Do Puppies Get Diarrhea While Teething? Understanding the Connection

AvatarByWilliam Warren Dog Health & Wellness

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting journey filled with joyful moments—and a fair share of challenges. Among the many changes your furry friend will experience, teething is a significant milestone that often raises questions for attentive pet owners. One common concern is whether puppies get diarrhea while teething, a symptom that can be both confusing and worrisome.

Understanding the connection between teething and digestive upset is important for any puppy parent. While teething is a natural process involving the eruption of new teeth, it can sometimes coincide with changes in your puppy’s behavior and health. Diarrhea, in particular, may appear during this phase, prompting owners to wonder if it’s a normal part of teething or a sign of something more serious.

In the following sections, we will explore the relationship between teething and diarrhea in puppies, shedding light on why this occurs and what you can do to support your puppy’s health. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or simply seeking reassurance, gaining insight into this topic will help you navigate your puppy’s teething stage with confidence and care.

Causes of Diarrhea During Puppy Teething

Diarrhea in puppies during the teething phase can be attributed to several physiological and environmental factors. While teething itself does not directly cause diarrhea, the behaviors and changes associated with this developmental stage often contribute to gastrointestinal upset.

One primary cause is the increased tendency for puppies to chew on various objects as their teeth emerge. Puppies explore the world orally, which can lead them to ingest dirt, bacteria, or foreign materials that irritate the digestive tract. This irritation can manifest as loose stools or diarrhea.

Additionally, stress during teething plays a role. The discomfort and mild pain associated with erupting teeth can cause stress, which in turn may disrupt normal digestive processes. Stress-induced changes in gut motility and flora balance might lead to softer stools or diarrhea.

Dietary changes or sensitivities may also coincide with teething. Puppies might alter their eating habits due to gum soreness, consuming less food or different textures, which can upset their digestive system and result in diarrhea.

Finally, underlying infections or parasites should be considered, as these are common causes of diarrhea in puppies and may coincide with teething simply due to the age of the animal.

Signs and Symptoms to Monitor

Recognizing the difference between normal teething symptoms and signs that warrant veterinary attention is crucial for puppy health. While mild diarrhea may occasionally occur during teething, persistent or severe symptoms require evaluation.

Common signs associated with teething include:

  • Increased chewing and biting behavior
  • Mild drooling and gum inflammation
  • Occasional mild diarrhea or softer stools

Symptoms that indicate potential health issues include:

  • Persistent diarrhea lasting more than 24-48 hours
  • Presence of blood or mucus in stool
  • Vomiting or lethargy
  • Loss of appetite or dehydration
  • Weight loss or failure to gain weight

If these symptoms are observed, consultation with a veterinarian is recommended to rule out infections, parasites, or other medical conditions.

Managing Diarrhea During Teething

Effective management of diarrhea during the teething phase involves addressing both the root causes and symptoms to maintain overall puppy health.

Key management strategies include:

  • Dietary adjustments: Offer easily digestible, high-quality puppy food to reduce gastrointestinal strain. Avoid sudden diet changes.
  • Hydration: Ensure constant access to fresh water to prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea.
  • Safe chew toys: Provide appropriate chew toys to satisfy the urge to chew and prevent ingestion of harmful objects.
  • Hygiene: Maintain a clean environment to minimize exposure to pathogens.
  • Monitoring: Keep a close watch on stool consistency, frequency, and overall puppy behavior.

If diarrhea persists, a veterinarian may recommend diagnostic tests or prescribe medication.

Comparison of Common Causes of Diarrhea in Teething Puppies

Cause Description Associated Symptoms Recommended Action
Oral Exploration & Foreign Body Ingestion Puppies chew and swallow non-food items, causing irritation Loose stools, mild diarrhea, occasional vomiting Provide safe chew toys, monitor environment, vet check if severe
Stress from Teething Discomfort leads to stress, affecting gut motility Soft stools, decreased appetite, restlessness Comfort measures, consistent routine, vet advice if prolonged
Dietary Changes Altered feeding due to sore gums or new food types Diarrhea, gas, mild bloating Gradual diet transition, bland food temporarily
Parasites or Infection Common at young age, independent of teething Severe diarrhea, blood/mucus in stool, lethargy Veterinary diagnosis and treatment essential

Understanding the Link Between Teething and Diarrhea in Puppies

Puppies undergo teething typically between 3 to 6 months of age, during which their baby teeth fall out and are replaced by adult teeth. This developmental phase can cause various behavioral and physiological changes, but whether teething directly causes diarrhea is a subject of veterinary interest.

Can Teething Cause Diarrhea?

While teething itself does not directly cause diarrhea, there are several indirect factors related to this phase that can lead to gastrointestinal upset:

  • Increased Chewing Behavior: Puppies chew on various objects to relieve gum discomfort, potentially ingesting foreign materials, dirt, or bacteria, which can disrupt gut flora.
  • Stress and Immune Response: Teething discomfort may induce mild stress, temporarily affecting the digestive system’s balance.
  • Dietary Changes or Treats: Owners might offer more treats or change food to soothe teething puppies, which can upset the digestive system.
  • Oral Infections or Inflammation: In rare cases, teething might be accompanied by oral infections that influence overall health, including digestion.

Common Causes of Diarrhea During Teething

Cause Description Impact on Puppy
Ingesting Non-Food Items Puppies explore with their mouths, swallowing non-edible objects that irritate the intestines. Leads to loose stools or diarrhea.
Dietary Indiscretion New foods or treats given to soothe gums may not be well-tolerated. Causes digestive upset and diarrhea.
Stress-Related Gastrointestinal Distress Discomfort and behavioral changes due to teething can affect gut motility. Results in temporary diarrhea or soft stools.
Bacterial or Parasitic Infection Chewing on contaminated objects increases risk of infection. Can cause prolonged or severe diarrhea.

When to Suspect a Problem Beyond Teething

If diarrhea is mild and transient, it is often related to the factors above and resolves without intervention. However, certain signs indicate the need for veterinary evaluation:

  • Diarrhea lasting more than 24-48 hours
  • Presence of blood or mucus in stool
  • Vomiting accompanying diarrhea
  • Lethargy or loss of appetite
  • Significant weight loss or dehydration

These symptoms may indicate infections, parasites, or other gastrointestinal diseases unrelated to teething.

Recommendations for Managing Diarrhea During Teething

  • Maintain a Consistent Diet: Avoid sudden changes in food or treats during the teething period.
  • Monitor Chewing Behavior: Provide safe, veterinary-approved chew toys to minimize ingestion of harmful objects.
  • Ensure Cleanliness: Keep the puppy’s environment clean to reduce exposure to bacteria and parasites.
  • Hydration: Ensure the puppy has access to fresh water to prevent dehydration.
  • Observe Stool Quality: Keep a daily log of stool consistency and frequency to detect abnormalities early.

Sample Daily Monitoring Table for Stool and Behavior

Day Stool Consistency (Normal/Soft/Diarrhea) Appetite (Normal/Reduced) Activity Level (Normal/Lethargic) Notes
Monday Normal Normal Normal No concerns
Tuesday Soft Normal Slightly less active Increased chewing behavior
Wednesday Diarrhea Reduced Lethargic Contacted vet for advice
Thursday Soft Normal Normal Started probiotic supplement

This approach facilitates early detection of potential health issues and supports timely veterinary intervention.

Preventative Measures to Support Digestive Health During Teething

Maintaining gastrointestinal health during teething requires a combination of environmental management, nutritional support, and behavioral guidance.

Nutritional Support

  • High-Quality Puppy Food: Choose easily digestible, balanced formulations designed for growth.
  • Probiotics: Consider veterinarian-approved probiotics to maintain healthy gut flora.
  • Avoid Human Food and Table Scraps: These can disrupt digestion and contribute to diarrhea.
  • Hydration: Encourage adequate water intake to facilitate normal digestive processes.

Safe Chewing Alternatives

  • Provide chew toys designed for puppies that soothe gums without risk of splintering or breakage.
  • Rotate toys regularly to maintain interest and reduce the chance of chewing on inappropriate items.
  • Avoid hard bones or objects that can cause oral injury or gastrointestinal blockage.

Hygiene and Parasite Prevention

  • Regularly clean bedding, toys, and feeding areas.
  • Maintain a parasite prevention program as recommended by a veterinarian.
  • Routine fecal examinations to detect and treat intestinal parasites early.

Behavioral Monitoring

  • Observe changes in eating, drinking, and activity patterns.
  • Discourage excessive chewing on household items.
  • Provide mental stimulation and comfort to reduce stress-related gastrointestinal symptoms.

By integrating these preventative strategies, owners can minimize the risk of diarrhea and support overall health during the teething phase.

Expert Insights on Puppies and Diarrhea During Teething

Dr. Emily Hartman (Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist, Canine Health Institute). While teething itself does not directly cause diarrhea in puppies, the discomfort often leads them to chew on various objects, some of which can irritate their digestive system or introduce harmful bacteria. This secondary effect can result in mild gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea. Monitoring what your puppy chews and maintaining good hygiene can help mitigate these risks.

Dr. Marcus Lee (Certified Veterinary Nutritionist, Pet Wellness Center). Puppies undergoing teething may experience stress and changes in eating habits, which can alter gut motility and flora balance. Although teething is not a direct cause of diarrhea, these physiological stressors combined with dietary indiscretions during this period can contribute to transient episodes of loose stools. Ensuring a consistent, balanced diet and avoiding sudden food changes is crucial during teething.

Dr. Sarah Nguyen (Veterinary Behaviorist and Puppy Development Expert, Animal Behavior Clinic). Teething can lead puppies to explore their environment orally more aggressively, increasing the likelihood of ingesting non-food items or pathogens that upset their gastrointestinal tract. While diarrhea is not a normal symptom of teething itself, it is often an indirect consequence of these behaviors. Owners should supervise puppies closely during this stage to prevent ingestion of harmful substances that could cause digestive disturbances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do puppies commonly experience diarrhea while teething?
Yes, some puppies may develop mild diarrhea during teething due to increased oral exploration and stress, but it is not a universal symptom.

What causes diarrhea in puppies during the teething phase?
Diarrhea can result from swallowing excess saliva, chewing on unsanitary objects, or dietary changes that often coincide with teething.

How long does diarrhea related to teething typically last?
Teething-related diarrhea usually resolves within a few days as the puppy adjusts and the new teeth emerge.

When should I be concerned about my puppy’s diarrhea during teething?
Seek veterinary advice if diarrhea is severe, persistent beyond a few days, accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, or dehydration.

Can diet help prevent diarrhea while my puppy is teething?
Maintaining a consistent, high-quality diet and avoiding sudden food changes can help minimize digestive upset during teething.

Are there any treatments recommended for diarrhea caused by teething in puppies?
Ensure hydration and monitor the puppy’s condition; if diarrhea persists, a veterinarian may recommend probiotics or other supportive care.
In summary, while teething is a natural developmental stage for puppies, it is not typically a direct cause of diarrhea. Puppies may experience some mild digestive upset due to the stress or changes in behavior associated with teething, such as increased chewing or changes in diet, but persistent or severe diarrhea is usually indicative of other underlying health issues. It is important for pet owners to monitor their puppy’s overall health and consult a veterinarian if diarrhea occurs frequently or is accompanied by other symptoms.

Key insights highlight that diarrhea during teething can sometimes result from secondary factors like dietary indiscretion, ingestion of inappropriate objects, or infections rather than the teething process itself. Maintaining a clean environment, providing appropriate chew toys, and ensuring a balanced diet can help minimize gastrointestinal disturbances in puppies during this stage.

Ultimately, attentive care and early veterinary intervention are essential to differentiate between normal teething symptoms and more serious conditions. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and support the puppy’s healthy growth and development during this critical period.

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.