Intestinal Hypermotility In Dogs: A Common Digestive Issue

Quick takeaway: Intestinal hypermotility is a condition where food is moving through the intestines too quickly. Intestinal hypermotility can affect the color and consistency of your dog’s stool. It can also cause stomach gurgling and discomfort after eating.

What Is Canine Intestinal Hypermotility?

If your dog’s stomach seems to make more noise than usual, or they’ve been having loose stools and needing more frequent bathroom breaks, their digestive system might be working a little too hard. This can sometimes be linked to a condition called intestinal hypermotility — a term that sounds complicated but simply refers to an increase in the movement of food through your dog’s intestines.

When food passes through too quickly, your dog’s digestive system doesn’t have enough time to properly absorb nutrients or water. The result? You might notice softer stools, gurgling sounds, more frequent bowel movements, or even occasional discomfort after eating.

What Causes Intestinal Hypermotility in Dogs?

According to veterinarians, hypermotility can happen for several reasons — many of which are temporary or manageable. Common triggers include:

• Dietary changes: Switching foods too quickly or introducing new treats can upset your dog’s gut.
• Stress or anxiety: Dogs can have sensitive stomachs, and stress can affect their digestion just like it does in people.
• Food sensitivities: Some dogs may react to specific ingredients, leading to faster digestion and loose stools.
• Infections or parasites: Occasionally, bacteria or parasites can irritate the intestinal lining.
• Underlying health conditions: In some cases, hypermotility can be a symptom of another digestive or metabolic issue, which is why it’s important to check in with your vet if symptoms persist.

Common Signs of Intestinal Hypermotility

While occasional stomach rumbling isn’t usually a concern, dogs experiencing intestinal hypermotility often show a few telltale signs:

• Frequent or loose bowel movements
• Audible gurgling or “rumbling” in the belly (known as borborygmi)
• Gas or bloating
• Decreased appetite or mild discomfort after meals
• Occasional vomiting or nausea

If these symptoms continue for more than a few days, or if your dog seems lethargic, dehydrated, or in pain, it’s always best to have your veterinarian examine them.

How Vets Typically Address It

In many cases, intestinal hypermotility can be managed through dietary adjustments and supportive care. Your vet may recommend:

• Transitioning to a bland or easily digestible diet for a few days
• Gradually reintroducing your dog’s regular food
• Ensuring plenty of hydration to prevent dehydration from loose stools
• Considering probiotic or digestive supplements to help rebalance gut bacteria and support normal intestinal function

For chronic or recurring cases, your vet might run tests to rule out infections or other conditions.

When to See Your Vet

Most cases of mild digestive upset or hypermotility clear up within a few days, especially with dietary support and probiotics. However, if your dog has:

• Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours
• Blood in their stool
• Signs of dehydration or weakness
• Vomiting that doesn’t stop

…it’s important to contact your veterinarian right away. Persistent or severe symptoms can signal an underlying issue that needs medical attention.

The Bottom Line

Intestinal hypermotility might sound intimidating, but it’s actually a fairly common digestive issue in dogs — and it’s often manageable with the right care. Paying attention to your dog’s diet, stress levels, and gut health can go a long way toward keeping their digestion regular and comfortable.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your veterinarian before adding new supplements or making changes to your dog’s diet.

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