Can Teething in Dogs Cause Diarrhea? Exploring the Connection

AvatarByWilliam Warren Dog Health & Wellness

Teething is a significant milestone in a puppy’s early life, marked by the emergence of new teeth and often accompanied by a range of behavioral and physical changes. As adorable as this phase can be, it also raises questions and concerns for pet owners, especially when unexpected symptoms arise. One common worry is whether teething in dogs can cause digestive issues, such as diarrhea, which can be alarming and confusing.

Understanding the connection between teething and gastrointestinal upset is important for any dog owner striving to ensure their furry friend’s comfort and health. While teething itself is a natural process, the discomfort it brings may lead to behaviors or bodily responses that impact a puppy’s digestive system. Exploring this relationship helps clarify what symptoms are typical and when to seek veterinary advice.

In the following sections, we will delve into the potential causes behind diarrhea during a dog’s teething stage, how to recognize signs that warrant concern, and practical tips to support your pet through this developmental phase. Whether you’re a new puppy parent or simply curious, gaining insight into this topic can make a big difference in managing your dog’s well-being.

Physiological Effects of Teething on a Dog’s Digestive System

During the teething phase, puppies experience significant oral discomfort as their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth emerge. This discomfort often leads to increased chewing behavior, which can inadvertently impact their digestive system. While teething itself does not directly cause diarrhea, several physiological and behavioral factors associated with teething may contribute to gastrointestinal disturbances.

One primary factor is the increased salivation and swallowing of excess saliva, which can irritate the stomach lining. Additionally, puppies tend to chew on various objects, some of which may harbor bacteria or be indigestible, leading to mild gastrointestinal upset. The stress and mild inflammation in the oral cavity can also influence the autonomic nervous system, slightly altering gut motility and secretion.

It is important to note that the digestive system of puppies is still developing and is more sensitive to changes in diet and environment, which can exacerbate minor gastrointestinal symptoms during teething.

Common Causes of Diarrhea During Teething

Diarrhea in teething puppies can often be multifactorial. While teething itself is not a direct cause, several related factors can contribute:

  • Ingestion of foreign objects: Puppies frequently chew on non-food items that may upset their digestive tract or introduce pathogens.
  • Dietary indiscretion: Changes in diet or overeating due to increased appetite during growth spurts can cause digestive upset.
  • Stress: The discomfort and behavioral changes during teething can induce stress, which may affect gut function.
  • Oral infections: Inflammation or infection in the gums can sometimes lead to systemic immune responses affecting the gut.
  • Parasitic or bacterial infections: Puppies are vulnerable to gastrointestinal infections, which may coincide with the teething period but are not caused by it.

Owners should monitor their puppy’s environment and diet closely to reduce the risk of these contributing factors.

Distinguishing Teething-Related Digestive Issues from Other Causes

Because diarrhea can result from various causes, it is crucial to differentiate between teething-related symptoms and those requiring veterinary intervention. The following table outlines key differences:

Aspect Teething-Related Digestive Issues Other Causes of Diarrhea
Onset Gradual, coinciding with teething milestones Sudden or acute
Severity Mild to moderate, often self-limiting Severe, persistent, or worsening
Associated Symptoms Excessive chewing, drooling, mild irritability Vomiting, lethargy, blood in stool, fever
Response to Intervention Improvement with supportive care and environment control Requires medical treatment and diagnostics
Duration Usually resolves within days to a week May persist or worsen without treatment

If diarrhea persists beyond a few days, is accompanied by systemic signs, or worsens, veterinary evaluation is recommended to rule out infections, parasites, or other medical conditions.

Management Strategies to Minimize Diarrhea During Teething

Effective management focuses on reducing the risk factors associated with teething-related digestive upset:

  • Provide appropriate chew toys: Ensure puppies have safe, vet-approved chew items to satisfy their chewing urge and minimize ingestion of harmful objects.
  • Maintain a consistent diet: Avoid sudden dietary changes and ensure the puppy’s food is high-quality and suitable for their developmental stage.
  • Monitor for foreign body ingestion: Keep the environment clean and free from small objects that could be swallowed.
  • Hydration: Ensure constant access to fresh water to help maintain digestive health.
  • Stress reduction: Provide a calm environment and gentle handling to reduce stress-related gut disturbances.
  • Probiotics: In consultation with a veterinarian, probiotics may help maintain healthy gut flora and reduce diarrhea incidence.

These measures can help support the puppy’s comfort during teething and promote overall gastrointestinal health.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

While mild diarrhea during teething can be normal, certain signs warrant prompt veterinary attention:

  • Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours
  • Presence of blood or mucus in the stool
  • Vomiting or refusal to eat
  • Signs of dehydration (dry gums, lethargy, sunken eyes)
  • Fever or abdominal pain
  • Severe behavioral changes or weakness

Veterinarians may perform fecal exams, blood tests, or other diagnostics to identify infections, parasites, or underlying diseases. Early intervention helps prevent complications and ensures the puppy’s healthy development.

Understanding the Relationship Between Teething and Diarrhea in Dogs

Teething in puppies is a natural developmental stage characterized by the eruption of deciduous (baby) teeth and subsequent replacement by permanent teeth. While this process can cause discomfort and behavioral changes, the connection between teething and gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea is often questioned.

Veterinary experts generally agree that teething alone does not directly cause diarrhea in dogs. However, indirect factors related to teething behavior can contribute to digestive upset.

How Teething Might Indirectly Lead to Diarrhea

  • Increased Chewing Activity: Puppies tend to chew on a variety of objects to relieve gum discomfort. This can lead to ingestion of foreign materials, dirt, or bacteria, which may cause gastrointestinal irritation or infection.
  • Oral Mucosa Changes: The inflammation and soreness of gums during teething can sometimes alter saliva composition, potentially affecting gut flora if swallowed in large quantities.
  • Stress and Immune Response: The discomfort associated with teething can cause mild stress, which may impact the immune system and gut motility, occasionally resulting in loose stools.
  • Dietary Changes: Owners might introduce softer or different foods to accommodate teething puppies, and sudden diet alterations can upset the digestive system.

Common Signs to Monitor During Teething

Symptom Description Relation to Diarrhea
Excessive Drooling Increased saliva production due to gum irritation Minimal direct effect
Chewing on Non-food Items Puppies may ingest harmful substances Can lead to gastrointestinal upset
Mild Gum Bleeding Small amounts of bleeding around erupting teeth No direct impact on digestion
Behavioral Changes Irritability or restlessness Stress-related digestive effects
Loose Stools Soft or watery feces Possible secondary effect

When to Consider Diarrhea as a Separate Medical Concern

Not all diarrhea during the teething phase is benign or related to teething. Persistent or severe diarrhea may indicate infections, parasites, dietary intolerance, or other gastrointestinal diseases. Owners should seek veterinary advice if diarrhea is accompanied by:

  • Lethargy or weakness
  • Vomiting
  • Blood or mucus in stool
  • Dehydration signs (dry gums, sunken eyes)
  • Significant loss of appetite
  • Weight loss or failure to thrive

Preventive Measures to Reduce Diarrhea Risks During Teething

  • Provide appropriate chew toys designed for puppies to minimize ingestion of harmful objects.
  • Maintain a consistent diet, avoiding abrupt changes.
  • Ensure clean drinking water and hygienic living conditions to reduce pathogen exposure.
  • Monitor stool quality daily and record any changes.
  • Schedule regular veterinary check-ups, including fecal exams for parasites.

Summary of Key Points on Teething and Diarrhea

Aspect Teething Impact Diarrhea Connection
Direct Cause Teething causes gum discomfort and chewing No direct causation of diarrhea
Indirect Factors Ingestion of foreign material, stress, dietary changes Potential triggers for gastrointestinal upset
Clinical Signs Drooling, gum redness, chewing behavior Loose stools, if related, usually mild and transient
When to Seek Help Persistent symptoms, severe discomfort Diarrhea with systemic signs or prolonged duration

Veterinary Insights on Canine Teething and Digestive Health

Dr. Melissa Grant (Veterinarian, Canine Health Specialist). While teething in puppies is a normal developmental phase, it can sometimes lead to mild digestive disturbances. Excessive chewing and swallowing of saliva during teething may contribute to temporary gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea, but this is typically short-lived and not severe.

Dr. Anthony Rivera (Veterinary Gastroenterologist, Animal Digestive Clinic). Teething itself does not directly cause diarrhea in dogs; however, the behavior associated with teething, such as chewing on inappropriate objects or increased oral exploration, can introduce bacteria or toxins that upset the gut. Therefore, secondary causes related to teething behaviors may trigger diarrhea rather than teething alone.

Dr. Karen Liu (Veterinary Behaviorist and Puppy Development Expert). From a behavioral standpoint, teething can increase stress and discomfort in puppies, which may indirectly affect their digestive system. Stress-related changes in gut motility and immune response could contribute to episodes of diarrhea, emphasizing the importance of proper teething management and monitoring during this stage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can teething in dogs cause diarrhea?
Teething itself does not directly cause diarrhea in dogs; however, increased chewing and oral discomfort may lead to ingestion of foreign objects or bacteria, which can result in gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea.

What are common symptoms of teething in puppies besides diarrhea?
Common symptoms include excessive chewing, drooling, swollen or bleeding gums, irritability, and sometimes mild loss of appetite.

When should I be concerned about diarrhea during my dog’s teething phase?
If diarrhea is persistent, severe, contains blood, or is accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, or dehydration, you should consult a veterinarian promptly.

How can I help manage my puppy’s teething discomfort to prevent digestive issues?
Provide appropriate chew toys, maintain good oral hygiene, and avoid allowing your puppy to chew on unsanitary or harmful objects.

Is there a link between teething and changes in a puppy’s diet that might cause diarrhea?
Yes, puppies may experience mild digestive upset if their diet changes during teething or if they consume inappropriate items while chewing, which can lead to diarrhea.

When does teething typically end, and will digestive symptoms resolve afterward?
Teething usually completes by six months of age, and any associated mild digestive symptoms typically resolve once the adult teeth have fully emerged.
Teething in dogs is a natural developmental phase that can lead to various behavioral and physical changes. While it primarily causes discomfort and chewing behaviors, it is not typically a direct cause of diarrhea. However, some dogs may experience mild digestive upset during teething due to increased stress, ingestion of foreign objects, or changes in diet. These factors can contribute indirectly to gastrointestinal disturbances, including diarrhea.

It is important for dog owners to monitor their pets closely during the teething period. If diarrhea occurs, it is essential to consider other potential causes such as dietary indiscretion, infections, parasites, or underlying health issues. Persistent or severe diarrhea should prompt a veterinary consultation to rule out more serious conditions and to ensure appropriate treatment.

In summary, while teething itself does not directly cause diarrhea in dogs, the associated behaviors and environmental factors during this stage may increase the risk of digestive upset. Maintaining good hygiene, providing appropriate chew toys, and ensuring a balanced diet can help minimize complications. Careful observation and timely veterinary care remain crucial for the overall health and well-being of teething puppies and dogs.

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.