Does Puppy Teething Cause Diarrhea: Is There a Connection?

AvatarByWilliam Warren Dog Health & Wellness

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting and joyful experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges—one of which is navigating the teething phase. As your furry friend’s baby teeth fall out and adult teeth begin to emerge, you might notice some unexpected changes in their behavior and health. Among these concerns, many pet owners wonder: does puppy teething cause diarrhea?

Understanding the connection between teething and digestive issues can be puzzling. While teething is a natural developmental stage, it sometimes coincides with symptoms that raise questions about your puppy’s well-being. Exploring this topic helps pet parents differentiate between normal teething discomfort and signs that might indicate something more serious.

In the following sections, we’ll delve into how teething affects your puppy’s body, what symptoms are typical during this time, and when diarrhea might be a cause for concern. By gaining insight into these aspects, you’ll be better equipped to support your puppy through this important milestone with confidence and care.

Common Causes of Diarrhea During Puppy Teething

While teething itself does not directly cause diarrhea in puppies, the behaviors and physiological changes associated with teething can contribute to gastrointestinal upset. Puppies explore their environment by chewing on various objects, which can introduce bacteria, viruses, or foreign substances into their digestive system. This exposure can trigger diarrhea as the body attempts to expel harmful agents.

Several factors related to teething may indirectly lead to diarrhea:

  • Increased oral exploration: Puppies tend to chew on non-food items, such as dirt, plants, or household objects that may carry pathogens or toxins.
  • Swallowing excessive saliva: Excessive drooling and swallowing of saliva during teething can upset the stomach.
  • Dietary changes: Owners often introduce new chew toys or treats to soothe sore gums, which might not agree with the puppy’s digestive system.
  • Stress and discomfort: The discomfort from teething can cause mild stress, which in turn can affect gastrointestinal motility.

Physiological Changes in Teething Puppies Affecting Digestion

The process of teething involves the eruption of baby teeth through the gums, which can cause inflammation and pain. This localized inflammation may have systemic effects that influence digestion.

  • Gum inflammation: Swollen gums can cause discomfort, reducing appetite or leading puppies to swallow irregularly.
  • Immune response activation: The body’s immune system is engaged to manage gum inflammation, which may transiently alter gut flora balance.
  • Altered eating patterns: Puppies may eat less or more rapidly to compensate for gum pain, leading to digestive disturbances.

These physiological changes can predispose puppies to mild gastrointestinal upset, but they are not a direct cause of diarrhea.

Distinguishing Teething-Related Diarrhea from Other Causes

It is important to differentiate diarrhea that coincides with teething from diarrhea caused by infections, dietary indiscretion, or underlying medical conditions. Key indicators to evaluate include:

  • Duration: Teething-related diarrhea tends to be brief and mild.
  • Consistency: Stool may be loose but not watery or bloody.
  • Presence of other symptoms: Lack of vomiting, lethargy, or fever suggests a less serious issue.
  • Behavior: Puppies remain playful and alert despite mild diarrhea.

If diarrhea persists beyond a few days, worsens, or is accompanied by systemic symptoms, veterinary evaluation is recommended.

Management Strategies for Diarrhea During Teething

Proper care can minimize digestive disturbances during the teething phase:

  • Provide safe chew toys: Use veterinarian-recommended teething toys to reduce ingestion of harmful objects.
  • Maintain consistent diet: Avoid sudden dietary changes or introducing new treats during teething.
  • Hydration: Ensure puppies have constant access to fresh water to prevent dehydration.
  • Monitor stool quality: Keep track of frequency, consistency, and color of stools.
  • Avoid human food: Refrain from giving table scraps or treats that may upset the digestive system.
Management Tip Purpose Recommended Actions
Safe Chewing Prevent ingestion of harmful materials Provide approved chew toys, supervise chewing sessions
Consistent Diet Reduce digestive upset Feed regular puppy food, avoid abrupt changes
Hydration Prevent dehydration from diarrhea Ensure fresh water is always available
Monitoring Early detection of problems Observe stool characteristics and puppy behavior

When to Consult a Veterinarian

If a puppy exhibits any of the following alongside diarrhea during the teething period, prompt veterinary consultation is necessary:

  • Persistent diarrhea lasting more than 48-72 hours
  • Presence of blood or mucus in stool
  • Vomiting or refusal to eat and drink
  • Signs of dehydration such as dry gums or lethargy
  • Abdominal pain or bloating
  • Fever or significant behavioral changes

Professional evaluation ensures that any infectious, parasitic, or systemic causes are identified and treated appropriately, preventing complications and promoting healthy development.

Understanding the Relationship Between Puppy Teething and Digestive Issues

Puppy teething is a natural developmental stage where deciduous teeth fall out and are replaced by adult teeth. This process usually begins around three weeks of age and continues until about six months. While teething is often associated with discomfort and increased chewing behavior, it is important to assess whether it directly causes gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea.

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

  • Increased chewing on inappropriate objects: Puppies may chew on non-food items like plastic, fabric, or soil, leading to ingestion of irritants or bacteria that can upset the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Changes in diet or feeding habits: Some owners introduce special teething treats or change food textures to soothe the puppy, which can sometimes cause mild digestive disturbances if the puppy’s system is sensitive.
  • Stress and discomfort: The discomfort of teething can cause mild stress, which in some cases may transiently affect gut motility and result in softer stools.

Common Causes of Diarrhea in Puppies During Teething Age

Diarrhea in puppies during the teething phase is more often attributable to factors other than teething itself. These include:

Cause Description Relation to Teething
Dietary indiscretion Puppies may ingest inappropriate objects or spoiled food while chewing aggressively. Indirect; increased chewing behavior during teething raises risk.
Dietary changes Switching foods or introducing new treats to soothe gums can upset digestion. Indirect; often coincides with teething period.
Parasitic infections Common in young puppies, causing diarrhea regardless of teething status. Unrelated; age-related susceptibility.
Viral or bacterial infections Gastrointestinal infections can cause diarrhea and are common in puppies. Unrelated; infection risk independent of teething.
Stress Environmental changes or discomfort may contribute to transient diarrhea. Indirect; teething discomfort can be a mild stressor.

Signs to Monitor When Your Puppy Is Teething

While teething itself is a normal process, monitoring your puppy’s health during this phase is essential to distinguish normal behavior from signs of illness:

  • Chewing intensity and targets: Excessive chewing on dangerous or toxic items should be prevented to avoid digestive upset.
  • Stool consistency and frequency: Mild softening may occur but persistent diarrhea (loose, watery stools lasting more than 24 hours) warrants veterinary attention.
  • Other symptoms: Vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, or blood in stool are signs of illness unrelated to teething and require prompt evaluation.
  • Hydration status: Diarrhea can lead to dehydration; monitor for dry gums, sunken eyes, or weakness.

Recommendations for Managing Teething and Preventing Diarrhea

To support your puppy through teething while minimizing the risk of diarrhea, consider the following expert recommendations:

  • Provide appropriate teething toys: Use safe, vet-approved chew toys designed to soothe gums and discourage chewing on harmful objects.
  • Maintain consistent diet: Avoid sudden food changes during teething; if introducing new treats, do so gradually.
  • Practice good hygiene: Keep your puppy’s environment clean to reduce exposure to infectious agents.
  • Monitor stool quality: Keep a daily log of stool appearance and frequency to identify any early signs of digestive upset.
  • Consult your veterinarian: If diarrhea develops or persists, seek professional advice to rule out infections, parasites, or other medical causes.

Expert Perspectives on Puppy Teething and Diarrhea

Dr. Emily Hartman (Veterinarian and Canine Health Specialist). While teething is a natural developmental stage for puppies, it does not directly cause diarrhea. However, puppies may chew on inappropriate objects during teething, which can lead to gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea if they ingest harmful materials or bacteria.

Dr. Rajiv Patel (Veterinary Nutritionist, Animal Wellness Institute). Diarrhea in teething puppies is often linked to dietary changes or ingestion of foreign substances rather than the teething process itself. Stress and mild immune system fluctuations during teething can sometimes contribute to digestive sensitivity, but diarrhea should prompt a veterinary evaluation to rule out infections or parasites.

Dr. Laura Simmons (Certified Veterinary Behaviorist). Teething can cause increased oral discomfort, leading puppies to explore their environment more aggressively. This behavioral change can increase the risk of swallowing non-food items that irritate the gut, potentially causing diarrhea. It is important to provide safe chew toys and monitor the puppy’s health closely during this period.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does teething cause diarrhea in puppies?
Teething itself does not directly cause diarrhea in puppies. However, excessive chewing and oral discomfort may lead to ingestion of foreign materials or bacteria, which can upset the digestive system and result in diarrhea.

What are common symptoms of teething in puppies?
Common symptoms include increased chewing, drooling, mild gum swelling, irritability, and sometimes a slight decrease in appetite. These signs usually do not include severe gastrointestinal issues.

When should I be concerned about diarrhea during my puppy’s teething phase?
If diarrhea is persistent, contains blood or mucus, or is accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, or dehydration, you should consult a veterinarian promptly as these may indicate an infection or other health problems.

How can I help my puppy during teething to prevent digestive upset?
Provide safe chew toys to satisfy the chewing urge and maintain good hygiene by regularly cleaning their toys and bedding. Avoid giving inappropriate items that could cause gastrointestinal irritation.

Can dietary changes help manage diarrhea related to teething?
If diarrhea occurs, feeding a bland diet recommended by a veterinarian can help soothe the digestive tract. Avoid sudden dietary changes during teething to prevent further digestive upset.

When should I seek veterinary advice regarding my puppy’s diarrhea?
Seek veterinary advice if diarrhea lasts more than 24–48 hours, worsens, or if your puppy shows signs of distress, dehydration, or other systemic symptoms to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Teething in puppies is a natural developmental stage that often involves discomfort, increased chewing behavior, and mild changes in digestion. While teething itself does not directly cause diarrhea, the behaviors associated with this phase—such as chewing on various objects or increased saliva production—can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset. Ingesting non-food items or excessive drooling may irritate the digestive tract, potentially resulting in loose stools or mild diarrhea.

It is important for pet owners to monitor their puppies closely during the teething period. Ensuring that puppies chew on safe, appropriate toys and maintaining a consistent, balanced diet can help minimize the risk of digestive disturbances. If diarrhea persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian to rule out infections, parasites, or other underlying health issues.

In summary, while puppy teething can indirectly contribute to diarrhea through behavioral factors, it is not a direct cause. Responsible management and observation during this stage can help maintain the puppy’s digestive health and overall well-being. Prompt veterinary attention should be sought if gastrointestinal symptoms become severe or prolonged.

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.