Why Is My Dog’s Tummy Making Noises? Understanding the Causes and What to Do

AvatarByWilliam Warren Behavior & Psychology

If you’ve ever noticed your dog’s tummy making unusual noises, you might find yourself wondering, “Why is my dog’s tummy making noises?” These curious sounds, often described as gurgling, rumbling, or even growling, can catch any pet owner’s attention and sometimes cause concern. Understanding what’s behind these tummy noises is key to ensuring your furry friend’s health and comfort.

Dogs’ digestive systems are constantly at work, breaking down food and moving it through their intestines. Just like humans, this process can produce audible sounds, which are usually normal. However, when these noises become frequent, loud, or are accompanied by other symptoms, they may indicate something more significant. Exploring the reasons behind these tummy sounds can help you distinguish between harmless digestive activity and signs that warrant a closer look.

In the following sections, we’ll delve into the common causes of tummy noises in dogs, what these sounds might mean for your pet’s health, and when it’s time to seek veterinary advice. Whether you’re a new dog owner or a seasoned pet parent, gaining insight into your dog’s digestive health can provide peace of mind and help you keep your canine companion happy and healthy.

Common Causes of Stomach Noises in Dogs

Stomach noises in dogs, often referred to as borborygmi, can arise from a variety of physiological and environmental factors. Understanding these causes can help pet owners discern when such sounds are normal or indicative of an underlying issue.

One frequent cause is the natural process of digestion. When food, liquids, and digestive gases move through the gastrointestinal tract, they create sounds due to muscle contractions known as peristalsis. This is especially noticeable when a dog’s stomach is empty, as the absence of food allows the sounds to be more pronounced.

Dietary changes or eating habits can also contribute to tummy noises. Dogs that consume food rapidly may swallow excess air, leading to gurgling and rumbling sounds. Additionally, sudden changes in diet or of new foods can alter gut motility and microbial balance, causing increased noise.

Other common causes include:

  • Gastrointestinal upset: Mild irritation or inflammation of the stomach or intestines can increase motility and gas production.
  • Gas accumulation: Fermentation of undigested food by gut bacteria produces gas, which moves through the intestines, causing audible sounds.
  • Stress and anxiety: Emotional factors can influence gut function, sometimes resulting in more pronounced digestive noises.
Cause Description Associated Symptoms
Normal Digestion Movement of food and gas during digestion Occasional noises, no other symptoms
Rapid Eating Swallowing air and food quickly Gurgling, occasional burping
Dietary Changes Altered gut flora and motility Increased noises, possible mild diarrhea
Gastrointestinal Upset Inflammation or irritation in the GI tract Increased sounds, vomiting, diarrhea
Gas Accumulation Fermentation by gut bacteria Borborygmi, bloating
Stress Emotional response affecting gut motility Increased noises, possible appetite changes

When to Seek Veterinary Care

While many cases of tummy noises in dogs are harmless and temporary, certain signs warrant prompt veterinary attention. Persistent or severe symptoms might indicate a more serious condition requiring diagnosis and treatment.

Owners should consult a veterinarian if the stomach noises are accompanied by:

  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
  • Signs of abdominal pain such as whining, restlessness, or sensitivity to touch
  • Significant changes in appetite or water intake
  • Lethargy or weakness
  • Visible abdominal bloating or distension
  • Blood in vomit or stool
  • Sudden weight loss or failure to gain weight

In some cases, stomach noises can be an early indicator of gastrointestinal obstructions, infections, or inflammatory diseases like gastritis or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A thorough veterinary examination may include physical palpation, blood tests, fecal analysis, imaging (such as X-rays or ultrasound), and possibly endoscopy to identify the cause.

Managing and Preventing Excessive Tummy Noises

Effective management of a dog’s tummy noises involves addressing the underlying cause and adopting preventative measures to promote optimal digestive health.

Diet plays a crucial role. Feeding your dog high-quality, easily digestible food in appropriate quantities reduces the risk of excessive gas and digestive upset. Dividing the daily food portion into smaller, more frequent meals can prevent rapid eating and reduce swallowed air.

Additional recommendations include:

  • Slow feeding techniques: Use slow feeder bowls or puzzle feeders to discourage gulping.
  • Consistent diet: Avoid sudden changes in diet; introduce new foods gradually over 7-10 days.
  • Hydration: Ensure access to fresh water at all times to aid digestion.
  • Regular exercise: Physical activity stimulates healthy gastrointestinal motility.
  • Stress reduction: Minimize stressful situations to prevent stress-related digestive disturbances.

If dietary adjustments do not improve the symptoms, or if the dog has a history of digestive issues, probiotics or digestive enzyme supplements may be recommended by a veterinarian to support gut health.

Understanding the Role of Gut Microbiota

The gut microbiota, consisting of trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms, plays an essential role in canine digestive health. These microbes aid in breaking down food components, synthesizing vitamins, and maintaining immune function.

An imbalance in gut microbiota, known as dysbiosis, can lead to increased gas production, inflammation, and abnormal gastrointestinal motility, which often manifests as tummy noises. Factors disrupting this balance include antibiotic use, dietary changes, infections, and stress.

Supporting a healthy gut microbiota involves:

  • Providing a balanced diet rich in fiber and prebiotics
  • Using probiotics formulated for dogs under veterinary guidance
  • Avoiding unnecessary antibiotics or medications that disrupt gut flora

Maintaining microbial balance enhances digestive efficiency and reduces the frequency and intensity of stomach noises related to digestive disturbances.

Common Causes of Stomach Noises in Dogs

Dogs’ abdominal sounds, medically known as borborygmi, can stem from a variety of physiological and pathological reasons. Understanding these causes helps in assessing whether the noises are normal or indicative of underlying issues.

Typical reasons for a dog’s tummy to make noises include:

  • Digestive Processes: Normal peristalsis—the rhythmic contractions of the intestines—moves food, liquids, and gas through the gastrointestinal tract, producing audible sounds.
  • Hunger: When the stomach is empty, digestive secretions and muscle contractions can create louder noises, signaling the dog is ready to eat.
  • Gas Accumulation: Fermentation of food by gut bacteria or swallowing air can lead to gas buildup, causing rumbling and gurgling sounds.
  • Dietary Factors: Sudden changes in diet, food intolerances, or ingestion of inappropriate foods can disrupt normal digestion and increase stomach noises.
  • Gastrointestinal Upset: Inflammation or irritation of the stomach and intestines due to infections, parasites, or toxins may cause increased motility and noises.
  • Malabsorption or Digestive Disorders: Conditions such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency or inflammatory bowel disease can impair digestion and produce abnormal sounds.
  • Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress can alter gut motility and secretions, potentially leading to increased abdominal noises.

When to Be Concerned About Your Dog’s Stomach Noises

While occasional tummy noises are typically benign, certain associated signs and symptoms warrant veterinary attention to rule out significant health problems.

Indicators that suggest a health issue include:

  • Persistent or Loud Noises: Continuous or very loud rumbling that does not subside after eating or resting may indicate digestive disturbance.
  • Vomiting or Diarrhea: These often accompany gastrointestinal infections, food poisoning, or obstructions.
  • Loss of Appetite or Weight: Reduced food intake or unexplained weight loss suggests a possible chronic condition.
  • Abdominal Pain or Bloating: Signs of discomfort, restlessness, or a distended abdomen may indicate serious conditions like gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat).
  • Lethargy or Behavioral Changes: Reduced energy or unusual behavior alongside stomach noises can reflect systemic illness.
Symptom Possible Cause Recommended Action
Loud, persistent tummy noises Gastrointestinal irritation or obstruction Veterinary evaluation immediately
Vomiting with stomach noises Infection, poisoning, or obstruction Seek veterinary care promptly
Intermittent noises with normal behavior Hunger or normal digestion Monitor and provide regular feeding
Stomach noises with diarrhea Gastroenteritis or dietary intolerance Consult veterinarian if persistent

How to Help Reduce Your Dog’s Tummy Noises

Managing your dog’s diet and lifestyle can often minimize excessive stomach sounds and improve digestive comfort.

Effective strategies include:

  • Consistent Feeding Schedule: Providing meals at regular times helps regulate digestion and reduces hunger-induced noises.
  • Balanced Diet: Feeding high-quality, easily digestible food appropriate for your dog’s age, size, and health status supports gut function.
  • Gradual Diet Changes: Avoid abrupt switches in food to prevent digestive upset and excessive gas production.
  • Hydration: Ensure your dog has constant access to fresh water to aid digestion and nutrient absorption.
  • Stress Reduction: Minimize exposure to stressful situations, which can affect gastrointestinal motility.
  • Regular Exercise: Physical activity promotes healthy digestion and reduces gas buildup.
  • Routine Veterinary Checks: Scheduled health exams help detect and manage underlying conditions early.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

Determining the need for professional evaluation depends on the persistence and severity of symptoms accompanying stomach noises.

Contact your veterinarian if your dog exhibits any of the following:

  • Persistent or worsening abdominal noises lasting more than 24–48 hours
  • Signs of abdominal pain, bloating, or distension
  • Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
  • Signs of dehydration, such as dry gums or lethargy
  • Sudden changes in appetite or weight
  • Behavioral

    Expert Insights on Why Your Dog’s Tummy Is Making Noises

    Dr. Emily Harper (Veterinary Gastroenterologist, Canine Health Institute). “A dog’s tummy noises, medically known as borborygmi, often indicate normal digestive activity such as the movement of gas and fluids through the intestines. However, persistent or loud stomach sounds can sometimes signal dietary sensitivities, gastrointestinal upset, or mild inflammation that may require dietary adjustments or veterinary evaluation.”

    Mark Jensen (Certified Animal Nutritionist, Pet Wellness Center). “Noisy stomachs in dogs frequently arise from irregular feeding schedules or sudden changes in diet. When the digestive system is empty or digesting new food, increased motility can cause audible rumbling. Ensuring consistent, balanced meals and gradual diet transitions can help reduce these noises and support overall gut health.”

    Dr. Sophia Lin (Veterinarian and Canine Behavior Specialist, Urban Vet Clinic). “While tummy noises are usually harmless, they can sometimes be accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, which may indicate an underlying health issue like gastrointestinal infection or food intolerance. Monitoring your dog’s behavior and consulting a veterinarian if noises persist or worsen is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment.”

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Why does my dog’s tummy make gurgling or rumbling noises?
    These noises, known as borborygmi, are caused by the movement of gas and fluids through the intestines during digestion. They are usually normal and indicate that the digestive system is active.

    When should I be concerned about my dog’s stomach noises?
    If the noises are accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, or signs of pain, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian promptly as these may indicate an underlying health issue.

    Can hunger cause my dog’s tummy to make noises?
    Yes, hunger can stimulate intestinal contractions, producing audible rumbling sounds. Feeding your dog at regular intervals can help minimize these noises.

    Do dietary changes affect the frequency of tummy noises in dogs?
    Sudden changes in diet or feeding inappropriate foods can disrupt digestion and increase stomach noises. Gradual dietary transitions and balanced nutrition help maintain digestive health.

    Is it normal for puppies to have more frequent tummy noises than adult dogs?
    Puppies often have more active digestive systems and may produce more frequent noises. However, persistent or severe noises should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

    Can stress or anxiety cause my dog’s stomach to make noises?
    Yes, stress and anxiety can affect gastrointestinal motility, potentially increasing stomach noises. Providing a calm environment and routine can help reduce this effect.
    In summary, a dog’s tummy making noises, often referred to as borborygmi, is typically a normal physiological process resulting from the movement of gas and fluids through the gastrointestinal tract. Common causes include hunger, digestion, or mild gastrointestinal upset. However, persistent or unusually loud stomach noises can sometimes indicate underlying issues such as dietary intolerances, infections, or gastrointestinal disorders that may require veterinary evaluation.

    It is important for dog owners to observe accompanying symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or changes in appetite, as these signs can help differentiate between benign causes and more serious health concerns. Maintaining a consistent diet, avoiding sudden food changes, and ensuring regular feeding schedules can help minimize excessive tummy noises in dogs.

    Ultimately, while occasional stomach noises are generally harmless, attentive monitoring and timely consultation with a veterinarian are crucial to ensure the well-being of your dog. Understanding the context and frequency of these noises allows for better management and promotes overall digestive health in your pet.

    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.