Is Your Pet Just Picky or in Dental Pain? A Vet Explains 3 Telltale Signs

‍Appetite Loss in Pets: More Than Just a Mood

Feeding is a crucial part of pet health. So when your furry companion eats less than usual, it’s natural for pet owners to worry. Like humans, cats and dogs have their own personalities and food preferences. But while some cases are just fussiness, a sudden change in appetite could signal something much more serious — like dental disease.

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3 Signs Your Pet Might Have a Toothache

Dental pain is a common cause of decreased appetite. If your pet shows any of the following behaviors during meals, they may be suffering from a toothache:

• Chewing only on one side, eating slowly, dropping food while eating
  
• Prefers soft food, refuses dry kibble ("Soft food only")
• Bad breath, drooling, sensitive to touch around the mouth
  If the drool contains blood or smells bad, it could indicate an oral infection.

Try gently examining your pet’s mouth. Are the gums a healthy pink? Is there redness, swelling, or bleeding? Pets in pain may resist having their mouth touched and may paw at their face or rub their muzzle to ease the discomfort.

Reminder: When in pain, pets may suddenly become fussy, stop eating halfway, or chew in strange ways. Cats, in particular, are experts at hiding pain. Always observe closely and consult your vet if anything seems unusual.

Tooth Pain = Appetite Loss

Common dental issues like periodontal disease, tooth resorption, and gingivitis make chewing painful — especially with hard kibble, which causes pets to become “picky eaters.”

Picky or Pain? How to Tell the Difference

Normal Picky Eating:

• Cause: Flavor preference
• Chewing: Normal chewing behavior
• Symptoms: Just selective eating

Dental Pain–Related Eating Issues:

• Cause: Pain when chewing
• Chewing: Trouble chewing, food falls out
• Symptoms: Drooling, bad breath, mouth sensitivity, weight loss 🚨 (If unsure — visit your vet right away!)

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Common Misconceptions (That Can Delay Treatment!)

❌ “She’s still eating, so her teeth must be fine.”
❌ “Just give her canned food — problem solved.”

Picky eating isn’t always about taste or personality. Don’t overlook hidden health risks. Delaying treatment may worsen the dental problem and increase your pet’s discomfort.

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What Should You Do If You Suspect Dental Pain?

Dental health directly affects a pet’s ability to eat — and their overall wellbeing. If you suspect something’s wrong, don’t wait. Seek veterinary advice promptly to identify the root cause and begin treatment.

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Is Dental X-Ray Really Necessary?

Yes, over 50% of dental disease lies below the gumline, invisible to the naked eye. In cats, studies show that 42% of dental issues can only be detected through dental X-rays.

By the time swelling or pus appears, the tooth root is often already seriously infected — and your pet has likely been silently suffering.

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What Can Dental X-Rays Detect?

• Tooth Resorption: The body breaks down and absorbs the tooth, often leaving only a small gum bump. Common in cats.
  
• Tooth Fractures: Caused by trauma, chewing hard objects, or decay. Can cause deep pain depending on severity.
  
• Retained Tooth Roots: Broken pieces of tooth left embedded in the gum.
  
• Tooth Root Abscess: Pus-filled infection at the tooth root — extremely painful and often invisible on the surface.

Early Detection, Faster Relief

To protect your pet’s oral health, book regular dental check-ups — and seek immediate veterinary care if you notice any of the signs above.

At Swanston Veterinary Hospital, we offer full dental care services, including dental X-rays and ultrasonic scaling, combined with deep veterinary expertise. We can pinpoint the source of pain early and help your furry companion enjoy eating comfortably again.