Being a pet owner is a rewarding experience, but it can also come with its challenges. One of those challenges is dealing with your beloved puppy's sensitive and sometimes, upset stomach. While there may be multiple causes of diarrhea in puppies, one that is often overlooked is teething. It's important to identify the cause of diarrhea for your pup so you can help them feel better and stay healthy. In this blog post, we'll dive into the signs of teething, tips to help your pup through the teething phase, and how to handle diarrhea caused by teething.
When Do Puppies Start Teething?
Teething in puppies is a natural process that starts around three weeks of age. During this time, they will get their deciduous teeth or “baby teeth”. These primary teeth will begin to fall out as early as 3 months old. By the time your pup is one year old, they will have all of their adult teeth.
Puppy Teething Symptoms
One way to tell if your puppy is teething is if they start to chew on everything they can get their mouth on, from toys to furniture. Teething can cause pain and soreness, leading your pup to seek out relief by excessive chewing on objects. Your puppy’s gums may appear red or swollen and you might even find blood spots on items they have been chewing on or a baby tooth lying around. Increased drooling and a lack of appetite are also puppy teething symptoms.
Diarrhea and Teething in Dogs
The irritation caused by teething can lead to tummy troubles for your pup. Swallowing the extra drool that occurs during teething may cause stomach upset, loose stools, and even diarrhea. Diarrhea as a puppy teething symptom, should be short-lived and not persist past 48 hours. After that point, a call to your veterinarian is in order. You can help your pup through their digestive issues by feeding them small, frequent meals instead of large meals. Stick to bland food like boiled chicken or plain ground beef mixed with rice. If their diarrhea is severe, you may want to hold off on offering them solid food for 12 hours to let their digestive system settle. Make sure to have plenty of water available to your dog during bouts of diarrhea to prevent dehydration and when in doubt, always consult with your veterinarian.
How to Help a Teething Puppy
If your puppy is teething, there are several things you can do to help them feel better. First, limit their access to anything they shouldn't be chewing on and provide them with toys specifically designed for teething puppies. If your pup isn’t interested in their regular food due to lack of appetite during teething, offering soft food that is more desirable and easier to eat may entice them to dine. Frozen teething toys or ice cubes can also provide temporary relief to their sore gums. Remember, teething is a short-lived period in a puppy’s life and patience is key during this time.
Other Reasons for Diarrhea in Dogs
If your puppy seems lethargic or shows other symptoms, such as vomiting or blood in their stool, the diarrhea they are experiencing might not be related to teething. Other causes of diarrhea in puppies may include stress, food allergies, infections, or parasites. If your puppy shows other symptoms or if the diarrhea persists for more than two days, it's time to visit the vet. They will determine the cause of diarrhea and recommend medication or dietary changes, depending on the root of the problem.
How to Clean Up Dog Diarrhea on Carpet
When it comes to cleaning up after your puppy's accidents, it's always best to have a technique in place. Inside, use paper towels to remove any solid waste, followed by a cleaning solution made of dish soap, white vinegar, and water. Blot the solution onto the affected carpet area and let set for 10 minutes before blotting again to absorb any liquid. Rinse with cold water, then soak it up with a clean towel.
How to Clean up Dog Diarrhea Outside
Outside, use a pooper scooper or dog poop bag for initial clean-up. You can also rinse the area with water and use a cleaning solution of white vinegar and water to clean the area more thoroughly. If you need help with puppy poop cleanup, consider hiring a professional. DoodyCalls offers residential poop cleanup services for your yard and outdoor spaces.
Dealing with a puppy's diarrhea can be stressful, but by understanding the difference between teething and other causes, it becomes more manageable. Keep your puppy's comfort in mind during the teething process, and remember to be patient. Providing the right food and toys, and visiting the vet when necessary will go a long way in ensuring your puppy stays healthy. And, lastly, have a cleaning plan in place for those unexpected accidents. Understanding diarrhea in puppies is essential for a happy and healthy life with your furry friend.