If your dog is sniffing food but not eating and also has diarrhea, it’s a sign that something’s not right. This combination of symptoms can point to a range of issues, from digestive upset to more serious infections or systemic conditions.
We outline the common causes of dog sniffing food but not eating and diarrhea, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Sniffing Food But Not Eating and Diarrhea — Why It Happens
When a dog sniffs food but refuses to eat and has diarrhea, it’s often a sign of nausea, gastrointestinal irritation, or underlying illness. Common culprits include dietary indiscretion (eating something they shouldn’t), bacterial or viral infections, stress, parasites, and inflammatory bowel issues. In some cases, chronic conditions like liver or kidney disease can also lead to these symptoms.
Dogs that feel unwell may sniff food out of habit but avoid eating due to stomach discomfort or nausea.
Common Causes of Dog Sniffing Food But Not Eating and Diarrhea
Dietary Indiscretion
Dogs are notorious for getting into the trash or eating things off the ground. When they consume spoiled food, table scraps, or non-food items, their digestive systems can become upset.
This often results in diarrhea and a loss of appetite, where the dog may approach their food, sniff it, and walk away.
Other signs may include drooling, abdominal discomfort, or flatulence. While mild cases may resolve on their own, more serious cases can lead to dehydration and weakness.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis refers to inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It can be triggered by infection, toxins, new foods, or underlying conditions.
A dog with gastroenteritis may exhibit watery or bloody diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and food avoidance.
Sniffing food without eating can be a sign of nausea caused by this inflammation.
This condition can escalate quickly, especially in small breeds or puppies, so close monitoring is essential.
Read more: Dog Sniffing Food But Not Eating and Vomiting (What means)
Intestinal Parasites
Worms and protozoa, such as roundworms, hookworms, or Giardia, are common culprits behind diarrhea and appetite changes in dogs.
Affected dogs may sniff food but avoid eating due to abdominal discomfort. You may also notice weight loss, poor coat condition, or scooting behavior.
Parasites are more common in puppies and dogs that frequent public places or kennels. They are usually treatable but need prompt attention.
Viral or Bacterial Infections
Infections like parvovirus, distemper, or salmonella can cause severe gastrointestinal distress.
Dogs with these infections often have foul-smelling, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and a complete loss of appetite. They may still sniff food out of routine, but illness prevents them from eating.
These illnesses are serious and sometimes life-threatening, particularly in unvaccinated or young dogs.
Stress or Anxiety
Changes in a dog’s environment—like moving, new pets, or boarding—can cause stress-induced gastrointestinal symptoms.
Diarrhea combined with appetite changes is common during stressful events. A stressed dog might act interested in food but not eat it, pacing or whining instead.
While stress is often overlooked, chronic anxiety can weaken the immune system and worsen digestive symptoms.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD causes chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, disrupting nutrient absorption and appetite.
Dogs with IBD might sniff food but walk away, have frequent bouts of diarrhea, and lose weight over time. Vomiting and lethargy can also occur.
IBD can be managed with a special diet and medications but often requires a confirmed diagnosis by your vet.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Sniffing Food But Not Eating and Diarrhea
Start by withholding food for 12–24 hours to give your dog’s digestive system a break, but continue offering small amounts of water or unflavored electrolyte solution.
After the fasting period, introduce a bland diet of boiled chicken and white rice in small portions. If your dog eats and symptoms improve, slowly return to their regular food over a few days.
Keep your dog hydrated. Dehydration is a major concern with diarrhea, so make sure they’re drinking. Ice cubes or water-rich foods like bone broth can help.
Monitor closely for additional symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or blood in the stool. These signs may point to more serious conditions.
Clean your dog’s environment and remove access to trash, spoiled food, or foreign objects that might have triggered the issue.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
If your dog’s diarrhea persists for more than 24–48 hours or worsens, contact your vet. Diarrhea combined with food refusal can quickly lead to dehydration.
Call your vet immediately if your dog shows additional symptoms like vomiting, weakness, shaking, blood in stool or vomit, or collapse.
Puppies, elderly dogs, or those with underlying conditions are at greater risk for complications and should be seen promptly.
If you suspect your dog ate something toxic, or if diarrhea began after exposure to contaminated water, don’t wait—seek veterinary help right away.
Any behavior that seems unusual or rapidly changes—like sniffing food but refusing to eat—is worth discussing with a professional.
Read more: Dog Mucus Poop and Not Eating (What to do)
Key Takeaway
When your dog is sniffing food but not eating and has diarrhea, it’s more than a passing tummy upset—it’s a sign their digestive system is under distress.
While some cases resolve with home care and bland food, others point to infection, inflammation, or chronic disease.
Watch your dog closely, keep them hydrated, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet if symptoms persist or worsen.
Prompt care not only brings relief but also prevents a minor issue from becoming something much more serious.