Puppies are bundles of joy and energy, but raising them can also come with quite a few challenges. One of these challenges is dealing with diarrhea, especially when your puppy is going through the teething phase.
Just like human babies, puppies experience discomfort and stress as their teeth grow, and this can sometimes lead to digestive issues—including loose stools and even severe diarrhea. If you’ve noticed that your puppy has been having diarrhea while teething, don’t worry!
In this article, we’ll explain why this happens, what other behaviors to look out for, and how you can help your furry family member through this phase. By understanding the connection between teething and digestive issues in dogs, you’ll be better equipped to care for your puppy and make sure they remain comfortable and healthy.
Let’s get started!
Why Teething Can Cause Diarrhea in Puppies
When puppies start teething, they’re typically around three to six months old. During this time, their baby teeth (also known as milk teeth) are replaced by adult teeth. The process of new teeth pushing through the gums can be uncomfortable and painful.
This can lead to behaviors like chewing and drooling, and the pain may cause digestive upset sometimes, too. Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons why teething might cause diarrhea in puppies below:
Swallowing Excess Drool
During the teething phase, puppies produce more saliva, which they might end up swallowing. Excess drool can upset their stomach, which could lead to them having diarrhea.
Chewing on Objects
Puppies love to chew while teething to relieve their gum pain. Sometimes, they might gnaw on things they shouldn’t, like sticks, shoes, or toys that aren’t meant for chewing. This can introduce bacteria or foreign substances into their system, which could lead to diarrhea.
Changes in Appetite
Some puppies eat less when they’re teething because of mouth pain. Others may eat more than usual because they find comfort in chewing food. These changes in diet can sometimes disrupt their digestive system.
Teething Behaviors to Expect
Every puppy is different, but there are some common behaviors that many puppies exhibit during the teething phase. Let’s take a closer look at some teething behaviors you should expect to see during your puppy’s teething phase:
Increased Chewing
Puppies tend to chew on everything they can find when they’re teething. This is because chewing helps relieve the discomfort they feel in their gums. Make sure to provide them with safe, appropriate chew toys to protect your belongings and help soothe their gum pain.
Excessive Drooling
Teething stimulates saliva production, which leads to more drooling than usual. You might notice your puppy leaving wet spots on their toys (or wet spots forming around their mouth). This is perfectly normal, so try not to worry too much.
Irritability and Restlessness
Puppies can become more irritable or restless during teething. They may paw at their mouths, rub their faces on surfaces, or just seem more fussy than usual. Again, this is normal and your puppy’s discomfort will eventually pass.
Changes in Appetite
Once again, teething can lead to changes in eating habits. Some puppies might experience loss of appetite because it hurts to chew, while others might eat more because it distracts them from the discomfort. Changes in appetite can lead to diarrhea. If this happens, you can feed your puppy a bland diet.
Chewing on Hands and Fingers
Your puppy might start nibbling on your hands or fingers in an attempt to get some relief from their gum pain. While it’s a natural behavior, it’s important to gently redirect them to chew toys so they learn what’s appropriate to chew on.
Sleep Disruptions
The pain and discomfort can sometimes make it hard for your puppy to sleep. This can lead to changes in their sleep patterns (i.e. you might not get a lot of sleep while your puppy is teething, either).
How to Help a Teething Puppy with Diarrhea
If your teething puppy is experiencing diarrhea, there are a few things you can do to help them feel better. Let’s take a closer look at what you can do to help get their digestive system back on track below:
Switch to a Bland Diet
Temporarily changing your puppy’s diet to a bland, easy-to-digest dog food can help firm up their stools. Foods like boiled chicken, lean ground beef, and plain, cooked rice or pumpkin puree are good options. Avoid giving your puppy rich, fatty, or heavily seasoned foods, as these can make their diarrhea worse.
Keep Them Hydrated
Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so it’s important to make sure that your puppy always has access to fresh water. You’ll also want to monitor their water intake and encourage them to drink if they seem reluctant.
Create a Calm Environment
Puppies need a quiet and comfortable place to rest, especially when they’re not feeling well. We’d recommend reducing playtime and avoiding overexertion until their diarrhea has subsided.
Monitor for Other Symptoms
If your puppy’s diarrhea is persistent, or if they show other concerning symptoms—like lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting (especially with blood), or severe abdominal pain, reach out to your vet right away. These could be signs of a more serious issue that requires professional attention.
Introduce Probiotics
Probiotics can help restore the balance of good bacteria in your puppy’s gut. You can ask your vet about suitable probiotic supplements or try adding probiotic-rich foods, like puppy-safe yogurt, to their diet. Under the Weather has probiotic supplements for dogs available, so feel free to check them out.
The Best Bland Diet Foods for Teething Puppies with Diarrhea
Switching your puppy (or adult dog) to a bland diet is one of the most helpful things you can do if they’re experiencing diarrhea. Let’s take a look at some of the best bland diet dog food options from Under the Weather below:
Chicken, Rice, & Pumpkin Bland Diet for Dogs
This freeze-dried blend is easy on your puppy’s stomach and should help soothe their digestive upset. It’s packed with ingredients that are gentle on the stomach, like pumpkin, which is high in fiber and nutrients. It’s also super easy to prepare—just add water!
Ingredients: White Rice, Freeze Dried Chicken Breast, Pumpkin Powder, Electrolytes
Chicken & Rice Bland Diet for Dogs
This bland diet dog food is a simple and tasty option that’s easy for puppies with sensitive stomachs to digest. This blend is recommended by vets and can be prepared quickly (again, by adding water). It will also help keep your puppy hydrated, thanks to the added electrolytes.
Ingredients: White Rice, Freeze Dried Cage-Free Chicken Breast, Electrolytes
Hamburger, Rice, & Sweet Potato Bland Diet for Dogs
This bland diet dog food combines hamburger meat, rice, and sweet potato—all of which are easy on the stomach. It’s also designed to help with hydration and is a super convenient option if your puppy or adult dog occasionally has tummy issues.
Ingredients: White Rice, Freeze Dried Beef Hamburger, Sweet Potato, Electrolytes
These bland diets are specifically designed to be gentle on your puppy’s stomach. Always transition your puppy back to their regular diet gradually after their diarrhea has subsided.
How Long Does Teething Diarrhea Last?
Diarrhea that’s caused by teething typically doesn’t last long. If your puppy is experiencing mild, recurring diarrhea and you know they’re teething, there’s usually no need to worry. It’s common for puppies to have a lack of appetite and digestive issues during this period.
However, if your puppy’s diarrhea becomes severe, lasts longer than a few days, or is accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or a high fever, you should take your puppy to the vet. Persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous for young puppies. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
The Good News
The good news is that teething diarrhea is usually a temporary issue that resolves on its own as your puppy’s new teeth come in. You can make this time easier for them by providing them with safe chew toys, keeping an eye on their diet, and making sure they stay hydrated.
Giving them appropriate things to chew on can help ease their discomfort and prevent them from biting on items that might cause more digestive problems. Always monitor your puppy’s health, and if you see any worrying signs, reach out to your vet right away.
Conclusion
Teething can be an uncomfortable time for puppies, and digestive issues like diarrhea can make matters even worse. Don’t worry, though, because with the right care, a little patience, and a supportive diet, your puppy will get through this phase without too much trouble.
While teething-related diarrhea might be a hassle, it’s usually not a serious problem. That said, always trust your instincts. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to ask your vet for advice. With proper care, your puppy will soon be past this phase—happy, healthy, and ready to show off their new set of teeth!
