shows other concerning signs, don’t delay in calling your vet. A caring, informed response will help your pup get through teething with minimal discomfort and get back to enjoying mealtime.