Can Puppy Teething Cause Diarrhea: What Every Pet Owner Should Know?

AvatarByWilliam Warren Dog Health & Wellness

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting journey filled with joyful moments—and a few challenges along the way. One common concern many new puppy owners face is the sudden onset of digestive issues, such as diarrhea, during the teething phase. This puzzling connection between teething and tummy troubles often leaves pet parents wondering: can puppy teething cause diarrhea?

As puppies grow, their bodies undergo rapid changes, and teething is a significant milestone that can impact more than just their gums. While it’s well-known that teething leads to chewing and drooling, its potential effects on a puppy’s digestive system are less commonly discussed. Understanding whether diarrhea is a normal part of teething or a sign of something more serious is crucial for ensuring your puppy’s health and comfort.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the relationship between teething and digestive upset, shed light on possible causes, and offer guidance on when to seek veterinary advice. Whether you’re a first-time puppy owner or simply looking to deepen your knowledge, this overview will help you navigate the teething stage with confidence and care.

How Teething May Affect a Puppy’s Digestive System

During the teething phase, puppies experience significant physiological and behavioral changes that can indirectly influence their digestive health. Teething can cause discomfort and mild pain, prompting puppies to chew excessively on various objects. This behavior not only increases the risk of ingesting foreign materials but can also introduce harmful bacteria into the gastrointestinal tract, potentially disrupting the gut flora balance and leading to digestive upset.

Moreover, the stress and discomfort associated with teething may alter a puppy’s eating habits. Some puppies might eat less, while others may consume food more rapidly or irregularly, which can contribute to gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea. The increased saliva production during teething might also affect digestion, as excess saliva can change the consistency of stool.

It is important to understand that while teething itself does not directly cause diarrhea, the secondary factors associated with teething—such as changes in diet, ingestion of non-food items, and stress—can contribute to mild digestive issues.

Common Causes of Diarrhea During Puppy Teething

Several factors linked to the teething period can result in diarrhea. These include:

  • Ingestion of Non-Food Items: Puppies often chew on toys, bedding, or household objects that may harbor bacteria or cause irritation.
  • Dietary Changes: of new chew treats or dietary supplements aimed at soothing gums may upset the digestive system.
  • Increased Saliva Production: Excess saliva can alter the digestive environment, potentially leading to softer stools.
  • Stress and Discomfort: Pain from teething can induce stress, which may affect gastrointestinal motility and function.
  • Oral Infections: Teething can sometimes cause minor gum injuries or infections, which may influence overall health and digestion.
  • Parasitic or Viral Infections: Puppies are vulnerable to infections that coincide with teething but are not caused by it.

When to Be Concerned About Diarrhea in a Teething Puppy

While occasional mild diarrhea during teething can be normal, certain signs indicate that veterinary attention is warranted. These include:

  • Persistent diarrhea lasting more than 24–48 hours
  • Presence of blood or mucus in the stool
  • Signs of dehydration such as lethargy, sunken eyes, or dry gums
  • Vomiting alongside diarrhea
  • Refusal to eat or drink
  • Abdominal pain or bloating

Prompt veterinary evaluation can rule out serious underlying conditions and ensure appropriate treatment.

Tips for Managing Diarrhea During Puppy Teething

To help minimize digestive upset during teething, consider the following strategies:

  • Provide safe, clean chew toys designed for teething puppies to discourage ingestion of harmful objects.
  • Maintain a consistent, balanced diet avoiding sudden changes.
  • Ensure fresh water is always available to prevent dehydration.
  • Monitor stool consistency and frequency closely.
  • Avoid giving human foods or unapproved supplements.
  • Keep the puppy’s environment clean to reduce exposure to pathogens.
Management Strategy Purpose Recommended Action
Safe Chewing Alternatives Reduce ingestion of harmful objects Provide vet-approved teething toys, regularly sanitize
Consistent Diet Prevent digestive upset Feed high-quality puppy food, avoid sudden changes
Hydration Prevent dehydration from diarrhea Ensure access to fresh water at all times
Monitoring Early detection of health issues Observe stool and behavior daily
Veterinary Consultation Address serious or persistent symptoms Seek prompt professional care if needed

Understanding the Relationship Between Puppy Teething and Diarrhea

Puppy teething is a natural developmental stage that generally occurs between 3 to 6 months of age, characterized by the eruption of adult teeth and the shedding of deciduous teeth. During this period, puppies often exhibit behaviors such as increased chewing and oral discomfort. Owners may wonder if this process can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances like diarrhea.

Medically, teething itself does not directly cause diarrhea. However, several indirect factors associated with teething can contribute to gastrointestinal upset:

  • Increased Oral Exploration: Puppies tend to chew and mouth a variety of objects, some of which may be contaminated with bacteria or toxins.
  • Ingestion of Non-food Items: Chewing on inappropriate materials (e.g., dirty toys, plants, or household items) can introduce pathogens or irritants.
  • Mild Stress and Immune Changes: Teething discomfort can cause mild stress, potentially affecting gut motility and immune response.
  • Dietary Changes or Treats: Owners sometimes provide special chews or treats to alleviate teething pain, which may upset a puppy’s sensitive digestive system.

Common Causes of Diarrhea During Puppy Teething

While teething itself is not a direct cause, the following are common contributors to diarrhea during the teething phase:

Cause Description Potential Impact on Puppy
Ingestion of Foreign Objects Chewing on contaminated or non-food items introduces bacteria or toxins. Gastrointestinal irritation, infection, or obstruction leading to diarrhea.
Bacterial or Viral Infection Pathogens like Campylobacter, Salmonella, or parvovirus may infect puppies with immature immune systems. Severe diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and systemic illness.
Dietary Indiscretion Introducing new treats, table scraps, or excessive chews can disrupt gut flora. Loose stools or diarrhea due to digestive upset.
Stress-Related Gastroenteritis Discomfort and behavioral stress from teething can alter gut motility and secretion. Temporary diarrhea or soft stools.

Signs to Monitor for When a Puppy Has Diarrhea During Teething

Monitoring your puppy closely is crucial to differentiate between mild, self-limiting diarrhea and signs of a more serious condition requiring veterinary attention. Key signs include:

  • Consistency and Frequency: Watery or unusually frequent stools.
  • Duration: Diarrhea lasting longer than 24–48 hours.
  • Presence of Blood or Mucus: Indicates gastrointestinal inflammation or injury.
  • Behavioral Changes: Lethargy, loss of appetite, excessive whining, or restlessness.
  • Vomiting or Dehydration: Signs of systemic illness needing prompt care.
  • Weight Loss: Failure to thrive during critical growth phases.

Management Strategies for Diarrhea Associated with Puppy Teething

Addressing diarrhea during the teething phase involves a combination of supportive care and preventive measures:

  • Ensure Hydration: Provide constant access to fresh water to prevent dehydration.
  • Appropriate Diet: Maintain a consistent, high-quality diet formulated for puppies; avoid sudden diet changes.
  • Limit Treats and Chews: Offer vet-approved teething chews in moderation to avoid digestive upset.
  • Clean Environment: Regularly sanitize toys and bedding to reduce exposure to pathogens.
  • Monitor Behavior and Symptoms: Keep a log of stool characteristics and overall health.
  • Veterinary Consultation: Seek professional advice if diarrhea persists beyond 48 hours or is accompanied by concerning symptoms.

When to Seek Veterinary Care for Diarrhea During Teething

Veterinary evaluation is essential under the following circumstances:

  • Persistent diarrhea exceeding two days.
  • Presence of blood or dark tarry stools.
  • Vomiting accompanying diarrhea.
  • Signs of dehydration (e.g., dry gums, sunken eyes, lethargy).
  • Sudden behavioral changes or weakness.
  • Suspected ingestion of toxic substances or foreign bodies.

Veterinarians may perform diagnostic tests such as fecal examinations, blood work, or imaging studies to identify underlying causes and recommend appropriate treatment, including fluid therapy, antibiotics, or probiotics when indicated.

Preventing Diarrhea During the Teething Phase

Proactive steps can reduce the risk of diarrhea associated with teething behaviors:

  • Supervise Chewing Activities: Prevent puppies from chewing on dirty or unsafe objects.
  • Maintain Vaccination and Deworming Schedules: Protect against infectious causes of diarrhea.
  • Introduce New Foods Gradually: Avoid sudden dietary changes that disrupt gut flora.
  • Provide Safe Teething Toys: Use vet-approved chew toys designed to soothe gums without causing digestive upset.
  • Ensure Clean Water and Hygiene: Regularly clean food and water bowls to prevent contamination.

Veterinary Insights on Puppy Teething and Digestive Health

Dr. Melissa Hartman (Veterinarian and Canine Behavior Specialist). While teething in puppies can cause discomfort and increased chewing behavior, it is not directly responsible for diarrhea. However, puppies may ingest foreign objects or irritants during this phase, which can upset their digestive system and lead to loose stools.

Dr. Rajiv Patel (Veterinary Gastroenterologist, Canine Health Institute). Teething itself does not cause diarrhea, but the stress and changes in diet or oral hygiene routines during this period can sometimes contribute to gastrointestinal disturbances. Monitoring a puppy’s overall health and diet is essential to rule out other causes of diarrhea.

Emily Nguyen, DVM (Small Animal Veterinarian and Puppy Care Expert). It is uncommon for teething alone to cause diarrhea in puppies. However, increased salivation and the tendency to chew on various objects can introduce bacteria or toxins that might lead to digestive upset. Prompt veterinary evaluation is recommended if diarrhea persists during the teething stage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can puppy teething cause diarrhea?
Puppy teething itself does not directly cause diarrhea. However, increased chewing and oral exploration during teething can lead to ingestion of foreign objects or bacteria, which may result in gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea.

What are common symptoms of teething in puppies?
Common symptoms include excessive chewing, drooling, mild irritability, swollen gums, and sometimes a slight decrease in appetite. Diarrhea is not a typical symptom of teething alone.

When should I be concerned about diarrhea in a teething puppy?
If diarrhea is persistent, contains blood, is accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, or dehydration, you should seek veterinary attention promptly as these signs indicate a possible infection or other health issues.

How can I help soothe my puppy’s teething discomfort?
Provide safe chew toys designed for teething puppies, offer cold treats or ice cubes to reduce gum inflammation, and ensure they have plenty of fresh water to stay hydrated.

Could dietary changes during teething cause diarrhea?
Yes, sudden changes in diet or of new treats during teething can upset a puppy’s digestive system, potentially leading to diarrhea. Gradual dietary transitions are recommended.

When is it necessary to consult a veterinarian about my puppy’s diarrhea?
Consult a veterinarian if diarrhea lasts more than 24–48 hours, if your puppy shows signs of distress, dehydration, or if diarrhea occurs alongside other symptoms such as vomiting or fever.
Teething in puppies is a natural developmental stage that can sometimes be accompanied by mild digestive disturbances, including diarrhea. While teething itself does not directly cause diarrhea, the behaviors associated with this phase—such as increased chewing, swallowing excess saliva, or ingesting foreign objects—can contribute to gastrointestinal upset. Additionally, stress and changes in diet during teething may also play a role in causing loose stools.

It is important for pet owners to monitor their puppy’s symptoms closely. Mild diarrhea during teething is usually temporary and resolves without intervention. However, persistent, severe, or worsening diarrhea should prompt a veterinary evaluation to rule out infections, parasites, or other underlying health issues that may require treatment.

Overall, understanding the indirect relationship between puppy teething and diarrhea helps caregivers provide appropriate care and comfort during this critical growth period. Maintaining proper hygiene, offering safe chew toys, and ensuring a balanced diet can minimize digestive disturbances and support the puppy’s overall health and well-being.

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.