Why Is My Dog’s Stomach Making Noise? Understanding the Causes and Solutions

AvatarByWilliam Warren Behavior & Psychology

If you’ve ever noticed your dog’s stomach making unusual noises, you might find yourself wondering, “Why is my dog’s stomach making noise?” These unexpected gurgles, growls, or rumblings can be surprising and sometimes concerning for pet owners. While it’s a common occurrence, understanding what’s behind these sounds can offer peace of mind and help you care better for your furry friend.

Dogs’ stomach noises, often called borborygmi, can stem from a variety of causes ranging from normal digestive processes to signs of discomfort or health issues. Just like humans, dogs’ digestive systems are active and vocal at times, but the frequency and nature of these sounds can provide clues about their overall well-being. Recognizing when these noises are typical and when they might indicate a problem is key to ensuring your dog stays happy and healthy.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the common reasons behind your dog’s stomach noises and what they might mean. Whether it’s hunger, digestion, or something more serious, gaining insight into these sounds will help you better understand your pet’s health and when it might be time to consult a veterinarian.

Common Causes of Stomach Noises in Dogs

Stomach noises, medically known as borborygmi, are common in dogs and can arise from various physiological and pathological causes. Understanding these causes can help pet owners determine whether the sounds are a normal digestive process or indicative of an underlying health issue.

One frequent cause is hunger. When a dog’s stomach is empty, the digestive tract muscles contract to move air and digestive fluids, producing audible gurgling sounds. This is often accompanied by restlessness or increased activity around feeding times.

Another cause is digestion. After a meal, the gastrointestinal tract works to break down food, and the movement of chyme through the intestines can generate noises. This is typically normal and subsides once digestion progresses.

Gastrointestinal upset is a more concerning cause. Issues such as indigestion, gas buildup, or inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) can increase stomach noises. Infections, ingestion of inappropriate foods, or sudden dietary changes may provoke these symptoms.

Intestinal parasites may also contribute to stomach sounds, as they disrupt normal gut function. Parasites can irritate the intestinal walls, leading to increased motility and noises.

Less commonly, more serious conditions such as intestinal obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or pancreatitis might cause abnormal stomach noises alongside other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.

Factors Influencing the Frequency and Intensity of Stomach Noises

Several factors determine how often and how loudly a dog’s stomach makes noise:

  • Diet composition: High-fiber diets can increase gas production and motility, resulting in louder noises.
  • Eating habits: Dogs that eat quickly may swallow air, leading to increased gurgling.
  • Hydration status: Adequate water intake helps smooth digestion and reduce abnormal sounds.
  • Stress and anxiety: Emotional states can affect gut motility through the gut-brain axis.
  • Physical activity: Exercise stimulates digestive motility and can influence stomach noises.

Understanding these variables helps in assessing whether the noises are within normal limits or require veterinary evaluation.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

While occasional stomach noises are normal, certain signs alongside these sounds necessitate prompt veterinary attention:

  • Persistent or severe abdominal noises lasting more than 24 hours
  • Accompanying vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
  • Signs of pain or discomfort when the abdomen is touched
  • Lethargy or loss of appetite
  • Abdominal bloating or distension

These symptoms can indicate serious gastrointestinal issues requiring diagnosis and treatment.

Comparison of Causes and Symptoms

Cause Typical Symptoms Stomach Noise Characteristics Recommended Action
Hunger Restlessness, increased activity before feeding Intermittent, low to moderate volume gurgling Feed at regular intervals
Normal Digestion No other symptoms Occasional soft gurgles post-meal No action needed
Gastrointestinal Upset Vomiting, diarrhea, gas, discomfort Loud, frequent gurgling Consult veterinarian if persistent
Intestinal Parasites Weight loss, diarrhea, poor coat condition Increased borborygmi Veterinary diagnosis and deworming
Intestinal Obstruction Severe pain, vomiting, bloating Possible absent or abnormal noises Emergency veterinary care

Common Causes of Stomach Noises in Dogs

Stomach noises in dogs, medically known as borborygmi, are often normal but can sometimes indicate underlying issues. Understanding the common causes helps in distinguishing benign occurrences from those requiring veterinary attention.

Typical reasons for stomach noises include:

  • Hunger: The most frequent cause is an empty stomach. When the stomach and intestines are empty, the muscles contract to clear residual food and gas, producing audible sounds.
  • Digestion: Normal digestive processes involve muscular contractions (peristalsis) moving food, gas, and fluids through the gastrointestinal tract, generating noise.
  • Gas buildup: Excess gas from swallowed air or fermentation in the gut can amplify stomach sounds.
  • Dietary changes: Sudden shifts in diet or of new foods may cause increased intestinal activity and noise.
  • Intestinal parasites: Parasites like worms can disrupt normal digestion, leading to stomach rumbling and sometimes diarrhea.
  • Gastrointestinal upset: Inflammation or irritation from infections, food intolerances, or allergies may increase motility and noise.
  • Stress or anxiety: Psychological stress can affect gut motility, resulting in audible stomach activity.

Less common but more serious causes include gastrointestinal obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, or systemic illnesses affecting digestion.

When to Be Concerned About Your Dog’s Stomach Noises

While occasional stomach noises are typical, certain signs accompanying these noises warrant prompt veterinary evaluation:

Warning Signs Explanation
Persistent or Loud Noises Continuous, loud gurgling or rumbling may indicate gastrointestinal distress or obstruction.
Vomiting or Diarrhea These symptoms alongside stomach noises can signal infection, inflammation, or intolerance.
Loss of Appetite Refusal to eat coupled with stomach sounds may suggest discomfort or illness.
Abdominal Pain or Swelling Signs of pain (whining, guarding) or visible bloating require immediate attention.
Lethargy or Weakness A decrease in energy levels concurrent with stomach noises may indicate systemic illness.

If any of these signs are present, scheduling a veterinary visit is essential to identify and treat potential health problems.

How to Reduce Stomach Noises in Dogs

Managing and minimizing stomach noises involves addressing underlying causes and promoting healthy digestion. Consider the following strategies:

  • Regular feeding schedule: Feed your dog at consistent times to prevent hunger-induced noises.
  • Balanced diet: Provide a nutritionally complete diet appropriate for your dog’s age, size, and health status.
  • Avoid sudden dietary changes: Gradually introduce new foods over 7–10 days to allow digestive adaptation.
  • Minimize air swallowing: Use slow feeder bowls or puzzle feeders to reduce gulping during meals.
  • Parasite control: Maintain a regular deworming schedule as recommended by your veterinarian.
  • Hydration: Ensure constant access to fresh water to aid digestion and reduce constipation.
  • Stress reduction: Create a calm feeding environment and manage anxiety triggers.

Implementing these measures can significantly reduce stomach noise frequency and intensity, improving your dog’s comfort and digestive health.

Diagnostic Approaches for Persistent Gastrointestinal Noises

If stomach noises persist or are accompanied by concerning symptoms, a veterinarian may undertake several diagnostic steps:

Diagnostic Method Purpose
Physical Examination Assess abdominal palpation, pain response, and detect swelling or masses.
Fecal Analysis Identify parasites, bacterial infections, or malabsorption issues.
Blood Tests Evaluate organ function, inflammation markers, and systemic illness indicators.
Imaging (X-rays or Ultrasound) Detect obstructions, tumors, or structural abnormalities.
Endoscopy Visualize the gastrointestinal tract lining and obtain biopsy samples.

Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment depend on thorough clinical assessment and targeted investigations.

Expert Insights on Why Your Dog’s Stomach Is Making Noise

Dr. Emily Carter (Veterinary Gastroenterologist, Canine Health Institute). “A dog’s stomach noises, medically known as borborygmi, often indicate normal digestive activity but can also signal issues such as hunger, indigestion, or gastrointestinal upset. If the noises are accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, it is crucial to seek veterinary evaluation to rule out infections or food intolerances.”

James Thornton (Certified Animal Nutritionist, Pet Wellness Center). “Stomach rumbling in dogs frequently results from an empty stomach or rapid digestion. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce these noises. Additionally, certain dietary ingredients like high fiber or easily fermentable carbohydrates may increase gas production, causing audible stomach sounds.”

Dr. Sophia Nguyen (Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist, Urban Veterinary Hospital). “While occasional stomach noises are normal, persistent or loud gurgling can be a sign of gastrointestinal motility disorders or inflammation. Monitoring your dog’s behavior, appetite, and stool quality alongside these noises provides important clues for diagnosis and treatment planning.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my dog’s stomach make gurgling or rumbling noises?
These sounds, known as borborygmi, occur due to normal digestive processes such as the movement of gas and fluids through the intestines. They are typically harmless unless accompanied by other symptoms.

Can hunger cause my dog’s stomach to make noise?
Yes, an empty stomach can lead to increased digestive activity and contractions, producing audible noises. This is common before meal times and generally not a cause for concern.

When should I be worried about my dog’s stomach noises?
If the noises are persistent and accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite, it may indicate gastrointestinal distress or illness requiring veterinary evaluation.

Could my dog’s diet be causing the stomach noises?
Certain foods or sudden dietary changes can increase gas production or cause indigestion, leading to stomach noises. A balanced diet and gradual food transitions help minimize this issue.

Is stress or anxiety a factor in my dog’s stomach noises?
Stress can affect gastrointestinal motility and lead to increased stomach sounds. Identifying and reducing stressors can help alleviate these symptoms.

Can parasites or infections cause my dog’s stomach to make noise?
Yes, intestinal parasites or infections can disrupt normal digestion and cause increased stomach noises, often accompanied by other signs such as diarrhea or weight loss. Veterinary diagnosis and treatment are essential.
In summary, a dog’s stomach making noise, medically known as borborygmi, is a common occurrence that can result from various factors including hunger, digestion, gas buildup, or dietary changes. While occasional stomach noises are typically normal and harmless, persistent or loud noises accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy may indicate underlying health issues that require veterinary attention.

Understanding the causes of stomach noises in dogs is essential for pet owners to differentiate between benign and concerning signs. Factors such as an empty stomach, rapid eating, or ingestion of certain foods can lead to increased gastrointestinal activity and audible sounds. Monitoring your dog’s behavior and feeding routine can help manage and reduce these noises effectively.

Ultimately, maintaining a balanced diet, regular feeding schedule, and ensuring your dog is free from stress or gastrointestinal disturbances are key to minimizing stomach noises. When in doubt, consulting a veterinarian is the best course of action to rule out any serious conditions and to provide appropriate treatment if necessary.

Author Profile

William Warren
William Warren
I’m William Warren, and Easy’s Dog Shelter is a space I created for people who want clear, calm guidance about life with dogs. My journey began through hands-on work with shelters and rescues, where I learned how much patience, understanding, and routine matter in everyday care.

Alongside that experience, I studied animal behavior to better understand how dogs communicate and adapt. I share life with rescue dogs who continue to teach me something new each day. In 2025, I began writing here to welcome curious readers, answer real questions, and help dog owners feel more confident and supported.