Senior Dog Comfort & Care

Toothaches are miserably painful and can make eating challenging. If you notice one or more of these signs, your dog may be suffering with tender gums or loose or cracked teeth:

• Little to no interest in dry food or hard treats
• Chewing is careful and slow
• When chewing, food drops from their mouth
• Drooling: before, during, or after eating
• Rubbing or pawing at their mouth
• Resistance to their face being touched
• BAD breath
• Swollen muzzle

If your senior dog doesn’t eat enough, they could lose muscle mass (Tip #18), something they’re already losing by getting older. Conversely, they could be inhaling their food if the thought of chewing causes them anxiety for fear of pain, which can cause choking or stomach issues. So, keep an eye out for odd eating behavior.