Lab pup question

[srs]

I have a 4 month old lab that engulfs her food and doesnt chew it. She usually stops at mid bowl to catch her breath and then continues on. Today she stopped looked alittle funny and threw it all up whole. the other day she started choking on it and took a few seconds to clear herself. I would guess she would get the idea and slow down but she seems to be taking awhile to catch on. Any suggestions on slowing her down? I would think this might be normal but didn't know if there is something i could being doing. Thanks.

[kninebirddog]

On the dogs we have that wolf down their food that fast I will get a cookie sheet with a lip and spread their food out..I have tried the bowls that are supposedly designed to slow a dog down but nothing has worked as well as the cheap cookie sheet

[mcbosco]

Muffin tins work too. I had a Lab that did the same thing. It is scary. Mine did that his whole life.

Try a 12 cup muffin tin and spread the food around in it.

[srs]

Thanks....yea it is alittle scary but i kinda of figured she would learn and slow herself down after choking. I will give one of those a try and see if it helps.

[mcbosco]

You might also try a food with a larger kibble size. That might help as well. I seem to recall a hand-feeding training method for this problem.

[ezzy333]

You might also try a food with a larger kibble size. That might help as well. I seem to recall a hand-feeding training method for this problem.

I just use a nice smooth flat stone in the dog dish.Works well and after using it for several months most will eat a lot slower.

Ezzy

[srs]

Thanks guys, tried the muffin pan, slowed her way down but still doesnt chew. She doesnt seem to be choking or having to catch her breath, so much better. Wife wasnt to happy to see what I was doing so I guess I have to go buy her a new pan.

On a side note.... noticed today the pup was sticking her nose down in the water bowl and started blowing bubbles. Kept her busy for about 10 minutes. They sure are funny.

[mcbosco]

If she is not uncomfortable or regurgitating I wouldn't worry about it. Dogs don't chew every piece of kibble anyway. Next bag see if you cant find a food with bigger kibble size. Labs are good sized dogs with a big mouth so that might help even more. She might learn to slow down with the muffin pan so at some point you won't need it.

The bubble blowing is cute.

[jlp8cornell]

On a side note.... noticed today the pup was sticking her nose down in the water bowl and started blowing bubbles. Kept her busy for about 10 minutes. They sure are funny.

MY GSP does this. I could not believe he was blowing bubbles from his nose. The breeder told me she threw treats in a pool when he was little so that's why. Still is amusing and he is 2.5 yrs.

PS- My boy's littermate eats at my house quite often. She inhales food. I just throw a few toys (Kongs) in the bowl and it slows her down.