Teething - Not eating her food?

[Lauren Salfi]

Hello, 

Our goldendoodle Sophie is 45lbs / 6 months old she's been teething for a while now and is almost done. We find that she is not eating her food as much as she should, not sure if her mouth is sore or if it's completely unrelated. Wondering if anyone else had the same issue? Also, she seems to be super sleepy. Thanks!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I have no idea what might be causing the sleepiness. A lot of puppies at this age start to eat less food as their growth slows down and they don't require as many calories. But the sleepiness (lethargy?) coupled with a loss of appetite could be signs of illness. I don't think it's related to teething, it would be very unusual for teething to cause inappetance for more than a day or so, and it wouldn't cause sleepiness. You may want to have your vet check her out, just for peace of mind.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Are you saying you're giving her the amount recommended on the food package, and she's not finishing it?  Is she actually loosing any weight?  When you say she's super sleepy does that mean she's sleeping a lot more than she had been?  When given a chance to play or go for a walk how does she respond? 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I just noticed your post on weight.  It certainly appears like she has been gaining steadily....she may just be leveling off at this point.  Also, I see you're in Canada.  I find that my guys sleep more in this cold, snowy weather just because it's so much more difficult to get the out to exercise.  Could that be in with Sophie?

[Lauren Salfi]

Hello, yes were giving her the amount of food recommended and she's not finishing it. 

I guess she's not that sleepy maybe a little more than before.  I'm wondering if maybe she doesn't like it?  She does get very energetic and excited for walks and playing fetch. So maybe i'm just being over observant or paranoid?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

A normal healthy dog won't starve herself, she will eat what she needs. Don't fall into the trap of wondering or worrying about whether or not she likes her food, that's the pathway to creating a picky eater. If you are free feeding, try feeding twice a day at set meal times, giving her 10 minutes to eat, and then removing the food and not offering food again until the next scheduled meal. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Yes, I really wouldn't be too concerned yet.  They go through "spurts" of eating and then tapering off.  As long as she's eating and not acting like she doesn't feel well, I wouldn't worry.  I agree with putting the dish down, waiting for her to eat and then just pick it up if she doesn't finish.  I don't hear anything that would make me think there's something physically wrong at this point.

[Beth Simpson]

I know this post is a few years old, but my 6 month old, 40 pound, goldendoodle Abby is going through just about the same thing. She is teething, her interest in food comes and gos, and is very sleepy. We've been to the doctor recently, and she isn't ill. He didn't seem to be considered. I still wanted to see if other doodle owners went through the same thing. Did the situation improve when Sophie finished teething?