diff --git a/src/dog.c b/src/dog.c
index 09cdb0053..6a664bd9c 100644
--- a/src/dog.c
+++ b/src/dog.c
@@ -604,10 +604,12 @@ mon_catchup_elapsed_time(
         mtmp->mstun = 0;
 
     /* might finish eating or be able to use special ability again */
-    if (imv > mtmp->meating)
-        finish_meating(mtmp);
-    else
-        mtmp->meating -= imv;
+    if (mtmp->meating) {
+        if (imv > mtmp->meating)
+            finish_meating(mtmp);
+        else
+            mtmp->meating -= imv;
+    }
     if (imv > mtmp->mspec_used)
         mtmp->mspec_used = 0;
     else
diff --git a/src/dogmove.c b/src/dogmove.c
index 5beaea770..90df3790f 100644
--- a/src/dogmove.c
+++ b/src/dogmove.c
@@ -1401,7 +1401,7 @@ void
 finish_meating(struct monst *mtmp)
 {
     mtmp->meating = 0;
-    if (M_AP_TYPE(mtmp) && mtmp->mappearance && mtmp->data->mlet != S_MIMIC) {
+    if (M_AP_TYPE(mtmp) != M_AP_NOTHING && mtmp->data->mlet != S_MIMIC) {
         /* was eating a mimic and now appearance needs resetting */
         mtmp->m_ap_type = M_AP_NOTHING;
         mtmp->mappearance = 0;