Dietary indiscretion or sudden diet change
One of the most frequent causes of dog diarrhea and not eating but acting normal is dietary indiscretion.
Dogs are curious creatures and will often ingest spoiled food, table scraps, or non-food items when given the chance.
Sudden changes in your dog’s diet—such as introducing a new brand of dog food or switching from wet to dry food—can also upset their digestive system.
Even though your dog may be acting normal, the gastrointestinal tract may be struggling to adjust.
Diarrhea often results from this transition, while a temporary loss of appetite occurs as the gut tries to stabilize.
Introduce dietary changes gradually, over 7–10 days, and monitor for any digestive upset.
If symptoms persist longer than a day or two, it’s worth consulting a veterinarian.
Related: Dog diarrhea and not eating (Causes and when to worry)
Mild gastrointestinal infection
Sometimes, dog diarrhea and not eating but acting normal can result from a mild bacterial or viral infection.
In these cases, the immune system works efficiently to fight the invading organism without affecting your dog’s mood or energy.
Infections from organisms like Campylobacter, Clostridium, or Giardia can lead to mild or moderate digestive symptoms while the dog remains otherwise active.
Infections are often picked up from contaminated water, feces, or contact with other animals.
Although your dog may still seem happy, a vet visit is necessary if the diarrhea doesn’t improve within 48 hours or worsens.
Food intolerance or allergies
Another reason your dog might experience diarrhea and not eat while still acting normal is due to food intolerance or an undiagnosed allergy.
Certain ingredients like chicken, beef, soy, or wheat can irritate your dog’s gut without causing systemic illness, especially if the dog has been eating the same food long-term.
Food-related diarrhea can develop gradually, and your dog may temporarily avoid eating due to discomfort, only to return to normal behavior soon after.
However, this recurring cycle of diarrhea and food avoidance requires dietary evaluation and possibly an elimination diet guided by your vet.
Stress or anxiety
Stress is a surprisingly common cause of dog diarrhea and not eating but acting normal.
Changes in environment, the introduction of new pets, boarding, or even loud noises can cause intestinal upset in dogs.
In such cases, your dog’s behavior may seem completely unaffected on the surface.
They might still play and interact normally, but their digestive tract reacts differently under stress, leading to loose stools and occasional meal skipping.
If stress is suspected, try to maintain a calm environment and consistent routine.
Herbal calming aids or pheromone diffusers can also help soothe a nervous dog’s system.
Related: Dog bloody diarrhea and not eating (Explained)
Parasites
Intestinal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms are another cause of dog diarrhea and not eating but acting normal.
In mild infestations, dogs may appear healthy and active while their bodies are battling the internal parasites.
Puppies and younger dogs are more susceptible, but even adult dogs can carry parasites without significant behavioral changes.
Persistent diarrhea, poor appetite, or a pot-bellied appearance could be signs of an underlying worm burden.
Routine fecal exams and deworming are crucial to managing this problem effectively.
Side effects of medication or recent vaccination
If your dog has recently started a new medication or received a vaccination, this could trigger temporary digestive symptoms.
In such cases, your dog may experience diarrhea and not eat for a short period but continue acting normal otherwise.
Some antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications can irritate the stomach lining, while vaccines may temporarily affect your dog’s appetite or stool quality.
These effects should pass within a day or two. If symptoms last longer or become more severe, contact your vet.
Pancreatitis (mild case)
Mild cases of pancreatitis can sometimes present with diarrhea and reduced appetite, while the dog may still appear relatively normal in behavior.
Pancreatitis involves inflammation of the pancreas, which affects digestion and nutrient absorption.
This condition can fluctuate in severity. In milder forms, dogs might only skip a meal or two and have intermittent soft stools.
However, if ignored, it can progress into a more severe form with vomiting, abdominal pain, and lethargy.
Early stages of chronic illness
Some chronic diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver disease, or kidney dysfunction may first show subtle signs such as diarrhea and lack of interest in food—yet your dog might otherwise seem fine.
Because dogs are instinctively good at hiding illness, they may not show pain or discomfort until the condition progresses.
A dog that has diarrhea and is not eating but acting normal could be in the early stages of a disease that hasn’t fully manifested.
A medical workup including bloodwork and imaging might be necessary to rule out these possibilities.
What to do if your dog has diarrhea and is not eating but acting normal
If your dog is experiencing diarrhea and not eating, even if they seem normal otherwise, it’s important to observe the situation carefully.
Here’s what you can do:
1. Monitor your dog closely.
Track how many times your dog has diarrhea, their energy levels, and whether they eat anything at all over the next 24–48 hours.
2. Offer bland food.
Feeding a bland diet like boiled chicken and plain white rice for a day or two can help soothe the digestive tract. Avoid fatty or rich foods.
3. Keep them hydrated.
Make sure fresh water is always available.
Dehydration is a serious risk with diarrhea, even if your dog is still acting normal.
4. Check for other symptoms.
Look for signs such as vomiting, lethargy, drooling, pale gums, or straining during bowel movements.
These could indicate a more serious issue.
5. Avoid giving medications without veterinary advice.
Over-the-counter human medications can be harmful to dogs.
Always consult a vet before administering anything new.
6. Visit the veterinarian.
If diarrhea persists beyond 48 hours, your dog refuses all food, or any additional symptoms appear, it’s time to see your vet.
They may perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause.
When to seek veterinary attention urgently
Even if your dog appears fine, certain signs should prompt immediate veterinary attention:
Blood in the stool
Vomiting along with diarrhea
Signs of abdominal pain (e.g., hunched posture, whining)
Weakness or collapse
No food or water intake for more than 24 hours
Puppy or senior dog showing symptoms
Key Takeaway
Dog diarrhea and not eating but acting normal can seem like a minor concern, especially if your pet is still energetic and affectionate.
However, digestive symptoms are often the first sign that something isn’t right internally.
Whether it’s due to stress, food sensitivity, parasites, or something more serious, it’s crucial to take action early.
Mild symptoms can escalate quickly without proper care.
By monitoring your dog’s behavior, ensuring hydration, offering a gentle diet, and consulting with your vet when needed, you can help your dog recover quickly and avoid complications.
Always remember—when in doubt, a professional opinion is the best path to peace of mind and your dog’s health.
