Noticing that your dog has diarrhea for an extended period can be concerning, even if she seems perfectly healthy otherwise.
Persistent diarrhea can signal underlying issues that may not yet affect your dog’s energy, appetite, or behavior, making it easy to overlook.
We explain the common reasons why a dog may have diarrhea for a week but act normal, what you can do, and when it’s best to involve your veterinarian.
Dog Has Diarrhea for a Week but Acting Normal: Why It Happens
A dog experiencing diarrhea for a week while acting normal may be dealing with a range of digestive or systemic issues that don’t immediately impact energy or appetite.
Mild infections, dietary changes, food intolerances, parasites, or inflammatory conditions can all cause loose stools without causing lethargy or loss of appetite.
While your dog may continue her normal routine, chronic diarrhea can still lead to dehydration or nutrient deficiencies over time. Observing her closely and addressing the issue early is important to prevent complications.
Dog Has Diarrhea for a Week but Acting Normal: Common Causes
Dietary Changes
One of the most common reasons for prolonged diarrhea in otherwise normal dogs is a sudden change in diet or consumption of inappropriate foods.
Switching foods too quickly or eating table scraps, garbage, or foreign objects can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. While the dog may continue to act normal and eat well, her digestive system may take several days to adjust, resulting in loose stools.
Monitoring her diet, avoiding abrupt changes, and providing a bland diet temporarily can help her digestive system stabilize.
Related: Dog suddenly vomiting and diarrhea (Common causes)
Mild Gastrointestinal Infection
Mild bacterial or viral infections can lead to diarrhea without other noticeable symptoms.
These infections can irritate the intestines and cause frequent or loose stools. Dogs may continue their regular activity, eat normally, and show no signs of discomfort.
Although mild cases may resolve on their own, persistent diarrhea increases the risk of dehydration and secondary infections, making monitoring essential.
Parasites
Intestinal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, or giardia, can cause prolonged diarrhea in dogs.
Even if your dog appears healthy, parasites can affect nutrient absorption and digestive function. Diarrhea may be intermittent or chronic, sometimes accompanied by mucus or small amounts of blood.
Regular fecal testing and deworming under veterinary guidance are key to resolving the issue and preventing reinfection.
Food Intolerances or Allergies
Some dogs develop sensitivities to certain ingredients in their food, leading to gastrointestinal upset.
Allergies or intolerances may not affect overall energy levels or appetite but can cause chronic loose stools or intermittent diarrhea. Common triggers include specific proteins, grains, or additives.
Identifying and eliminating the offending ingredient, sometimes under a vet-supervised elimination diet, can improve stool quality and overall digestive health.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic condition in which the gastrointestinal tract becomes inflamed, sometimes without other obvious symptoms.
Dogs may have diarrhea, mucus in stools, or occasional blood while still appearing normal in energy and appetite. Symptoms can fluctuate, making it difficult to identify without veterinary evaluation.
Early recognition and treatment with dietary management, supplements, or medication can prevent progression and maintain your dog’s quality of life.
Stress or Environmental Changes
Stress, anxiety, or sudden environmental changes can trigger mild, prolonged diarrhea in dogs.
Dogs are sensitive to changes in routine, new household members, or travel, which can impact digestion. Despite this, dogs often continue eating, playing, and acting normally.
While usually temporary, persistent stress-induced diarrhea may benefit from environmental stabilization, enrichment, and sometimes veterinary-recommended supplements to support gut health.
Related: Old dog constant diarrhea (Why it happens)
What to Do If Your Dog Has Diarrhea for a Week but Acts Normal
Start by keeping your dog well-hydrated, offering fresh water frequently and monitoring for signs of dehydration such as dry gums or reduced skin elasticity.
Feed a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice or other veterinarian-recommended formulas to allow the digestive system to recover. Avoid giving treats, table scraps, or sudden food changes during this period.
Monitor stool consistency, frequency, and any additional symptoms like vomiting, mucus, or blood. Collect a fresh fecal sample if possible, which can help the vet determine the cause.
Maintain a calm environment to reduce stress, and gradually reintroduce her regular diet once stools return to normal. Avoid over-the-counter medications unless directed by a veterinarian.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Seek veterinary care if diarrhea persists beyond a week or worsens over time, even if your dog seems normal otherwise.
Immediate evaluation is necessary if you notice vomiting, lethargy, dehydration, blood in the stool, or a sudden loss of appetite.
Consult your veterinarian if you suspect parasites, allergies, or chronic gastrointestinal conditions, as diagnostic tests may be needed to guide treatment.
Even subtle changes in behavior, appetite, or urination alongside prolonged diarrhea warrant a check-up to rule out underlying systemic issues.
Read more: Dog Vomiting and Diarrhea (Why it happens)
Key Takeaway
When a dog has diarrhea for a week but continues to act normal, the cause may range from minor dietary issues to chronic gastrointestinal conditions or parasites. While she may appear healthy, persistent loose stools can impact hydration, nutrient absorption, and overall well-being.
Monitoring stool quality, maintaining hydration, providing a bland diet, reducing stress, and seeking veterinary care are crucial steps. Early intervention ensures your dog remains healthy, comfortable, and free from potential complications.