If your dog’s stomach has ever made loud gurgling noises, you might have wondered what’s going on in there. Those odd, sometimes startling sounds of dog stomach gurgling are often a normal part of digestion, known by the technical term borborygmus. And just like in humans, a dog’s digestive system can get a bit noisy from time to time.
But when does a simple gurgle signal something more serious? In this guide, we’ll explore what causes dog stomach noises, when they’re normal, and when pet parents should consider a visit to the vet.
Dog Stomach Noises: Types & Sounds
Dogs’ stomachs can produce a wide variety of sounds, ranging from light gurgles to deep rumbles. These sounds are usually part of normal digestive activity but can change depending on what’s happening inside your dog’s body.
Dr. Holly Dutton, the medical director at Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) Tampa, explains that dogs can make a variety of stomach noises, like gurgling, rumbling, or growling, and it’s important for pet parents to learn the differences. “The key difference lies in their tone and context. Gurgling might be more fluid, whereas rumbling has a rolling pattern,” she says.
- Gurgling: Often a bubbling sound, tends to be higher in pitch and shorter in duration, resembling bubbling water
- Rumbling: Deeper and more resonant, lower in pitch, longer or more sustained, has a rolling pattern
- Growling: Can sometimes be confused with hunger sounds or digestive noises
“Awareness of these distinctions helps us understand whether the noises are part of the normal digestive process,” Dr. Dutton says.
Is Dog Stomach Noise Normal?
For the most part, the gurgling sounds coming from your dog’s stomach are normal. Digestion involves the movement of gas and fluids through the intestines, which can naturally result in some noise. However, there are times when changes in these sounds may warrant a bit more attention.
“Stomach noises are typically normal, as they often result from digestion,” says veterinarian Primrose Moss. “But noises that are louder, more frequent, or out of the ordinary for your dog are something to keep an eye on.” You may hear extra stomach noises simply because your pup scarfed down a meal too quickly or a new diet has caused some excess gas. However, if these new sounds are paired with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or a change in appetite, Dr. Moss says it’s time to see your vet.
Why Is My Dog’s Stomach Gurgling? 8 Possible Reasons
There are a lot of reasons why your dog’s stomach may be growling. Here are some common causes:
- Hunger – A growling stomach is often your dog’s way of saying it’s time to eat.
- Regular digestion – Gurgling can simply be a sign of the digestive process at work.
- Eating too quickly – Dogs that eat too fast can swallow air, leading to more stomach noise.
- Excess gas – Eating particularly rich foods can lead to a build-up of gas and increase rumbling sounds.
- Intestinal blockage – If your dog’s stomach noises are coupled with signs of distress, a blockage could be to blame.
- Intestinal parasites – Worms or other parasites can disrupt normal digestion and cause noise.
- Illnesses – Digestive upset due to infections or other illnesses can lead to unusual sounds.
- Eating something new – Switching to a new food too quickly can upset your dog’s stomach.
When to Worry About Stomach Gurgling in Dogs
“Stomach gurgling alone isn’t usually a huge concern,” says Dr. Moss. She notes that if your dog’s stomach noises are caused by a health problem, you’re likely to see other signs, such as:
- Excessive lip licking
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Lack of appetite
- Changes in thirst
- Lethargy
Dr. Dutton adds, “Repeated episodes of loud stomach noises, particularly if the dog seems restless or unable to eat, warrant a visit to the veterinarian.”
How to Help a Dog’s Gurgling Stomach
If your dog isn’t showing any other signs of illness and your vet’s given them the all-clear, their stomach noises probably aren’t anything to worry about. However, there are a few steps you can take to try to calm your dog’s stomach.
- Feeding smaller, more frequent meals – Some dogs do well with just one meal a day, but others are more settled with two or even three smaller meals spread throughout the day.
- Using a slow-feeding bowl to cut back on air consumption – Slow feeders are a great option for speedy eaters, helping them to take their time with their food. Dr. Moss also suggests pet parents try scatter feeding or puzzle toys to add some extra mental stimulation.
- Always supervise when dogs are chewing toys or bones to avoid obstructions – If your pup is a strong chewer, be sure to watch them with any bones or toys that could easily be swallowed. Small pieces can get caught in the GI tract and lead to a blockage.
- Keeping dogs on parasite prevention – Dogs should be on flea and tick prevention and have regular deworming to keep intestinal parasites at bay.
- Not feeding table scraps – Avoiding excessive treats, table scraps and human foods is important to keep your dog’s stomach settled. “Rich, fatty foods are especially likely to contribute to upset, gurgly stomachs,” Dr. Moss says.
- Transitioning to new foods slowly – Like Dr. Moss mentioned earlier, starting your dog on a new food without properly transitioning them off their old food can lead to an upset stomach and excess gas.
- Providing adequate hydration – Dog kibble is inherently dry, so make sure your pup has plenty of fresh water to drink to help lubricate their digestive system and keep things moving as they should.
- Taking your dog for walks after eating – Regular exercise, such as gentle walks after meals, can promote healthy digestion and alleviate excessive gas build-up, Dr. Dutton explains. But avoid vigorous activity which can cause more issues, especially in deep-chested dogs who are prone to bloat.
- Asking your vet about a sensitive stomach dog food – If you’re having a hard time finding a food that your dog’s stomach will tolerate, you might consider prescription or sensitive stomach dog food. Talk to your vet about the different kinds to see if any would be a good match for your particular pup.
