Introduction
You might notice your dog’s stomach gurgling sometimes, especially if it pipes up during a quiet moment, but in most cases it’s nothing to worry about. These noises are usually just created by the normal process of digestion, or they might mean that your dog is hungry. But stomach sounds can sometimes be a cause for concern. This article will explain why your dog’s stomach might be making these noises on a normal, day-to-day basis, as well as when it might be out of the ordinary, or a sign to check in with your vet.
Key takeaways
- Stomach gurgling usually means your dog is digesting their last meal or that they have an empty stomach and are ready for their next one. It can also be the result of eating too fast or swallowing air.
- Unfamiliar food or intolerances can cause rumbles and an upset stomach, so that’s why it’s important to switch your dog’s food over gradually if you change their diet.
- When stomach gurgles are accompanied by diarrhoea and vomiting, it’s usually the result of an upset stomach or gastroenteritis. However, in rare cases it can be a symptom of a more serious condition.
- In most cases, you can help reduce your dog’s discomfort by sticking to a solid feeding routine, providing plenty of water and carefully switching them to a different food if necessary.
Table of contents
What is dog stomach gurgling?
Is dog stomach gurgling normal?
Common reasons your dog’s stomach is gurgling
When dog stomach gurgling could be a sign of a problem
Serious conditions linked to stomach gurgling
Signs your dog’s stomach gurgling needs urgent vet attention
What to check at home if your dog’s stomach is gurgling
What you can do to help a mildly gurgling stomach
When to speak to your vet
What is dog stomach gurgling?
The medical name for the sound of a rumbly stomach is borborygmi. This sound is the result of muscle contractions pushing the fluid, air and gases inside the intestines along, as food is digested.
So it’s usually in fact the intestines that produce the gurgling sound, not the stomach itself in many cases – but for the sake of simplicity, we can keep calling it a grumbling stomach. Just like us, our dogs experience this too. But soft, occasional gurgling is a different situation to loud, frequent stomach rumbles, which can be a sign that your dog is uncomfortable or poorly, especially when accompanied by other symptoms. We’ll go into more detail on this later.
Is dog stomach gurgling normal?
A rumbly stomach is often completely normal. It can just be the sound of food being digested, as the intestines work throughout the day to extract all the nutrients your dog needs. You might also hear your dog’s stomach grumble or gurgle immediately after eating or drinking.
It might also be a sign that your pup’s getting hungry – these grumbles might sound a little louder because your dog’s stomach is empty, amplifying the sounds.
Common reasons your dog’s stomach is gurgling
So here are some of the most likely reasons for your dog’s stomach to be making these noises.
Hunger or an empty stomach
Hunger growls are slightly louder than typical digestion sounds, and you’ll be more likely to hear them when your dog has gone a while without food. Your dog’s stomach might make these noises just before mealtimes, or early in the morning before breakfast in particular.
In between meals, muscles in the stomach and small bowel move in waves to clean any indigestible material out of the stomach. Just like it does in humans, the movement can make a bit of a racket. If your dog often gets hunger rumbles, you can try introducing smaller, more frequent meals.
Normal digestion and gas
In most cases, dog stomach noises are nothing to worry about – it’s just like how our own stomachs can grumble randomly throughout the day. It’s a normal part of digestion, both straight after eating and several hours later while the body is still breaking down food. As food passes through the digestive system, gases are released, which can make a gurgling sound
Eating too fast or swallowing air
If your dog eats too quickly they can ingest air at the same time, which can lead to excessive gurgling. If eating too fast is an issue for your dog, try using a slow feed bowl or making a game out of meal times. As well as slowing down your dog’s meal time, introducing a puzzle feeder or snuffle mat for dry kibble is great fun for your dog – and very cute for you to watch.
Recent diet or routine changes
A sudden change in your dog’s diet can play havoc with their digestion, so it’s always best to switch their diet gradually to avoid an upset tum if you decide to change the food you give them.
Dogs are notorious scavengers and will eat almost anything. But if they eat something new or too rich, this can result in stomach gurgling. Even those seemingly innocent table scraps can send your dog’s stomach off kilter.
So if your dog eats something unfamiliar that doesn’t agree with them, this could cause difficulty with their digestive system, setting off a grumbly stomach. This applies whether it’s a new treat that’s a bit too rich, or something quite unpleasant to the human palate that they’ve scavenged on a walk when you were looking the other way
When dog stomach gurgling could be a sign of a problem
So as we’ve discussed, a rumbly stomach usually isn’t any reason to worry but in some instances, it could be a sign that your dog isn’t very well.
Stomach gurgling and not eating
One instance when a gurgling stomach might be concerning is if your dog has lost their appetite. Your dog not eating can be a sign that they’re not well, and in combination with stomach grumbles, it could suggest that they might have an upset stomach. It might also suggest that they have a gut problem like colitis or IBS. [1]
Gurgling with vomiting or diarrhoea
Gastroenteritis, or an upset stomach with diarrhoea and/or vomiting, can be caused by a few different things, including bacterial or viral stomach bugs, as well as food allergies or parasites like worms. [2] If your dog’s stomach is gurgling, and they also have these symptoms, their grumbling stomach may be louder than usual because the muscles in their irritated digestive system are contracting more intensely.
Mild gastroenteritis normally passes within a day or two but if your dog has very watery poos, keeps vomiting or symptoms don’t improve within 24 hours, it’s sensible to get in touch with your vet. While dogs can have a slightly upset stomach and seem well in themselves, if your dog seems poorly and unhappy – or if they’re a little vulnerable due to being very young or very old – your vet can recommend the best course of action.
Loud, persistent or worsening gurgling
A little bit of gurgling every now and then isn’t anything to worry about, but if you notice your dog’s stomach making sounds very frequently or making very loud noises, this could suggest that they’re not very comfortable. It’s also worth listening out to check if your dog’s stomach grumbling seems to be getting worse, as this could be a sign that they’re having some digestive issues.
Serious conditions linked to stomach gurgling
Although most stomach gurgling sounds are just produced as a result of digestion or hunger, loud or frequent noises can be a symptom of a serious medical condition.
Pancreatitis, a condition which is often caused by eating foods too high in fat, can cause dogs’ stomachs to gurgle. You can manage your dog’s symptoms with medication and a special low-fat diet.
Bloat or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) is a condition in which a dog’s stomach fills with gas then twists, trapping the gas inside. It’s a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment. [3] Thankfully, bloat is rare, but large dogs with a deep chest may be more likely to experience it. Eating too much or too quickly may be a factor. [4]
Stomach gurgling may also be a symptom of a gastrointestinal obstruction, which, like bloat, will need urgent treatment. If your dog has eaten something that they can’t digest, like a ball or a stone, it can block their intestines.
Paying attention to any other symptoms that come along with your dog’s stomach gurgling can give you peace of mind that they don’t have one of these serious conditions.
Signs your dog’s stomach gurgling needs urgent vet attention
There are some instances where it’s really important to contact your vet – if your dog’s stomach gurgling sounds are accompanied by any of these symptoms, it might be a sign that they need to see the vet urgently. These symptoms can all be indicative of a serious medical issue.
- Distended or hard abdomen
- Retching without vomiting
- Severe lethargy
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
- Sudden pain or collapse
What to check at home if your dog’s stomach is gurgling
If your dog’s stomach is gurgling and you want to know whether it’s a cause for concern, here are some questions to ask yourself.
- Have there been any recent changes to your dog’s food or routine? A new food – even if it’s just a few little treats with ingredients they’re not used to – could give your dog an upset stomach, especially if they have quite a sensitive digestive system. A change in routine, such as eating at a different time of day, might also get their stomach growling, especially if they’re hungry because of a longer than usual wait between meals.
- What are my dog’s bowel movements like? A rumbly stomach accompanied by mild diarrhoea or soft stools might suggest your dog has a slightly upset stomach, which should resolve in 24 hours. However, very runny stools can be a cause for concern and might indicate a need for treatment.
- Is your dog eating and drinking? If your dog is off their food and drink, this can be a sign that it’s time to check in with your vet – but if your dog has a healthy appetite, that’s a very reassuring signal.
What are your dog’s energy levels like? If your dog is unusually lethargic, stomach gurgling sounds might be a sign that they’re unwell. But if they’re lively, happy, excited to play or head out for a walk, they’re probably not feeling too bad.
What you can do to help a mildly gurgling stomach
How to settle a dog’s gurgling stomach depends on a few things, including whether it’s a symptom of a digestive issue or just normal rumbles. The first thing to do is monitor your dog and see if they’re showing any signs of being unwell – if you have any concerns, give your vet a call and make an appointment.
If your dog seems healthy, but has a grumbling stomach, they might just be digesting food or be feeling hungry before their next meal. If you have recently switched their food, these sounds might suggest that the switch was a little sudden, giving them a mildly upset stomach. Switching food gradually and carefully can help keep them feeling comfortable, as well as giving them a chance to get used to the new taste. Sticking to a routine and feeding your dog at roughly the same times everyday should help reduce hunger pangs and the rumbly tums that come with them. Some dogs also do better on smaller, more frequent meals, especially puppies, who should eat more often. [5] Making sure that your dog drinks enough water helps aid digestion too, moving food along the gut and soothing the stomach.
When to speak to your vet
We’ve already talked about some of the symptoms that can be a red flag that your dog’s stomach gurgles might be a sign of a medical issue, and potentially one that requires attention quickly. These serious symptoms include persistent vomiting and diarrhoea, a distended stomach, lethargy and loss of appetite.
It’s important to be extra careful if you have a puppy, senior dog or dog with an existing medical condition, as they might be more vulnerable – so if you’ve noticed their stomach gurgling more than usual, it’s worth speaking to your vet.Lastly, if you’ve noticed your dog’s unusually loud or frequent stomach noises have been continuing for more than 24 hours, this is another instance where it might set your mind at ease to contact your vet. They might recommend a sensitive stomach diet, or looking into whether your dog has any food allergies or intolerances, as well as checking to see if your dog has any medical conditions that may be affecting their digestion.
Conclusion
If your dog’s stomach is gurgling, there’s a high chance that it’s harmless – the most common causes are normal digestion and hunger. So if you’re wondering whether there’s anything to worry about when your dog’s stomach is growling, it helps to look at the wider context. Ask yourself how long the noises have been going on for. Has your dog recently eaten anything different and are they showing any signs of being unwell?
Most of the time, there’s no cause for concern. But when you’re aware of what else to look out for when you hear these sounds – as well as what medical conditions can be linked to them – you can feel a bit more confident about knowing what to do and when it might be time to contact your vet.
FAQs
Is dog stomach gurgling normal?
Yes, in most cases it is totally normal. It’s usually the sound of the intestines pushing food, liquid and gas along, as part of the process of digestion. If not, it’s the sound of a rumbly stomach because your dog is hungry. In some cases, however, it might also be a sign that your dog is feeling poorly or having some digestive issues.
Why does my dog’s stomach gurgle at night or in the morning?
If your dog’s stomach is rumbling at these times of day, they might be hungry, especially in the morning since they’re likely to have gone longer without eating. However, it could also be a sign of an upset stomach or another issue, so check if your dog has any symptoms as well as a grumbly tum.
Can hunger cause dog stomach gurgling?
Yes, and in fact it’s one of the most common reasons for a dog’s stomach growling. When your dog’s stomach is empty, a natural process called the migrating motor complex (MMC) gets to work clearing any indigestible material away through the intestines.
When is stomach gurgling an emergency?
Stomach gurgling can be a sign of a medical emergency when it is accompanied by much more serious symptoms. These worrying symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, pain or collapse, a hard and distended stomach, unproductive retching and persistent vomiting or diarrhoea. In most cases, if your dog’s stomach is gurgling, it’s not an emergency.
Should I change my dog’s food if their stomach gurgles?
This could really help, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach or food allergies or intolerances. However, it’s important to make the switch slowly and carefully so you don’t give your dog an upset stomach. If you’re thinking about changing your dog’s diet, your vet will be an excellent source of advice, and you can also contact the expert Tails.com nutrition team for information and tips whenever you like.
Sources
[1] ‘My dog isn’t eating properly’, PDSA
[2] ‘Gastroenteritis (stomach upset) in dogs’, PDSA
[3] ‘GDV (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus) in dogs’, PDSA
[4] ‘What is bloat in dogs?’, Blue Cross
[5] ‘Dog diet & nutrition’, Blue Cross