Do Puppies Have Diarrhea When Teething? Understanding the Signs and Causes

AvatarByWilliam Warren Dog Health & Wellness

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting journey filled with adorable moments and new experiences. However, along with the joy come questions and concerns about your furry friend’s health and behavior. One common worry among puppy owners is whether teething—a natural and sometimes challenging phase—can cause digestive issues like diarrhea. Understanding the connection between teething and your puppy’s digestive health is essential for providing the best care during this critical developmental stage.

Puppies go through teething as their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth emerge, a process that can sometimes lead to changes in their behavior and physical well-being. While chewing and drooling are well-known signs, some pet owners notice changes in their puppy’s stool consistency and wonder if diarrhea is a typical symptom of teething. Exploring this topic helps clarify what to expect and when to seek veterinary advice.

In this article, we’ll delve into the relationship between teething and digestive upset, examining common causes and offering guidance on how to support your puppy through this transitional period. Whether you’re a first-time puppy parent or looking to refresh your knowledge, understanding these nuances will help ensure your puppy stays happy and healthy.

Understanding the Relationship Between Teething and Diarrhea in Puppies

During the teething phase, puppies experience significant discomfort as their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth emerge. This process can affect their behavior and health in various ways, but it is important to distinguish between symptoms directly caused by teething and those that may signal other health concerns.

While some pet owners report that their puppies have diarrhea during teething, veterinary experts generally agree that teething itself does not directly cause diarrhea. Instead, diarrhea during this period is often linked to secondary factors associated with teething behaviors.

Puppies may chew on a variety of objects to relieve gum pain, and this increased oral exploration can lead to accidental ingestion of dirt, bacteria, or foreign materials. Such exposures can upset the digestive system and cause diarrhea. Additionally, stress or changes in diet during this time can contribute to gastrointestinal upset.

Common Causes of Diarrhea in Teething Puppies

Several factors may contribute to diarrhea during the teething phase, even if teething itself is not the direct cause:

  • Ingestion of Foreign Objects: Chewing on non-food items introduces bacteria, toxins, or indigestible materials.
  • Dietary Changes: Introducing new foods or treats to soothe gums can upset the stomach.
  • Stress and Anxiety: The discomfort of teething can cause stress, which may affect gut motility.
  • Infections: Opportunistic bacterial or viral infections may coincide with teething.
  • Parasites: Puppies are vulnerable to parasites, which can cause diarrhea independently of teething.

Symptoms to Monitor During Teething

It is crucial for pet owners to monitor their puppies carefully to determine whether diarrhea is related to teething or another underlying condition. Symptoms that should prompt a veterinary consultation include:

  • Persistent diarrhea lasting more than 24-48 hours
  • Presence of blood or mucus in stool
  • Signs of dehydration such as lethargy, dry gums, or sunken eyes
  • Vomiting or refusal to eat
  • Severe abdominal pain or bloating
  • Fever or unusual behavior changes

Recommended Care and Management

Managing diarrhea in teething puppies involves addressing both the discomfort of teething and the gastrointestinal symptoms. Recommended approaches include:

  • Providing safe chew toys specifically designed to soothe gums
  • Avoiding sudden changes in diet during the teething phase
  • Maintaining good hygiene to reduce ingestion of harmful bacteria
  • Ensuring access to clean, fresh water to prevent dehydration
  • Monitoring stool consistency and frequency closely

If diarrhea persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, a veterinary evaluation is essential to rule out infections, parasites, or other medical conditions.

Comparison of Teething-Related and Non-Teething Diarrhea in Puppies

Aspect Teething-Related Diarrhea Non-Teething Diarrhea
Cause Secondary factors like chewing foreign objects or mild stress Infections, parasites, dietary indiscretion, allergies, or systemic illness
Duration Usually brief and mild, resolves with supportive care May be prolonged and severe, requiring medical intervention
Associated Symptoms Mild gum irritation, increased chewing behavior Vomiting, lethargy, fever, blood in stool
Treatment Supportive care, safe chew toys, hydration Veterinary diagnosis and targeted therapy (antibiotics, antiparasitics)
When to Seek Vet Care If diarrhea persists beyond 2 days or worsens Immediately upon onset of severe or prolonged symptoms

Understanding the Relationship Between Teething and Diarrhea in Puppies

Teething in puppies is a natural developmental stage during which their deciduous teeth fall out and are replaced by adult teeth. This process generally begins around 3 weeks of age and can continue up to 6 months. It is commonly accompanied by behavioral and physical changes, but whether it directly causes diarrhea remains a topic of discussion among veterinarians.

While teething itself does not inherently cause diarrhea, several indirect factors associated with teething can contribute to gastrointestinal upset:

  • Increased mouthing and chewing: Puppies tend to chew on various objects to alleviate gum discomfort, which can lead to ingestion of dirt, foreign materials, or harmful bacteria, resulting in digestive disturbances.
  • Stress and discomfort: The pain and irritation from emerging teeth may cause stress that can transiently affect gut motility and function.
  • Changes in diet or feeding habits: Some owners introduce different types of chew toys or treats during teething, which may upset the puppy’s digestive system.
  • Immature digestive system: Puppies’ gastrointestinal tracts are still developing, making them more susceptible to minor infections or dietary indiscretions that can cause diarrhea.

Therefore, diarrhea observed during the teething period is more likely a symptom of these secondary factors rather than a direct result of teething.

Common Causes of Diarrhea in Teething Puppies

It is important to differentiate teething-related behaviors from other potential causes of diarrhea in puppies, as prompt identification ensures appropriate treatment. Common causes include:

Cause Description Relation to Teething
Dietary indiscretion Ingestion of non-food items like dirt, plants, or foreign objects during increased chewing Indirectly related; puppies chew more when teething
Dietary changes of new foods, treats, or chews that upset the gut Common during teething as owners provide soothing treats
Parasitic infections Intestinal parasites such as Giardia or roundworms Unrelated, but common in young puppies
Infections Bacterial or viral infections affecting the gastrointestinal tract Unrelated to teething
Stress Physiological stress affecting gut motility Possible during teething

Signs to Monitor When Your Puppy Is Teething

During teething, owners should observe their puppy’s behavior and physical signs to distinguish normal symptoms from signs warranting veterinary attention:

  • Normal teething signs:
    • Increased chewing and biting
    • Mild drooling
    • Slight gum swelling or redness
    • Occasional fussiness or irritability
  • Signs of concern related to diarrhea:
    • Persistent or severe diarrhea lasting more than 24-48 hours
    • Presence of blood or mucus in stool
    • Vomiting accompanying diarrhea
    • Signs of dehydration (lethargy, sunken eyes, dry gums)
    • Loss of appetite or significant behavioral changes

Managing Diarrhea During the Teething Period

When diarrhea occurs during teething, careful management is necessary to ensure the puppy’s health and comfort. Recommended steps include:

  • Maintain hydration: Offer plenty of fresh water and consider electrolyte solutions formulated for pets if dehydration is a concern.
  • Monitor diet: Avoid sudden changes in food and refrain from giving unfamiliar treats or chew toys that may exacerbate gastrointestinal upset.
  • Provide safe chew toys: Use veterinarian-approved teething toys to reduce ingestion of harmful objects and soothe gums.
  • Observe stool quality: Keep a daily log of stool consistency, frequency, and any abnormalities to report to the veterinarian.
  • Seek veterinary advice: If diarrhea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other signs of illness, prompt veterinary evaluation is essential.

When to Consult a Veterinarian

Although mild gastrointestinal disturbances can occasionally accompany teething due to behavioral factors, persistent or severe diarrhea requires professional assessment. Consult a veterinarian if your puppy exhibits:

  • Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours
  • Visible blood or mucus in stools
  • Repeated vomiting or inability to keep water down
  • Signs of dehydration such as dry gums, lethargy, or sunken eyes
  • Rapid weight loss or failure to gain weight
  • Any other unusual behavioral or physical symptoms

The veterinarian may perform diagnostic tests

Veterinary Insights on Puppies and Diarrhea During Teething

Dr. Emily Hartman (Veterinarian, Canine Health Specialist). While teething itself does not directly cause diarrhea in puppies, the discomfort often leads them to chew on various objects, some of which may harbor bacteria or toxins. This behavior can result in gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea. Therefore, monitoring what a teething puppy chews on is essential to prevent digestive issues.

Dr. Marcus Lee (Animal Nutritionist, Pet Wellness Institute). Changes in a puppy’s diet or the of new chew toys during the teething phase can sometimes disrupt their digestive system. Although teething is not a direct cause of diarrhea, the stress and dietary changes associated with this period may contribute to softer stools or mild diarrhea in some puppies.

Dr. Sophia Nguyen (Puppy Behaviorist and Veterinary Consultant). It is important to distinguish between teething symptoms and signs of illness. Diarrhea in teething puppies is often a secondary issue caused by increased oral exploration and ingestion of non-food items. Persistent diarrhea should prompt a veterinary evaluation to rule out infections or parasites unrelated to the teething process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do puppies commonly experience diarrhea when teething?
Some puppies may develop mild diarrhea during teething due to increased oral exploration and swallowing of saliva, but it is not a guaranteed or universal symptom.

What causes diarrhea in puppies during the teething phase?
Diarrhea during teething can result from stress, dietary changes, swallowing foreign objects, or mild gastrointestinal upset linked to increased chewing behavior.

How can I differentiate between teething-related diarrhea and a more serious condition?
If diarrhea is persistent, contains blood, is accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, or dehydration, it is important to seek veterinary care as these signs indicate a potentially serious issue.

What measures can help manage diarrhea in teething puppies?
Providing a balanced diet, ensuring access to clean water, avoiding sudden dietary changes, and offering appropriate chew toys can help reduce gastrointestinal upset during teething.

When should I consult a veterinarian about my puppy’s diarrhea?
Consult a veterinarian if diarrhea lasts more than 24–48 hours, worsens, or is associated with other symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, or weakness.

Can teething cause other digestive issues besides diarrhea?
While diarrhea is the most common digestive symptom linked to teething, some puppies may experience mild nausea or decreased appetite, but significant digestive problems are uncommon.
In summary, while teething in puppies can cause various discomforts such as drooling, chewing, and irritability, diarrhea is not a direct or typical symptom of the teething process itself. However, some puppies may experience mild digestive upset, including diarrhea, due to increased stress or accidental ingestion of foreign objects while chewing. It is important to differentiate between normal teething behaviors and signs of gastrointestinal illness that may require veterinary attention.

Owners should monitor their puppies closely during the teething phase, ensuring they have appropriate chew toys and maintain a consistent diet to minimize digestive disturbances. If diarrhea persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, or loss of appetite, prompt consultation with a veterinarian is essential to rule out infections, dietary intolerances, or other health issues.

Ultimately, understanding that diarrhea is not a common consequence of teething helps pet owners provide better care and avoid unnecessary worry. Proper management and observation during this developmental stage will support the puppy’s overall health and comfort, ensuring a smooth transition through teething without complications.

Author Profile

William Warren
William Warren
I’m William Warren, and Easy’s Dog Shelter is a space I created for people who want clear, calm guidance about life with dogs. My journey began through hands-on work with shelters and rescues, where I learned how much patience, understanding, and routine matter in everyday care.

Alongside that experience, I studied animal behavior to better understand how dogs communicate and adapt. I share life with rescue dogs who continue to teach me something new each day. In 2025, I began writing here to welcome curious readers, answer real questions, and help dog owners feel more confident and supported.