A dog not hungry but has diarrhea is a combination of symptoms that can worrying, especially when the loss of appetite appears suddenly.
Diarrhea on its own is common, but pairing it with a refusal to eat often signals irritation, illness, or a deeper underlying issue affecting both the stomach and appetite.
This guide outlines the common reasons why a dog may not be hungry but has diarrhea, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Not Hungry but Has Diarrhea: Why It Happens
A dog not hungry but has diarrhea usually develops this combination of symptoms when the digestive tract is irritated or inflamed. Changes in food, infections, parasites, stress, or underlying health conditions can disrupt the gut, leading to loose stools and reduced appetite.
Some dogs may feel nauseous or uncomfortable, causing them to avoid eating until the irritation settles. Others may have a systemic illness that affects both digestion and appetite simultaneously.
These symptoms are not uncommon, but they should never be ignored, especially if they continue for more than a day or are accompanied by lethargy or vomiting.
Dog Not Hungry but Has Diarrhea: Common Causes
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is one of the most common reasons a dog has diarrhea and loses interest in food.
It occurs when the stomach and intestines become inflamed, usually due to irritation, bacteria, viruses, or consuming something inappropriate.
When the gut lining is inflamed, the body tries to rid itself of the irritant, resulting in diarrhea.
Dogs with gastroenteritis often experience nausea, which naturally reduces their appetite. You may notice lip licking, drooling, or turning away from food even if they were previously eager eaters.
Because gastroenteritis can lead to dehydration quickly, especially when combined with poor appetite, monitoring your dog closely is important.
Related: Dog Not Hungry (Why it happens)
Dietary Indiscretion
Dietary indiscretion refers to a dog eating something they shouldn’t—garbage, spoiled food, table scraps, or foreign objects.
When this happens, the digestive system becomes upset as it tries to process the inappropriate item, leading to loose stools, gurgling stomachs, gas, and sometimes vomiting.
A dog not hungry but has diarrhea after getting into the trash or eating rich, fatty foods is extremely common.
The appetite drops because the stomach is irritated and trying to recover. Some dogs may also eat grass in an attempt to soothe nausea.
Most cases resolve with supportive care, but some objects or toxins can cause serious complications, making observation essential.
Parasites
Intestinal parasites such as giardia, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms frequently cause diarrhea and appetite changes.
These parasites irritate the intestines, steal nutrients, and disrupt the body’s balance, leading to reduced hunger and loose stools.
Puppies are especially vulnerable because parasites can take hold quickly and cause dehydration.
Adult dogs can contract them from contaminated soil, water, or feces. Signs may include mucus in the stool, weight loss, bloating, or increased gas.
Because parasites are highly treatable once diagnosed, vet testing is crucial when diarrhea lasts more than a day or two.
Stress
Stress-related diarrhea in dogs happens more often than most owners realize. A change in environment, loud noises, travel, new pets, or separation anxiety can trigger stress hormones that directly affect the digestive tract.
When stressed, dogs may refuse food due to nervousness or upset stomach, which leads to the combination of diarrhea and low appetite.
This type of diarrhea often comes on suddenly and may resolve once the dog is calm again.
However, severe or prolonged stress diarrhea can weaken the immune system, making a dog more susceptible to infections.
Food Intolerance
Some dogs develop food sensitivities or allergies that irritate the digestive system. When the body reacts negatively to a protein source or ingredient, inflammation occurs inside the gut, leading to diarrhea.
If a dog not hungry but has diarrhea after trying a new food, treat, or chew, it may be due to intolerance.
Dogs with chronic sensitivities may experience recurrent loose stools, itching, gas, or vomiting. Over time, ongoing intestinal irritation affects appetite and can even lead to nutrient deficiencies.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a serious condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed, often triggered by fatty foods or underlying diseases.
When the pancreas is irritated, digestive enzymes misfire, causing severe abdominal pain and nausea.
A dog with pancreatitis often refuses food and develops diarrhea, sometimes accompanied by vomiting.
They may appear restless, crouched, or uncomfortable. Because pancreatitis can worsen without treatment, any suspicion of this condition should be taken seriously.
Related: Dog suddenly not eating and vomiting (Causes explained)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Not Hungry but Has Diarrhea
If your dog is experiencing both diarrhea and loss of appetite, start by giving their digestive system time to rest. Offering bland, easily digestible foods after a short fasting period (only if your vet approves) can help soothe irritation.
Foods like plain boiled chicken and white rice or a veterinary gastrointestinal diet are gentle on the stomach and easier to tolerate when appetite begins to return.
Make sure your dog stays hydrated. Even if they refuse food, they should be encouraged to drink small amounts of water frequently.
Adding a splash of low-sodium broth can entice them to drink more. Dehydration worsens diarrhea and can quickly become dangerous, especially for puppies or small breeds.
Keeping your dog calm and limiting activity is also helpful. Stress increases digestive upset, so a quiet environment can support recovery.
Monitor your dog for signs of improvement, such as increased interest in food or firmer stools. If they show slow but steady progress, continue supportive care.
Avoid giving over-the-counter medications unless your veterinarian advises them, as some human treatments are unsafe for dogs. If you recently changed foods, consider returning to their previous diet to see if the symptoms resolve.
Document when symptoms began, any possible triggers, and how often diarrhea occurs—this information will help your vet determine the cause more quickly.
Related: Dog shaking and not eating (Here’s why)
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should contact your veterinarian if your dog refuses food for more than 24 hours or if the diarrhea lasts longer than a day, especially if both symptoms appear together. Persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and weakness even in otherwise healthy dogs.
Seek immediate veterinary care if you notice blood in the stool, black tarry stools, repeated vomiting, or signs of abdominal pain.
These may indicate infections, toxins, pancreatitis, or intestinal blockages. Puppies, elderly dogs, and small breeds should see a vet sooner because they dehydrate more rapidly.
If your dog not hungry but has diarrhea after eating something suspicious, such as garbage, foreign objects, plants, or chemicals, prompt medical attention is crucial.
Dogs with preexisting conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or Cushing’s disease should also be evaluated early when digestive symptoms occur.
When in doubt, it’s always safer to call your veterinarian. Early treatment prevents complications, and delaying care can make conditions harder to treat.
Read more: Dog Only Drinking Water and Not Eating (What It Means)
Key Takeaway
A dog not hungry but has diarrhea is a concerning combination because it often signals irritation, illness, or digestive imbalance.
While some cases improve with rest, hydration, and a gentle diet, others require veterinary diagnosis and treatment.
Paying attention to your dog’s behavior, monitoring their symptoms, and responding early can make a significant difference.
Always trust your instincts—if your dog seems off, uncomfortable, or is not improving, reaching out to your veterinarian is the best next step. With the right care and attention, most dogs recover quickly and return to their normal, happy selves.