Some of you may remember when I had a doggie conundrum and was torn between rescuing a young rat terrier or a “fugly dog.” Fugly dog prevailed (other doggie also found a home!) and is now fully a part of the household and I can’t ever remember life without him.
Fugly dog is charming and hilarious but oooooohhhh so quirky. He came to me with 3 whole teeth. He’s never been much of a drinker, but I’ve caught him at the bowl from time to time, his bloodwork is great (other than the hypothyroidism which is being treated) and the vet says that since he is eating very moist food that it’s not unusual for him not to be “thirsty,” and that he is perfectly hydrated.
Today was a day where he wanted to drink, and he walked over to the water, took two gulps, then pawed at his mouth, like something hurt. I watched for a few moments (he’s a total weirdo and has been known to paw at his face, dig at nothing on the carpet, scoot quickly about the room for no reason, etc etc) and he was fine. In fact, 5 minutes later I gave him a PB kong and he finished that with his tongue no problem.
A few moments ago I saw the same sort of “pain” type reaction at the water bowl. I’ve examined his mouth to the best of my ability, but he hates it and is fearful when you try to get in there- probably because his teeth were so painful and in such horrendous shape at some point- and can’t see anything wrong. He just took a cookie from me and showed no pain.
I guess my questions are these:
1.) anyone else have a dog who isn’t a drinker, but is hydrated? I trust my vet but I’ve never had a dog like this before, and
2.) is this a vet worthy event? I think he will have to have a sedative for us to see anything…you can do anything to the dog except for look in his mouth. Is he just being a weirdo?! Why is food ok but not water!? (Waterbowl is clean and water is from filter.)
This dog is the best dog ever, and of course I won’t hesitate to do the vet thing…but I am also super paranoid and tend to overreact.
Ok so update- he went to sleep on my bed and I was able to peel his lips back- luckily he is a deep sleeper! Looks like he has a canker sore on the inside of his upper lip? What do I do about this?! Can I put people numbing stuff on it?
