If your dog has diarrhea and is not eating or drinking, it can be both confusing and alarming.
Occasional digestive upset in dogs is common, but when symptoms like diarrhea and loss of appetite and thirst appear together, it may signal something more serious.
We outline the common causes of dog diarrhea and not eating or drinking, what it may indicate, and what you can do to help your furry friend recover.
Dog Diarrhea and Not Eating or Drinking: What It Means
Dog diarrhea and not eating or drinking often occurs due to a combination of underlying health issues that disrupt your dog’s digestive system and overall well-being.
Common causes include gastrointestinal infections, dietary indiscretion, toxin ingestion, systemic illnesses like kidney or liver disease, stress and anxiety, internal parasites, medication side effects, and pain or fever.
These conditions can trigger nausea, inflammation, and dehydration, leading your dog to avoid food and water.
When these symptoms appear together, they often indicate a more serious problem that requires prompt evaluation to prevent complications such as severe dehydration or organ failure.
Common Reasons for Dog Diarrhea and Not Eating or Drinking: Common Causes
Gastrointestinal Infections
One of the primary reasons dogs experience diarrhea and stop eating or drinking is due to a gastrointestinal infection.
These can be viral, bacterial, or parasitic in nature. Infections from organisms like parvovirus, salmonella, or giardia can irritate the gut lining, causing inflammation and severe discomfort.
A dog with an infection may lose their appetite due to nausea or pain.
Additionally, vomiting often accompanies these infections, making your dog even less likely to consume food or water.
The result can be rapid dehydration, especially if the diarrhea is frequent and watery.
Related: Dog diarrhea and not eating (Causes and when to worry)
Dietary Indiscretion or Sudden Food Changes
Another common cause of dog diarrhea and not eating or drinking is dietary indiscretion.
Dogs that scavenge garbage, eat spoiled food, or chew on non-food objects can irritate their stomachs and intestines.
Similarly, suddenly changing your dog’s food brand or formula can upset their digestive system.
When the digestive tract is irritated, dogs may refuse to eat or drink due to nausea or discomfort.
If they’ve eaten something toxic or overly rich, their body may respond with diarrhea as a way to expel the offending substance.
Toxin Ingestion or Poisoning
If your dog has diarrhea and not eating or drinking after being left unattended near household cleaners, human medication, or toxic plants, poisoning could be the cause.
Toxins often cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, along with a refusal to eat or drink.
Some toxins can directly affect organs like the kidneys or liver, impairing your dog’s ability to regulate fluids and increasing the risk of dehydration.
In many cases, dogs that have ingested poison will also show signs like tremors, drooling, or seizures. Prompt treatment is critical.
Illness and Systemic Diseases
Underlying illnesses can also be the reason your dog has diarrhea and not eating or drinking.
Systemic diseases such as kidney failure, liver disease, pancreatitis, or diabetes can all present with gastrointestinal symptoms and loss of appetite or thirst.
For instance, pancreatitis causes severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, making dogs avoid both food and water.
Kidney or liver disease, on the other hand, can suppress appetite and lead to increased toxin buildup in the body, worsening nausea and leading to digestive issues.
Stress and Anxiety
Dogs can suffer from stress and anxiety just like humans, and emotional stress can manifest as physical symptoms.
If a dog experiences a sudden change in environment, a new family member, a trip to the vet, or separation from their owner, they may develop gastrointestinal symptoms.
Stress can lead to diarrhea, and in some cases, dogs may stop eating or drinking out of nervousness.
This reaction is particularly common in sensitive breeds or rescue dogs who may have a history of trauma.
Parasites
Internal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, or whipworms can cause diarrhea and reduced appetite.
Puppies and younger dogs are especially vulnerable, but adult dogs can also be affected.
A dog heavily infested with parasites may feel bloated, weak, and uncomfortable—making them less likely to eat or drink.
In severe cases, the parasites can cause dehydration and nutrient loss due to prolonged diarrhea.
Fever or Pain
Fever or pain from any source—dental issues, injury, or infection—can reduce your dog’s desire to eat or drink.
If diarrhea is also present, it could point to a more systemic issue.
Dogs experiencing fever may become lethargic, seek isolation, and refuse meals or water bowls.
Combined with diarrhea, these signs should not be overlooked as they can quickly progress to more serious conditions if left untreated.
Side Effects of Medication
Some medications prescribed for unrelated issues can lead to gastrointestinal upset as a side effect. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or even some pain medications can cause dog diarrhea and not eating or drinking due to nausea or gut irritation.
Always monitor your pet closely when starting a new medication.
If they develop concerning symptoms, consult your vet right away to determine whether the drug should be adjusted or discontinued.
Related: Dog diarrhea and not eating but drinking water (Explained)
What to Do if Your Dog Has Diarrhea and Is Not Eating or Drinking
When your dog shows these symptoms, you need to act quickly but calmly. Here’s what you should do:
Monitor Their Condition Closely
Track how many times your dog has diarrhea and whether there is blood or mucus in the stool.
Watch for vomiting, lethargy, panting, or signs of pain.
Note how long your dog has refused to eat or drink.
Do Not Force Feed
If your dog is not eating or drinking, avoid trying to force food or water. It can worsen nausea or lead to choking.
Instead, try offering small amounts of bland food like boiled chicken and rice once the vomiting or diarrhea has stopped for at least 12 hours.
Check for Dehydration
Gently pinch your dog’s skin at the back of the neck—if it doesn’t spring back immediately, they may be dehydrated.
Check for dry gums, sunken eyes, or lethargy. Dehydration is serious and needs prompt veterinary treatment.
Keep Them Comfortable
Offer a quiet, calm space for your dog to rest. Remove access to food for 12 hours (unless your vet says otherwise), but offer small sips of clean water if they are willing to drink.
Visit the Vet
If your dog’s diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours or if they are not eating or drinking for more than a day, seek professional help.
Veterinary care is especially urgent if your dog:
Has bloody or black stool
Is vomiting in addition to diarrhea
Appears lethargic or weak
Is a puppy, senior, or has a pre-existing condition
Shows signs of pain or fever
May have ingested a toxin
Key Takeaway
While a brief stomach upset is often nothing to worry about, dog diarrhea and not eating or drinking is a combination of symptoms that deserves serious attention.
These symptoms can indicate anything from dietary indiscretion to dangerous infections or poisoning.
By paying close attention to your dog’s behavior, knowing what to look for, and acting swiftly when needed, you can help ensure they get the care they need before complications like dehydration or organ damage set in.
When in doubt, always consult with your veterinarian.
Your dog’s health can change rapidly, and early intervention often makes a significant difference in the outcome.