Does Teething Cause Diarrhea in Puppies? Exploring the Facts and Myths

AvatarByWilliam Warren Dog Health & Wellness

Teething is a significant milestone in a puppy’s early life, marked by curiosity, chewing, and sometimes a bit of discomfort. As new teeth push through their gums, many puppy owners notice changes in behavior and health, leading to common questions about what symptoms are truly linked to teething. One frequently asked question is whether teething can cause diarrhea in puppies—a concern that can leave owners worried and seeking answers.

Understanding the connection between teething and digestive upset is important for any puppy parent. While teething can bring about various physical and behavioral changes, it’s essential to distinguish which symptoms are typical and which might signal other health issues. Exploring this topic helps owners provide the best care and comfort for their growing pups during this sometimes challenging phase.

In the following sections, we will delve into the relationship between teething and diarrhea in puppies, examining common signs, possible causes, and when to seek veterinary advice. This overview will equip you with the knowledge to better support your puppy’s health and well-being during their teething journey.

Common Causes of Diarrhea in Teething Puppies

While teething itself is not a direct cause of diarrhea in puppies, the discomfort and behaviors associated with teething can contribute to gastrointestinal upset. Puppies often chew on various objects to relieve the pain of emerging teeth, and this can lead to ingestion of harmful bacteria, dirt, or foreign materials. These factors may irritate the digestive tract and result in diarrhea.

Additionally, teething puppies experience a degree of stress and mild immune system fluctuations, which can make them more susceptible to infections or digestive disturbances. Other common causes of diarrhea in puppies during the teething phase include:

  • Dietary indiscretion: Puppies may swallow inappropriate items or consume sudden changes in diet, upsetting their gut flora.
  • Parasitic infections: Worms and protozoa are prevalent among young dogs and can cause diarrhea.
  • Viral or bacterial infections: Infectious agents such as parvovirus, coronavirus, or bacterial overgrowth can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Stress: Changes in environment or routine during teething can contribute to digestive irregularities.

Understanding these factors is crucial for proper management and care during a puppy’s teething period.

Distinguishing Teething-Related Symptoms from Illness

It is important to differentiate mild gastrointestinal symptoms related to teething behaviors from signs of more serious illness. Teething discomfort may cause mild drooling, occasional loose stools, and slight changes in appetite, but these symptoms should be transient and mild.

Puppy owners should monitor for warning signs that warrant veterinary attention:

  • Persistent or severe diarrhea lasting more than 24-48 hours
  • Presence of blood or mucus in stool
  • Vomiting accompanying diarrhea
  • Signs of dehydration such as lethargy, sunken eyes, or dry gums
  • Fever or significant behavioral changes
  • Poor weight gain or failure to thrive

If these symptoms are present, it is likely that the puppy has an underlying infection or medical condition unrelated to teething that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Preventive Measures to Minimize Diarrhea During Teething

To reduce the risk of diarrhea associated with teething in puppies, owners can implement several practical measures:

  • Provide appropriate chew toys: Safe, non-toxic chew items can satisfy the puppy’s need to gnaw and reduce the chance of ingesting harmful objects.
  • Maintain consistent diet: Avoid abrupt changes in food type or brand; introduce new foods gradually.
  • Practice good hygiene: Regularly clean feeding bowls, toys, and bedding to minimize bacterial contamination.
  • Regular deworming and vaccination: Follow veterinary recommendations to prevent parasitic and infectious diseases.
  • Monitor behavior and stool quality: Early detection of abnormal symptoms allows for timely intervention.

Comparison of Teething-Related Diarrhea and Infectious Diarrhea in Puppies

Aspect Teething-Related Diarrhea Infectious Diarrhea
Onset Gradual, often mild and intermittent Sudden, often severe
Duration Short-lived (1-2 days) Prolonged (several days to weeks)
Stool Characteristics Loose but typically no blood or mucus May contain blood, mucus, or be watery
Associated Signs Mild drooling, chewing behavior, slight irritability Vomiting, fever, lethargy, dehydration
Treatment Supportive care, chew toys, diet management Veterinary intervention, medications, fluids

Understanding the Relationship Between Teething and Diarrhea in Puppies

Teething in puppies is a natural developmental stage during which their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth emerge. This process typically occurs between 3 to 6 months of age and can cause various behavioral and physiological changes. One common concern among puppy owners is whether teething directly causes diarrhea.

From a veterinary perspective, teething itself does not directly cause diarrhea. However, the behaviors and secondary effects associated with teething can contribute to gastrointestinal upset, which may manifest as diarrhea.

Factors Linking Teething to Diarrhea

Several indirect factors during the teething phase can lead to diarrhea in puppies:

  • Increased Chewing Behavior: Puppies often chew on various objects to alleviate gum discomfort. This behavior increases the risk of ingesting non-food items, dirt, or bacteria, which can disrupt intestinal balance.
  • Oral Microtrauma and Saliva Swallowing: Teething can cause minor sores or inflammation in the mouth. Excessive saliva production and swallowing may alter gut motility or introduce oral bacteria into the digestive tract.
  • Dietary Changes: During teething, some owners introduce new chew toys, treats, or softer foods, which may upset the puppy’s digestive system.
  • Stress and Immune Response: The discomfort and stress associated with teething might transiently affect the puppy’s immune system, making them more susceptible to infections that cause diarrhea.

Common Causes of Diarrhea in Teething Puppies

Cause Description Relation to Teething
Dietary indiscretion Eating inappropriate items (toys, feces, plants) leading to gastrointestinal upset Increased chewing leads to ingestion
Bacterial or viral infections Exposure to pathogens due to oral abrasions or immune vulnerability Stress and microtrauma may increase risk
Parasites Common in puppies, causing diarrhea unrelated to teething but coinciding in timing Not directly related
Dietary intolerance or allergy Reaction to new or different foods introduced during teething Possible due to dietary changes
Stress-related gastrointestinal disturbance Stress from discomfort alters gut motility and flora Teething discomfort can be a stressor

When to Seek Veterinary Attention

While mild diarrhea can occur occasionally during teething due to the factors above, persistent or severe diarrhea warrants veterinary evaluation. Key signs indicating the need for professional care include:

  • 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 accompanying diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite or failure to gain weight
  • Severe abdominal pain or bloating

Prompt diagnosis can help rule out infections, parasites, or other underlying conditions that require treatment.

Preventive Measures to Minimize Diarrhea During Teething

Puppy owners can take several steps to reduce the risk of diarrhea linked to teething-related behaviors:

  • Provide Safe Chew Toys: Use veterinarian-recommended teething toys that are clean and appropriately sized to prevent ingestion of harmful materials.
  • Maintain Good Hygiene: Regularly clean toys and feeding areas to minimize bacterial contamination.
  • Monitor Diet: Avoid sudden changes in diet; introduce new foods gradually and ensure a balanced, puppy-formulated diet.
  • Supervise Chewing: Prevent access to potentially toxic or indigestible objects.
  • Regular Deworming and Vaccination: Keep up with veterinary preventive care to reduce the risk of parasitic and infectious causes of diarrhea.

Summary of Key Points Regarding Teething and Diarrhea

Aspect Details
Direct Cause Teething itself does not cause diarrhea.
Indirect Causes Chewing behavior, oral trauma, dietary changes, and stress during teething may contribute.
Common Issues Ingestion of foreign materials, infections, dietary intolerance, and stress-related gut disturbance.
Preventive Actions Safe chew toys, hygiene, dietary consistency, supervision, and veterinary care.
When to Consult Vet Persistent, bloody, or severe diarrhea with additional clinical signs.

Expert Perspectives on Teething and Diarrhea in Puppies

Dr. Emily Harper (Veterinary Behaviorist, Canine Health Institute). While teething is a stressful phase for puppies, it does not directly cause diarrhea. However, puppies may chew on various objects to soothe their gums, potentially ingesting harmful bacteria or foreign materials that can lead to gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea.

Dr. Marcus Lee (Veterinary Gastroenterologist, Pet Wellness Clinic). Teething itself is unlikely to induce diarrhea in puppies. Diarrhea during this period is more commonly linked to dietary changes, infections, or parasites. It’s important to monitor the puppy’s overall health and consult a veterinarian if diarrhea persists or worsens.

Dr. Sophia Nguyen (Puppy Development Specialist, National Canine Health Association). The discomfort from teething can cause puppies to drool excessively and occasionally swallow more saliva, but this does not typically cause diarrhea. Any digestive disturbances during teething are usually coincidental or related to other environmental factors rather than the teething process itself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

What symptoms accompany teething in puppies?
Common teething symptoms include excessive chewing, drooling, mild gum swelling, irritability, and sometimes a slight decrease in appetite. Severe symptoms like persistent diarrhea are usually unrelated to teething.

When should I be concerned about diarrhea in a teething puppy?
If diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours, is accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, blood in stool, or dehydration, you should consult a veterinarian promptly, as these signs indicate a potential underlying illness.

How can I help soothe my puppy’s teething discomfort?
Providing safe chew toys, cold treats, or teething rings can alleviate discomfort. Avoid giving hard or sharp objects that might damage the gums or teeth.

Can dietary changes during teething affect my puppy’s digestion?
Sudden dietary changes can upset a puppy’s digestive system, leading to diarrhea. Maintain a consistent, balanced diet during teething and introduce any new foods gradually.

Is it normal for puppies to chew on inappropriate items during teething?
Yes, puppies often chew on household items to relieve teething pain. It is important to supervise them and provide appropriate chew toys to prevent ingestion of harmful substances.
Teething in puppies is a natural developmental stage characterized by the eruption of new teeth, which often leads to increased chewing behavior and mild oral discomfort. While some mild gastrointestinal changes may occur due to increased salivation or the ingestion of foreign objects, teething itself is not a direct cause of diarrhea in puppies. Diarrhea during this period is more commonly linked to dietary indiscretion, infections, parasites, or other underlying health issues rather than the teething process alone.

It is important for pet owners to monitor their puppies closely during teething to distinguish normal behavior from signs of illness. Persistent or severe diarrhea should prompt a veterinary evaluation to rule out infections, dietary intolerance, or other medical conditions. Maintaining proper hygiene, providing appropriate chew toys, and ensuring a balanced diet can help minimize gastrointestinal disturbances and support overall puppy health during this critical growth phase.

In summary, while teething can coincide with mild digestive upset due to behavioral changes, it does not directly cause diarrhea. Careful observation and timely veterinary consultation are essential to address any gastrointestinal symptoms and ensure the well-being of the puppy throughout its teething 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.