Yes, Dog can get diarrhea when teething.
Dogs, just like humans, have teeth that must be cared for throughout life as they continue to grow.
When a dog is teething, he may experience different symptoms and ailments associated with this development period in their life.
One common issue is diarrhea; it is not uncommon for teething puppies to experience diarrhea because their immune systems are still developing.
Here are the best ways to care for your puppy if he has diarrhea during teething.
Critical Considerations for Dogs Teething and Diarrhea
- What Is Dog Teething?
- What Causes Diarrhea in Puppies?
- Can teething cause diarrhea in dogs?
- What are the symptoms of dogs teething?
- How to Prevent Dog Teething and Diarrhea Symptoms?
- What is the treatment of choice for teething and diarrhea?
- Does teething cause diarrhea in dogs?
1) What Is Dog Teething?
Dogs are born without teeth, but they start to develop their first baby teeth by three to four weeks of age.
The first teeth to erupt are the incisors (the very front teeth), followed by the canine teeth, then premolars, and lastly, the molars.
Most dogs have 28 deciduous (baby) teeth that break through the gums during this time.
These are soon replaced by 42 permanent adult teeth, which typically come in by six months of age. [1]
2) What Causes Diarrhea in Puppies?
First, diarrhea may be due to the change in diet as a puppy weans from his mother’s milk to solid foods.
Second, it is also possible for diarrhea to result from the introduction of new foods as a puppy transition from milk to solid foods. [2]
Diarrhea can be caused by many things, including dietary changes or stress from moving or being placed in a new home and the stress of being vaccinated.
When young dogs are teething, they may suffer from diarrhea. [3]
If your puppy has diarrhea for more than 24 hours, it could be caused by Parvovirus, which is highly contagious and deadly for puppies younger than 6 months old.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your puppy, take him to the veterinarian immediately so he can get the treatment he needs. [4]
3) Can Teething Cause Diarrhea In Dogs?
The most common symptom of teething in dogs is diarrhea.
The teething process can be uncomfortable for the dog and cause an upset stomach.
Dogs teething diarrhea is because when a dog has a tooth coming in, it can irritate the lining of their mouth and stomach, and the irritation causes loose stools that may contain blood or mucus. [5] [6]
4) What Are The Symptoms Of Dogs Teething?
The teething process can be a painful one for puppies, and it’s not uncommon for them to experience a few of the following symptoms:
- Red, swollen gums [7]
- Gum-line may be visible
- Drooling and chewing on objects
- Tenderness or soreness around the mouth area
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Refusing food and treats
5) How to Prevent Dog Teething and Diarrhea Symptoms?
Here are some tips on how to prevent and treat teething and diarrhea symptoms naturally:
- Ensure plenty of water to a puppy to prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea.
- Keep the teething area clean by regularly brushing your dog’s teeth and providing them with doggie toothpaste.
- Provide hard foods, such as carrots and apples, for your dog to chew on during this period, and offer ice cubes for your dog to lick.
- Mix the cooked high-quality protein (chicken) or ground beef in boiled white rice in a ratio of 1 part protein to 2 parts rice and give to the dog twice a day.
- Give your dog chew toys and bones that promote good oral health, such as soft enough to provide comfort and made with a hard material that will help clean their teeth. [8]
6) What is the Treatment of Choice for Teething and Diarrhea?
Treating the diarrhea is a manageable task. It’s a common issue in puppies, but it can also become serious if they get dehydrated.
Even in cases of mild dehydration, it’s a good idea to contact your vet for additional recommendations.
Treatment includes;
- The drug of choice for dog teething diarrhea is Ranitidine (Zantac) at a dose rate of 1-2 mg/kg body weight intravenously. [9]
- If dogs show signs of vomiting, then use Metoclopramide at a dose rate of 5-1 mg/kg body weight intravenously.
- Offering your dog Ringer’s lactate (an electrolyte replacement fluid) 250ml, to help replenish dogs lost fluids and minerals. [10]
Does Teething Cause Diarrhea In Dogs?
Yes, dogs can get diarrhea when teething, but there are ways to help minimize this.
Several different things can cause diarrhea in dogs.
If your dog is experiencing diarrhea and teething, it’s good to take him to the vet to rule out any other potential causes.
There are a lot of different remedies available for dogs that are teething, like natural remedies and offering the best soft food to the puppy to prevent diarrhea.
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