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

AvatarByWilliam Warren Behavior & Psychology

If you’ve ever noticed your dog’s stomach making unusual gurgling noises, you might find yourself wondering, “Why is my dog’s stomach gurgling?” These unexpected sounds can be both curious and concerning for pet owners, prompting questions about what’s happening inside your furry friend’s digestive system. Understanding the reasons behind these noises is an important step in ensuring your dog’s health and comfort.

Stomach gurgling in dogs, medically known as borborygmi, can occur for a variety of reasons ranging from normal digestion to potential health issues. While occasional gurgling is often harmless and simply a sign of your dog’s digestive tract at work, persistent or loud noises may indicate underlying problems that deserve attention. Recognizing when these sounds are part of a normal process versus when they signal discomfort or illness is key for any responsible pet owner.

In this article, we’ll explore the common causes behind your dog’s stomach gurgling, what it might mean for their overall well-being, and when it’s time to consult a veterinarian. By gaining insight into these digestive sounds, you can better understand your dog’s needs and help maintain their digestive health with confidence.

Common Causes of Stomach Gurgling in Dogs

Stomach gurgling, or borborygmi, in dogs can arise from a variety of causes, ranging from benign to more serious health issues. Understanding these causes is crucial for determining when to seek veterinary care.

One of the most frequent reasons for stomach noises is normal digestive activity. When a dog’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract is processing food, air and fluids move through the intestines, producing sounds. This is especially common if the dog has been fasting or eating irregularly.

Dietary factors also play a significant role. Sudden changes in diet, ingestion of low-quality food, or consuming something inappropriate can disrupt normal digestion and cause gurgling. Food intolerances or allergies may similarly provoke increased intestinal activity and gas production.

Gastrointestinal upset due to mild indigestion or gas is another common contributor. If a dog ingests air while eating quickly or experiences minor GI irritation, gurgling sounds may result. This is often accompanied by other symptoms such as mild bloating or flatulence.

More concerning causes include:

  • Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines often caused by infection or ingestion of toxins.
  • Parasitic infections: Worms and protozoa can disrupt the normal function of the intestines.
  • Intestinal obstruction: Blockages caused by foreign objects, tumors, or severe constipation can lead to abnormal gurgling.
  • Malabsorption syndromes: Conditions that impair nutrient absorption can increase gas and intestinal noises.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Chronic inflammation of the GI tract can alter motility and cause frequent gurgling sounds.

When to Be Concerned About Your Dog’s Stomach Gurgling

Not all stomach noises warrant immediate concern, but certain signs accompanying gurgling indicate the need for prompt veterinary evaluation. These include:

  • Persistent or loud gurgling lasting more than 24 hours
  • Vomiting or diarrhea occurring alongside stomach noises
  • Signs of abdominal pain such as whining, restlessness, or reluctance to move
  • Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
  • Lethargy or unusual behavior changes
  • Visible bloating or distension of the abdomen
  • Weight loss or poor body condition over time

If any of these symptoms are present, a thorough veterinary examination is necessary to diagnose and address the underlying cause.

Diagnostic Approaches to Identify the Cause

Veterinarians use a combination of history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests to determine why a dog’s stomach is gurgling excessively. The approach typically includes:

  • History taking: Gathering information on diet, recent changes, toxin exposure, and symptom duration.
  • Physical examination: Palpation of the abdomen to detect pain, masses, or bloating.
  • Fecal testing: Checking for parasites or bacterial infections.
  • Blood work: Assessing organ function and signs of inflammation or infection.
  • Imaging studies: X-rays or ultrasound to detect obstructions, masses, or abnormal GI motility.
Diagnostic Test Purpose What It Detects
Fecal Exam Identify parasites or bacterial pathogens Worms, protozoa, bacterial overgrowth
Blood Panel Evaluate overall health and inflammation Organ function, infection markers, anemia
X-ray Imaging Visualize abdominal structures Obstructions, masses, abnormal gas patterns
Abdominal Ultrasound Detailed soft tissue assessment Inflammation, tumors, motility issues

Management and Treatment Options

Treatment depends heavily on the underlying cause identified by the veterinarian. For benign causes such as mild indigestion or diet-related gurgling, management may include:

  • Adjusting the dog’s diet to a high-quality, easily digestible formula
  • Feeding smaller, more frequent meals to reduce air swallowing and improve digestion
  • Avoiding sudden dietary changes and eliminating potential allergens
  • Providing probiotics to support healthy gut flora

If an infection or parasitic infestation is diagnosed, targeted medications such as antibiotics or dewormers will be prescribed. In cases of inflammatory or chronic conditions, anti-inflammatory drugs and specialized diets may be recommended.

For emergencies such as intestinal obstruction, surgical intervention may be required to remove the blockage and prevent complications.

Preventative Measures to Minimize Stomach Gurgling

Preventing excessive stomach gurgling in dogs involves maintaining optimal digestive health through:

  • Consistent, balanced nutrition tailored to the dog’s life stage and health status
  • Gradual of new foods and treats
  • Avoiding ingestion of garbage, toxic substances, or foreign objects
  • Regular deworming and parasite control protocols
  • Monitoring eating behaviors to reduce rapid ingestion or gulping air
  • Routine veterinary check-ups to catch early signs of GI disease

By implementing these practices, dog owners can significantly reduce the frequency of stomach gurgling and promote their pet’s overall gastrointestinal wellness.

Common Causes of Stomach Gurgling in Dogs

Stomach gurgling, medically referred to as borborygmi, is a common occurrence in dogs and can result from various physiological and pathological factors. Understanding the underlying causes helps in determining when veterinary attention is necessary.

Some typical causes include:

  • Normal Digestion: As food and fluids move through the gastrointestinal tract, muscular contractions known as peristalsis produce audible sounds. This is especially noticeable when the stomach or intestines are relatively empty.
  • Hunger: When a dog’s stomach is empty, the digestive muscles continue to contract in anticipation of food, often creating louder gurgling noises.
  • Dietary Changes: Sudden changes in diet can alter gut motility and microbial balance, leading to increased stomach noises.
  • Gastrointestinal Upset: Mild irritation caused by indigestion, gas, or mild inflammation can increase gurgling.
  • Swallowed Air: Dogs that eat quickly or gulp air while eating or drinking may experience increased stomach sounds.

Less common but more serious causes require prompt veterinary evaluation:

  • Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines due to infection or toxins often causes loud gurgling accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Intestinal Obstruction: Partial or complete blockage can cause abnormal gut sounds, often accompanied by pain, vomiting, and lethargy.
  • Parasitic Infections: Intestinal parasites can alter gut motility and cause audible stomach noises alongside other symptoms.
  • Malabsorption or Food Intolerance: Conditions that interfere with digestion and absorption often produce increased gastrointestinal activity.

When to Be Concerned About Your Dog’s Stomach Gurgling

Not all stomach gurgling requires medical intervention, but certain signs warrant a veterinary consultation. Monitor your dog for the following symptoms in conjunction with stomach noises:

Symptom Description Possible Concern
Persistent Vomiting Repeated episodes of vomiting over several hours or days Gastroenteritis, obstruction, toxin ingestion
Diarrhea Loose or watery stools, especially with blood or mucus Infection, parasites, inflammatory bowel disease
Abdominal Pain Signs include whining, restlessness, or sensitivity to touch Obstruction, inflammation, injury
Lethargy Marked decrease in activity or responsiveness Systemic illness or severe gastrointestinal distress
Loss of Appetite Refusal to eat or drink for more than 24 hours Underlying illness affecting digestion or systemic health
Bloating Visible abdominal distension, difficulty breathing Gastric dilation volvulus (GDV), a medical emergency

If your dog exhibits any of these signs along with stomach gurgling, immediate veterinary evaluation is recommended. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications.

Diagnostic Approaches to Identifying the Cause of Stomach Gurgling

Veterinarians use a combination of clinical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests to identify the cause of stomach gurgling.

  • History and Physical Exam: Details about diet, recent changes, symptom onset, and behavior provide essential clues. Palpation of the abdomen can detect pain, masses, or distension.
  • Fecal Examination: Testing stool samples for parasites, bacteria, or blood helps identify infectious or parasitic causes.
  • Blood Work: Complete blood count and biochemical profiles assess systemic health and detect signs of infection or inflammation.
  • Imaging: Abdominal radiographs (X-rays) or ultrasound can reveal obstructions, masses, or abnormal gas patterns.
  • Endoscopy: In select cases, direct visualization of the stomach and intestines may be needed to obtain biopsies or identify mucosal abnormalities.

Management and Prevention of Stomach Gurgling in Dogs

Appropriate management depends on the underlying cause but generally includes the following strategies:

  • Dietary Management:
    • Feed a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for your dog’s age and health status.
    • Introduce diet changes gradually over 7–10 days to reduce gastrointestinal upset.
    • Divide daily food intake into smaller, more frequent meals to improve digestion and reduce air swallowing.
  • Behavioral Adjustments:
    • Encourage slower eating by using puzzle feeders or placing obstacles in the food bowl.

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      Expert Insights on Why Your Dog’s Stomach Is Gurgling

      Dr. Emily Hartman (Veterinary Gastroenterologist, Canine Health Institute). “A dog’s stomach gurgling, medically known as borborygmi, often indicates normal digestive activity but can also signal gastrointestinal upset. Common causes include dietary indiscretion, mild indigestion, or the presence of gas. However, persistent or loud gurgling accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea should prompt a veterinary evaluation to rule out infections, parasites, or food intolerances.”

      Dr. Marcus Lee (Veterinarian and Animal Nutrition Specialist). “Stomach gurgling in dogs frequently results from the movement of gas and fluids through the intestines. Changes in diet, sudden fasting, or stress can exacerbate these sounds. Ensuring a balanced diet with adequate fiber and avoiding abrupt food changes can minimize gurgling. If gurgling is paired with lethargy or appetite loss, it may indicate an underlying digestive disorder requiring professional attention.”

      Sarah Collins (Certified Canine Behaviorist and Trainer). “While stomach gurgling is primarily a physiological issue, behavioral factors such as anxiety or excitement can influence digestive function in dogs. Nervousness can increase gut motility, leading to audible stomach noises. Observing your dog’s environment and emotional state alongside physical symptoms can help determine whether the gurgling is a benign response or a sign of distress.”

      Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

      Why does my dog’s stomach gurgle after eating?
      Stomach gurgling after meals is often caused by digestion processes as the stomach and intestines move food and fluids. It is usually normal unless accompanied by other symptoms.

      Can stomach gurgling indicate a health problem in dogs?
      Yes, persistent or loud gurgling may signal gastrointestinal issues such as gas, indigestion, or infections. If it is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, consult a veterinarian.

      What dietary factors can cause my dog’s stomach to gurgle?
      Sudden changes in diet, eating too quickly, or consuming food that is hard to digest can increase stomach noises. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce gurgling.

      Is stomach gurgling in puppies different from adult dogs?
      Puppies often experience more frequent stomach noises due to developing digestive systems. However, excessive gurgling with other symptoms should be evaluated by a vet regardless of age.

      When should I be concerned about my dog’s stomach gurgling?
      Seek veterinary advice if gurgling is persistent, loud, or accompanied by signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or changes in appetite and behavior.

      Can stress or anxiety cause my dog’s stomach to gurgle?
      Yes, stress and anxiety can affect gastrointestinal motility, leading to increased stomach noises. Managing stress through routine and environmental enrichment may help reduce symptoms.
      In summary, a dog’s stomach gurgling, medically known as borborygmi, is a common occurrence that can result from various benign or concerning factors. Common causes include normal digestive processes, hunger, ingestion of air, dietary changes, or minor gastrointestinal upset. However, persistent or severe gurgling accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite may indicate underlying health issues that require veterinary attention.

      It is important for dog owners to monitor their pets closely and consider recent dietary changes, stress levels, or potential ingestion of foreign objects when evaluating stomach noises. Maintaining a consistent feeding schedule and providing a balanced diet can help minimize excessive gurgling caused by hunger or digestive disturbances. In cases where gurgling is accompanied by discomfort or prolonged symptoms, prompt consultation with a veterinarian is essential to diagnose and treat any possible gastrointestinal disorders.

      Ultimately, understanding the context and associated signs of your dog’s stomach gurgling is key to determining whether it is a normal digestive sound or a symptom of a more serious condition. Early recognition and appropriate response can ensure your dog’s digestive health is maintained and prevent complications that may arise from untreated gastrointestinal issues.

      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.