How does a dog behave when losing teeth? - briefly
When a dog is losing its teeth, it may exhibit behavioral changes such as decreased appetite and increased irritability or lethargy. Additionally, the dog might paw at its mouth or show signs of discomfort while eating or playing with toys.
How does a dog behave when losing teeth? - in detail
When dogs lose their teeth, they exhibit several noticeable behaviors that are distinct from their usual demeanor. The process of tooth loss in dogs typically begins around four months of age and continues until they reach adulthood, usually by seven months. During this period, dog owners may observe various changes in their pet's behavior.
One of the most common signs is a decrease in appetite. As puppies lose their baby teeth, the gums can become tender and sore, making chewing uncomfortable. This discomfort can lead to a temporary reduction in food intake. Owners should monitor their dog’s eating habits during this time and provide softer foods or treats to ease the transition.
Another notable behavior is increased chewing. Puppies tend to chew more frequently and on a wider variety of objects as they lose their teeth. This behavior helps alleviate the discomfort in their gums and also serves as a natural way for them to explore their environment. Providing appropriate chew toys can help redirect this instinctive behavior and prevent damage to household items.
Increased drooling is another common symptom. As the baby teeth fall out, the adult teeth begin to emerge, often causing temporary swelling and irritation in the gums. This can lead to an increase in saliva production, resulting in more drooling than usual. Owners should be prepared for this and may want to place towels or bibs around their dog’s eating area to manage the excess saliva.
Playful behavior might also decrease temporarily. Puppies experiencing tooth loss can become less active and playful due to discomfort. They may prefer to rest more or engage in gentler activities that do not involve their mouths. This is a normal response, and owners should be patient as their puppy adjusts to the changes.
Lastly, some dogs may exhibit signs of mild irritability or sensitivity around their mouth area. They might paw at their face or rub it against objects more frequently than usual. This behavior indicates that they are trying to soothe the discomfort in their gums. Providing gentle massages or using a damp cloth to wipe their mouths can help alleviate some of this irritability.
In conclusion, while losing teeth is a natural and inevitable part of a dog’s development, it can temporarily affect their behavior. By understanding these changes and providing appropriate care and comfort, owners can help their dogs navigate through this phase with minimal disruption to their well-being.