Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why is my 8-month puppy moody and yelping when his mouth is touched?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 22 lbs

My 8mo puppy seems moody and sad a lot. He's still not developing his adult teeth and often growl and yelp when people (or when he scratch himself) touch his mouth area.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on October 11th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor guy!

He could have oral pain for have an ear infection as well. An ear infection can look like mouth pain. If this growling/yelping is new then I would have him seen. If he is always like that it could be his personality. At 8 months of age all his adult teeth should be in. If they aren't he should have full mouth X-rays to see if the adults just aren't present and to be sure he doesn't have dentigerous cysts (cysts that form around the teeth in the bone). Usually this doesn't cause oral pain. I recommend having him examined by a Vet this week. They can look at his mouth and ears. If he is so painful they can sedate him so they can thoroughly examine him.

I wish you the best!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My 5-month-old puppy yelps when his mouth is touched. Is it teething?

Hi there and thanks for posting! Sounds like Reese may have a dental issue- or perhaps just pain from his baby teeth coming out as his adult teeth start coming in. This is not uncommon in puppies this age, however, I would suggest Reese see a veterinarian for an oral exam just to make sure there is nothing more concerning happening. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why does my dog cry out in pain when I touch his mouth or teeth?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely due to pain or discomfort. This may be related to periodontal disease or even a tumor or an infection such as a tooth root abscess. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to recommend further based on findings. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why does my dog cry out in pain when opening his mouth or yawning?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely due to mouth pain. This may be due to bone discomfort or perhaps any sort of fracture or trauma. It could also be due to muscle pain. I recommend that you have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and treat accordingly. Good luck and have a great day!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why does my dog make noise when I touch their mouth? Is it pain?

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It is hard to say what the cause is without examining your dog first, but making noise whenever you touch the mouth may indicate your dog is experiencing some level of discomfort or pain around his mouth. A dental infection, abscess, fracture, tumor, or other cause may be possibilities. I would advise seeing your veterinarian for a oral exam for a definitive diagnosis. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Dog screams when yawning, won't chew. Is it mouth pain? What to do?

I'd tell your parents you spoke to a vet for free, and you were advised that he does need to see a vet. It's not normal at all for Koda to scream when yawning, and the fact he's not biting down to eat his kibble. He may stop eating from the pain, which will lead to weight loss. This has to be checked out by a vet, he won't grow out of this. Please have your parents take him into a vet today. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog hiding her face and yelping when I touch her mouth?

I am sorry to hear about your dog. I would definitely recommend a visit to your veterinarian. I would be concerned about a problem with a tooth such as infection or fracture, or a problem with an ear being painful, or possibly a problem with the jaw or the temporal mandibular junction (joint of the jaw). The vet should be able to look her over and hopefully localize where the problem is coming from. They may recommend an x-ray if they are afraid of a break, or an ear swab if it looks like the ear is involved. Another possibility could be neck pain which the vet can check for as well.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog constantly pawing at its mouth? What should I do?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This may be due to something affecting the mouth such as dental disease, inflammation or even a growth causing discomfort. I recommend that you have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check what is going on so that therapy can be started. Best of luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share