Just like human babies, puppies have to go through the uncomfortable teething process. During this time, small sharp teeth pierce the gums and cause your dog severe pain!
It's common for puppies to misbehave during this time. Teething is not pleasant for dogs or their owners. However, it is just one hurdle your dog will have to overcome on the road to adulthood.
Every dog reacts differently to teething. For some, their only concern revolves around what their young canine companion will destroy next. But for others, it can cause some discomfort.physical symptoms. A common problem that many owners notice is diarrhea.
Do Dogs Have Diarrhea When Teething?The answer might surprise you.
Understand the teething process
Before we get to the point, let's talk about teething and what it means. This period can be alarming if you've never raised a puppy before. It might surprise you due to sudden changes in behavior of your adorable dog.
Teething usually starts around two months of age. The dog's size and breed may do this sooner or later, but eight weeks is the general norm.
Puppies develop milk teeth, also known as baby teeth, early. These resemble the milk teeth in humans and other mammals. They are a little different from the standard teeth your dog will have later.
First, they are significantly sharper. This could become a problem for you! Sharpness can penetrate furniture, screens, and anything else your pup is clinging to during this stage.
Another key difference is thenumber of milk teethbreaking the gums. Puppies only get 28, which is less than later develops.
Contrary to what some novice puppy owners think, the coming of baby teeth is not the end of the teething process! Your dog should lose its milk teeth when its permanent teeth come through.
Over the course of about six months, your puppy's sharp teeth will fall out. It usually starts at the incisors and ends at the premolars.
By the time your dog is one year old, he should have 42 fully formed adult teeth.
toothing behavior
So what kind of behavior can you expect from a teething puppy?
Get ready for a rocky road! As mentioned above, teething is a painful process. Your pup's body goes through many changes, but teething is something they have a little more conscious control over.
There is no way you can speed up the process, but your dog will do everything in his power to ease the pain.
Expect constant chewing on the furniture. During this time, puppies are not fussy. They chew on toys, shoes, pillows, and more. Your dog might even trybite your handIf you have the opportunity. It can be frustrating, but remember that this behavior is an attempt to stop the pain.
It is best to provide enough chew toys.
Many well-known brands do thisheavy productsspecifically targeting teething puppies. You are worth considering!
In addition to incessant chewing, your dog may become irritable. This is also understandable given the pain felt.
Unfortunately, they can also lose their appetite, skip meals, and become lethargic. In some cases, puppies develop a fever.
Drooling can also become a problem.
Excessive saliva production is one of the first childhood illnesses you may notice. It is usually accompanied by bad breath and blood stains.
Don't be alarmed if you see blood on objects your puppy is chewing on. It is normal. As long as there's no blood coming out of your dog's mouth, you don't need to worry.
Related:Reasons why your dog eats his underwear
Does Teething Cause Diarrhea in Dogs?
In fact, teething in dogs can cause diarrhea. It is one of many physical symptoms that can affect your dog. There are a few reasons why this problem occurs.
One accepted theory is that it's a by-product of excessive drooling. Just like babies, puppies start producing tons of saliva when those sharp teeth appear. Your pup will inevitably swallow some of it.
It's not uncommon for puppies to swallow so much saliva that they experience loss of appetite or an upset stomach. If this occurs, your pup may experience loose stools or vomiting.
Another possible cause of diarrhea during teething is accidentally swallowing objects that shouldn't have been swallowed.
Puppies are so uncomfortable teething that they put everything in their mouths. You don't think twice. Unfortunately, some unwanted things end up on your system.
Not only do you have to worry about your pup swallowing something that could cause him to choke, but you also need to consider the risks associated with germs.
No matter how clean your home is, bacteria and viruses lurk around every corner. If your dog gets something dirty in his mouth, he can easily become nauseous.
weak immune system
Puppies already have a weakened immune system. Their bodies are still developing and their immunity is not as strong as that of adult dogs. As a result, there is an increased risk of viral infections.
That is the good newsMost bouts of diarrhea aren't a big deal.These digestive problems usually go away within a few days.
If diarrhea persists or is accompanied by bloody stools and other significant symptoms, don't hesitate to take your dog to the vet.
Puppies and diarrhea: is this normal?
Before you start freaking out that your dog's diarrhea is teething related, remember that stomach problems are relatively common in young dogs.
As we've said before, their bodies are still developing. The immune system just isn't strong enough to protect itself from all the nasty stuff your puppy puts in his mouth.
Soft poop is part of territory and may be more common than you might think on your pup's journey to maturity.
There are many other possible causes as well.
For example, many puppies develop food intolerances or have a sensitive stomach. A change of diet, especially from puppy food to adult food, can lead to an upset stomach. Even small changes in your pup's diet can wreak havoc on his system for a day or two.
Puppies can also get bacterial and viral infections.
Bacteria like Salmonella, E. Coli, Clostridium and more are known to cause diarrhea. The same goes for viral infections like parvovirus and distemper.
If you suspect serious bacteria or viruses are to blame, it is best to take your dog to a veterinarian.
Keeping them up to date on vaccinations will help your pup avoid life-threatening complications caused by parvovirus and distemper. In the meantime, veterinary care can help treat bacterial infections.
Parasites are another thing to watch out for when monitoringbowel movement. Puppies are very susceptible to worms.
Many get them from their mothers and have the parasites in their systems at birth. Others may pick up worms from the environment or put something infected in their mouth.
Related:How often should you deworm a dog?
Finally, diarrhea can also come from stress!
Believe it or not, stressful situations will cause a lot of trouble in your pup's digestive tract. Stress usually comes frombe aloneand feel unsafe at home. But for some puppies, the pain of teething is more than enough to cause stress-related diarrhea.
How do you treat diarrhea in dogs?
Bouts of diarrhea related to teething usually don't last long. But all dogs are different. In particularly severe cases, it may take longer than two days. So how can you provide relief?
If your furry friend has severe diarrhea, consider abstaining from eating altogether for about 12 hours.
When your pup tries to eat, the extra food in the system will only cause more problems. No matter how much your dog begs, give him half a day to settle his stomach.
Make sure water is available 24 hours a day. Puppies get dehydrated easily when they have diarrhea, so make sure fresh water is available when they need it.
After 12 hours you can reintroduce food. Consider opting for a bland diet. You can try oneCommercially available dog food with limited ingredientsor one of manyhomemade recipes.
The goal is to remove any potential allergens that could aggravate the situation.
Take your pup to the vet if the problem lasts more than 48 hours. If possible, collect stool samples for testing.
Vets can examine your dog, rule out serious health complications, and provide medication to get your pup healthy again. Depending on the situation, they may recommend diarrhea medication, probiotic boosters to heal the gut microbiome, and special diets.
Diploma
Teething is difficult and no owner wants their little friend to have to go through that much. Throwing diarrhea into the mix adds salt to the wound, but it's the reality of the situation.
There's not much you can do other than provide your teething pup with safe chew toys. But even then, abdominal pain can occur.
Support your dog as much as you can andcheck your bowel movementsto take note of any changes. Diarrhea is normal during the puppy years, but don't hesitate to consult a vet if you notice anything amiss.
Take care and love your pup during this crazy time. Before you know it, you'll have your pearly white adult teeth and no more pain.
Also read:Why do dogs chatter their teeth?
FAQs
What does it mean if my puppy has diarrhea but seems fine? ›
My dog has diarrhea but is acting fine? If your dog has diarrhea but is acting fine and isn't displaying any other symptoms, the issue is contained in the GI. This means it's more than likely that your dog ate something that isn't agreeing with them or has a parasite infection.
What is the most common cause of diarrhea in puppies? ›Most common reasons for puppy diarrhea
Stress. Eating inappropriate objects. Intestinal parasites. Accidentally eating something toxic.
Young puppies are prone to parasites. Whether they are born with parasites or pick them up from the environment, parasites like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia, and giardia all cause diarrhea in puppies and all require veterinary attention.
How much puppy diarrhea is normal? ›Diarrhea is actually quite common in puppies and can vary from one or two mild episodes that resolve quickly to severe gastrointestinal signs that may indicate a more serious illness.
What is the difference between diarrhea and loose stool in puppies? ›If the stool is soft, mushy, and hard to pick up, this is considered diarrhea. The colon is the organ that absorbs the water from the intestine, so if the stool is abnormally loose, the colon is not functioning properly. Some dogs want to “mark” with their excrement.
Can puppies get diarrhea from teething? ›A: Many pet parents report that puppy teething seems to be associated with diarrhea. However, diarrhea during this time can still be serious enough to require veterinary care. Teething puppies will often chew on and swallow almost anything they can get their mouths on.
Will puppy diarrhea resolve itself? ›While mild diarrhea will often resolve on its own with time and patience, severe cases may require urgent medical attention from your veterinarian. Symptoms that persist over multiple days, or diarrhea accompanied by fever, bloody stool, pale gums, lethargy, mood changes, or tar-like stool should be cause for concern.
Why does my puppy suddenly have diarrhea? ›Why Do Puppies Get Diarrhea? Diarrhea can be associated with viruses like parvovirus and distemper. It can also be caused by intestinal parasites like whipworms and hookworms, protozoa like giardia, and bacteria like salmonella and E. coli.
How long does it take for puppy diarrhea to go away? ›Usually most diarrhea will run its course within two to four days, although in some cases, it can last longer. If there are any other signs of illness like vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, or pain, a veterinary trip is in order.
What cures puppy diarrhea? ›A bland diet for 24 to 48 hours may help to resolve your pup's issue. Plain-cooked white rice with a little chicken and some canned plain pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) may help to make your pup's tummy feel better. Once your pooch feels better, gradually reintroduce their regular food.
What can I give my dog to harden his stool? ›
If you have checked the feeding amount is correct, cut out treats and spaced the meals and your dog is still producing soft poo the addition of just a couple of tablespoons of cooked carrot, sweet potato or squash to their meal can work wonders in firming up their poo.
Why does my puppy have solid poop followed by diarrhea? ›A stool that starts off firm but is followed by soft or very loose second half of the bowel movement, can indicate a variety of causes including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, maldigestion, malabsorption, food intolerances, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, dysbiosis (an imbalance in the types of gut bacteria) ...
What do I do if my dog has diarrhea for 3 days? ›If the diarrhea doesn't resolve by holding back on food and then re-introducing a bland diet, though, then it's time to call your veterinarian. Pets that have chronic soft stool or chronic full-blown diarrhea should definitely be examined by a veterinarian, even if they are otherwise behaving normally.
Why is my dog pooping liquid poop? ›Eating garbage or spoiled food. Ingestion of foreign objects such as toys, bones, and fabric. Ingesting toxins or poisons. Viral infections such as parvovirus, distemper or coronavirus.
Why is my dog pooping liquid? ›Runny poop can be a result of stress, medication, eating new food or food that's intended for humans. It can also be a sign of infection or an underlying condition. There are also many things that can cause dog diarrhoea: A stressful event like adopting a new dog, the arrival of a new family member, moving home etc.
What Colour is puppy diarrhea? ›Yellow or greenish stool is an indicator of bowel hypermotility. When food passes through the bowel too quickly it passes in liquid form. It is the most common cause of diarrhea in puppies and adult dogs. Black, tarry stool is an indicator that your puppy's upper intestinal tract is bleeding.
What is teething diarrhea like? ›Teething won't cause diarrhea, but will bring on relatively minor symptoms such as drooling, a slightly elevated temperature and perhaps more irritability. If your baby develops a fever during the teething phase, something else is probably causing the fever — and you should contact your pediatrician.
How common is diarrhea with teething? ›The common perception among dentists is that teething in babies and children may be accompanied by increased drooling, a slight rise in temperature, and perhaps increased irritability, but these symptoms are relatively minor. Teething and diarrhea are not usually associated.
Why is diarrhea a symptom of teething? ›Teething and Diarrhea
Many believe that the increased saliva produced during teething can cause stool to become slightly loose. Keep in mind, diarrhea can be a sign of a more serious infection so contact your infant's pediatrician if the stool becomes watery, because your infant could be at risk for dehydration.
Diarrhea in dogs can last anywhere from 24-48 hours and will often resolve on its own. But if diarrhea persists and is accompanied by other symptoms, seek help from a vet. Diarrhea can be a result of a serious health condition, so it's always a good idea to take them to the vet to figure out what's causing it.
How long does it take for dog poop to return to normal after diarrhea? ›
Be aware that after a bout of vomiting or diarrhea, it may take 3-7 days to see stool again as the digestive system has been “cleaned out” and its motility (movement of contents through system) has been interrupted.
What do vets give dogs for diarrhea? ›Metronidazole (Flagyl) is a popular antibiotic a vet may prescribe for a dog to treat diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, or infections.
What causes sudden diarrhea with no other symptoms? ›The most common causes of acute and persistent diarrhea are infections, travelers' diarrhea, and side effects of medicines. Viral infections. Many viruses cause diarrhea, including norovirus link and rotavirus link. Viral gastroenteritis is a common cause of acute diarrhea.
Does water help puppy diarrhea? ›Withholding food for 12 to 24 hours, and providing water in small amounts frequently, can clear the cause of the upset and allow the gastrointestinal tract to settle. It's usually the first line of attack for diarrhea. Before you decide on a fast, be sure that your dog is healthy enough to endure it.
What soothes a dog's stomach and helps with diarrhea? ›Other things that might help soothe your dog's upset tummy include natural yogurt, probiotics, peeled boiled potatoes, cottage cheese, egg with no oil added, specially formulated dog foods and medications prescribed by your vet.
Should I feed my puppy if he has diarrhea? ›My dog has diarrhea, What should I do? Fast your dog for 24 hours. Only water is permitted. After the 24 hour fast, begin feeding a combination of boiled white meat chicken (with all the skin and fat removed and the water poured off) and boiled long grain white rice.
How long should my dog have diarrhea before going to the vet? ›Meredith Miller, associate clinical professor of small animal medicine. “If a pet stops eating, is lethargic, the diarrhea is black or tarry in quality, there is associated vomiting, or the diarrhea doesn't resolve in 48-72 hours then veterinary care should be sought.”
Does pumpkin help harden dogs stool? ›If your pooch has the poops, fiber in pumpkin can help make your dog's stools more solid and regular, and its prebiotic properties regulate the growth of good bacteria in your dog's intestines (and curb the growth of bad stuff).
How do you stop a dog's poop from being runny? ›Offer small amounts of white meat such as boiled chicken or fish with white rice instead of their usual food. If there is no further diarrhoea, feed small amounts every two hours and then gradually mix in their usual food over 24 hours before giving them a normal meal. Continue to monitor their poop.
Should I be worried if my dog has diarrhea but is acting fine? ›If the diarrhea doesn't resolve by holding back on food and then re-introducing a bland diet, though, then it's time to call your veterinarian. Pets that have chronic soft stool or chronic full-blown diarrhea should definitely be examined by a veterinarian, even if they are otherwise behaving normally.
Can puppies have diarrhea and not be sick? ›
Diarrhea is not uncommon when it comes to puppies and can be caused by the stress of a new situation, viruses, parasites, or changes in diet or lifestyle. Mild cases can likely be treated at home, but more severe cases of puppy diarrhea can be a serious problem.
Why does my puppy have diarrhea for no reason? ›Eating garbage or spoiled food. Ingestion of foreign objects such as toys, bones, and fabric. Ingesting toxins or poisons. Viral infections such as parvovirus, distemper or coronavirus.
When should I be concerned about my puppy's diarrhea? ›While mild diarrhea will often resolve on its own with time and patience, severe cases may require urgent medical attention from your veterinarian. Symptoms that persist over multiple days, or diarrhea accompanied by fever, bloody stool, pale gums, lethargy, mood changes, or tar-like stool should be cause for concern.
How long until dog diarrhea goes away? ›Usually most diarrhea will run its course within two to four days, although in some cases, it can last longer. If there are any other signs of illness like vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, or pain, a veterinary trip is in order.
What should I do if my dog has diarrhea for 2 days? ›Contact your vet right away if your pooch is experiencing repeated episodes of diarrhea. Dogs showing other symptoms as well as diarrhea should also be seen by a vet as soon as possible. If your dog has any of the following symptoms, contact your vet right away to make an appointment: Lack of Appetite.
Will puppy diarrhea go away on its own? ›Diarrhea in dogs can last anywhere from 24-48 hours and will often resolve on its own. But if diarrhea persists and is accompanied by other symptoms, seek help from a vet. Diarrhea can be a result of a serious health condition, so it's always a good idea to take them to the vet to figure out what's causing it.
How do I know if my dogs diarrhea is serious? ›If your dog has severe bloody diarrhea or is showing more generalized signs of illness such as weakness, fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, or dehydration, the cause may be more serious and medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.
How do you settle a puppy with diarrhea? ›Offer small amounts of white meat such as boiled chicken or fish with white rice instead of their usual food. If there is no further diarrhoea, feed small amounts every two hours and then gradually mix in their usual food over 24 hours before giving them a normal meal. Continue to monitor their poop.