It’s something every dog owner has likely experienced: hearing your dog’s stomach gurgling loudly in the middle of the night or just before mealtime. Dog stomach gurgling can be unsettling, leaving you wondering whether it’s a normal digestive process or a sign of something more serious.
In most cases, this is a completely normal occurrence, often linked to your dog’s digestion or hunger. However, it’s natural to feel concerned, especially when the sounds seem unusual or are accompanied by other symptoms. The medical term for these sounds is borborygmi, which refers to the noises produced when gas, food, or liquids move through the gastrointestinal tract.
This guide will help you understand the causes of dog stomach gurgling, how to differentiate between normal and concerning signs, and when it’s time to consult a veterinarian. You’ll learn about common causes, the conditions that can lead to more serious issues, and how to care for your dog’s digestive health.
What is Dog Stomach Gurgling? Understanding Borborygmi
The Science Behind the Sounds
Borborygmi is the medical term used to describe the gurgling, rumbling, or growling noises often heard from your dog’s stomach. These sounds are the result of peristalsis, which are rhythmic muscle contractions that move food, gas, and liquids through the digestive system. As these substances travel through the intestines, they can create sounds, especially when the stomach is empty or after food begins to break down.
The sounds are perfectly normal and part of the digestive process, although the volume and intensity can vary from dog to dog. In fact, most of the time, dog stomach gurgling is simply your dog’s body doing its job—digesting food and moving it through the gastrointestinal tract.
Types of Stomach Noises in Dogs
- Gurgling: These are the most common sounds, characterized by fluid-like bubbling noises. They usually happen when gas or liquids move through the intestines, and they tend to have a higher pitch.
- Rumbling: Deeper and more sustained, rumbling sounds indicate that food is moving through the intestines. These sounds may be more pronounced after meals.
- Growling: Often linked to hunger, a growling stomach usually happens before mealtimes when the stomach is empty. It’s the digestive system signaling that it’s time for food.
Understanding these sounds can help you identify when your dog’s stomach gurgling is just a natural part of digestion and when it might indicate a problem. If the noises are excessive or accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to seek advice from a veterinarian.
Common Causes of Dog Stomach Gurgling
Normal, Harmless Causes
- Hunger (The Most Common Reason)
One of the most frequent causes of dog stomach gurgling is hunger. When your dog’s stomach is empty, gas and digestive fluids move freely through the gastrointestinal tract, creating louder gurgling noises. This is particularly common before mealtimes or early in the morning, as the stomach is empty after an overnight fast. The absence of food muffles the sounds, allowing them to be more noticeable.
- Normal Digestion Process
After a meal, your dog’s stomach and intestines work to break down the food. This process generates gas, which causes gurgling or rumbling noises. This is completely natural and should be expected in healthy dogs. Dogs with faster metabolisms or those with more active digestion may produce louder sounds. This type of dog stomach gurgling is a sign that the digestive system is functioning normally.
- Eating Too Quickly
Some dogs have a habit of eating too quickly, which leads to stomach gurgling due to the ingestion of excess air. Fast eaters often swallow air along with their food, which can cause bloating and gurgling sounds. This is particularly common in breeds that are prone to fast eating, such as Labrador Retrievers or Border Collies.
- Dietary Changes or New Foods
Introducing a new food, treats, or even “people food” can cause temporary digestive upset, leading to gurgling. Dogs may need time to adjust to new ingredients, and this transition period can result in an increase in stomach sounds. Changing food too rapidly can also irritate the digestive tract, making it more prone to gurgling noises.
When to Be Concerned: Potential Health Issues
- Gastrointestinal Upset
Occasional mild stomach gurgling can happen due to a temporary gastrointestinal upset. This might result from eating something unusual, like trash or a non-food item, or from food sensitivities. The digestive system may react by producing extra gas, leading to more pronounced gurgling sounds. Look for signs like discomfort, bloating, or loose stools to determine if your dog needs veterinary care.
- Intestinal Parasites and Infections
Parasites like worms, giardia, and salmonella can cause disruptions in the digestive system, leading to more intense stomach gurgling. In addition to the gurgling noises, you might also notice other symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, or a loss of appetite. If your dog shows these signs along with gurgling, it’s important to consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD is a chronic condition that affects the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to inflammation and digestive disturbances. Dogs with IBD may have more frequent and louder stomach gurgling, along with other signs like weight loss, lethargy, and blood in the stool. This condition requires veterinary attention for proper management.
- Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)
Bloat is a life-threatening condition that can cause dog stomach gurgling and requires immediate veterinary intervention. It’s most common in large, deep-chested breeds like Great Danes and German Shepherds. Signs of bloat include a distended abdomen, futile attempts at vomiting, and increased restlessness. If your dog shows these signs, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
- Intestinal Blockage
If your dog ingests a foreign object, it may cause an intestinal blockage, leading to dog stomach gurgling as the body struggles to move food past the obstruction. Additional symptoms include vomiting, lack of appetite, and abdominal pain. An obstruction is a serious condition and requires prompt veterinary attention.
- Pancreatitis and Other Digestive Disorders
Pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas, can cause severe stomach discomfort and gurgling noises. It is often accompanied by other signs like lethargy, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. In addition to pancreatitis, other digestive disorders, such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), can cause similar symptoms and require medical treatment.
Dog Stomach Gurgling with Other Symptoms
Stomach Gurgling and Not Eating
If your dog’s stomach is gurgling but they refuse to eat, this may indicate nausea, discomfort, or even a serious condition. While some temporary loss of appetite is normal, especially after a stressful event or minor upset, prolonged refusal to eat requires attention. If your dog’s stomach gurgling persists for more than 24 hours without eating, consider consulting your vet to rule out gastrointestinal issues or infections.
Stomach Gurgling and Eating Grass
Many dogs eat grass when their stomach is upset, likely to soothe nausea or aid digestion. Dog stomach gurgling paired with grass-eating is usually a sign that your dog is trying to relieve discomfort. However, excessive grass eating, particularly when it becomes a habit, should be monitored, as it may indicate an underlying issue like gastrointestinal distress or anxiety. Ensure your dog is eating grass in a safe environment, free from pesticides or chemicals.
Stomach Gurgling and Vomiting/Diarrhea
When dog stomach gurgling is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, it could indicate a more serious gastrointestinal disturbance. These symptoms can result from dietary indiscretion, infections, or food poisoning. Keep an eye out for dehydration and other signs of illness. If vomiting or diarrhea persists for more than a day, or if your dog is visibly in pain, seek veterinary care immediately.
Stomach Gurgling and Behavioral Changes
Dog stomach gurgling is sometimes accompanied by behavioral changes such as restlessness, whining, or reluctance to lie down. These signs may suggest abdominal discomfort or pain. If your dog adopts the “praying” position (front legs down, back legs up) or is unable to get comfortable, it could be a sign of more serious issues like bloating or gastrointestinal distress. Monitor your dog’s behavior closely and consult a vet if these changes persist.
When to Call the Veterinarian
Red Flag Symptoms Requiring Immediate Attention
- Repeated vomiting or blood in the vomit
- Severe diarrhea or blood in the stool
- Swollen abdomen (indicative of bloat)
- Signs of severe pain (whining, panting excessively)
- Difficulty breathing or rapid deterioration in condition
- Weakness, collapse, or pale gums
- Recent access to toxins or foreign objects
If your dog is showing any of these signs alongside stomach gurgling, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
Symptoms to Monitor for 24 Hours
- Occasional gurgling with normal behavior
- A brief loss of appetite (less than 24 hours)
- One episode of soft stool without other symptoms
- Normal drinking and energy levels
If these symptoms resolve after 24 hours and there’s no other sign of distress, you can likely monitor your dog at home. However, if the gurgling persists, or additional symptoms develop, it’s time to visit the vet.
What to Tell Your Veterinarian
When you contact your veterinarian, be ready to provide important information such as:
- When the symptoms began
- What your dog has eaten recently, including any potential toxin exposure
- A description of the stomach gurgling (frequency, volume, timing)
- Any other symptoms that are present, like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy
This information will help the veterinarian determine the best course of action for diagnosis and treatment.
Home Remedies and Prevention Strategies
Dietary Management
- Feed Smaller, More Frequent Meals
Reducing the time between meals can minimize hunger-induced gurgling. Feed smaller meals throughout the day to avoid loud stomach noises due to an empty stomach.
- Slow Down Fast Eaters
If your dog tends to eat too quickly, try using slow feeder bowls or puzzle feeders to encourage slower eating. This can help reduce air ingestion and prevent stomach gurgling caused by rapid consumption.
- Gradual Food Transitions
When changing your dog’s food, make the transition gradual over 7-10 days to avoid upsetting the digestive system. This will help prevent excess dog stomach gurgling.
- Choose High-Quality, Digestible Food
Opt for high-quality, easily digestible food, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach. Avoid fillers and low-quality ingredients that can cause digestive issues and stomach gurgling.
- Avoid Table Scraps and Human Foods
Human foods, especially fatty, spicy, or dairy-based foods, can upset your dog’s stomach and lead to gurgling. Stick to dog-specific food to maintain digestive health.
Hydration and Stress Reduction
Ensure your dog has constant access to fresh water to maintain proper hydration and support healthy digestion. Stress can also contribute to digestive disturbances, so providing a calm and safe environment is essential.
Bland Diet for Upset Stomach
For mild stomach upset, a bland diet can help soothe your dog’s digestive system. Boiled chicken and white rice, plain sweet potato, or pumpkin can provide easy-to-digest nutrition. After fasting for 12 hours (with vet approval), you can start introducing small portions of these bland foods. Gradually reintroduce regular food over 3-5 days, monitoring for any improvement or worsening of symptoms.
Special Considerations
Puppy Stomach Gurgling
Puppies are more prone to stomach gurgling due to their developing digestive systems. They may need more frequent meals and are at higher risk for parasites, so regular vet checks are essential.
Breed-Specific Concerns
Certain breeds, such as deep-chested dogs like Great Danes, are more prone to conditions like bloat. Brachycephalic breeds like Pugs are prone to swallowing air, which can also lead to gurgling sounds. Each breed may have specific dietary and digestive needs.
Senior Dogs
Older dogs may experience digestive changes that make them more susceptible to gastrointestinal issues. It’s important to adjust their diet and feeding routine to accommodate these changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it normal to hear my dog’s stomach gurgling?
Yes, occasional dog stomach gurgling is normal and a part of the digestive process. However, if the sounds are accompanied by other symptoms, you should monitor your dog’s condition. - How loud is too loud when it comes to stomach gurgling?
Loud gurgling is usually fine, but if it’s persistent or accompanied by other concerning signs, it’s best to seek veterinary advice. - Why is my dog’s stomach gurgling like crazy and he won’t eat?
This could indicate nausea or an underlying issue. If your dog refuses to eat for more than 24 hours, consult a vet.
Conclusion
Most of the time, dog stomach gurgling is completely normal. By understanding the causes and knowing when it’s a sign of something more serious, you can ensure your dog stays healthy. Keep an eye on any additional symptoms and trust your instincts as a pet owner. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian. You’re doing great by educating yourself on your dog’s health, so keep this guide handy for reference.