Why Is My Dog’s Stomach Making Gurgling Noises?

AvatarByWilliam Warren Behavior & Psychology

If you’ve ever noticed your dog’s stomach making strange gurgling noises, you might find yourself wondering what’s going on inside their tummy. These unexpected sounds can be both puzzling and a little concerning for any pet owner. Understanding why your dog’s stomach is making these noises is an important step in ensuring their overall health and well-being.

Stomach gurgling in dogs, often referred to as borborygmi, is a common phenomenon that can occur for a variety of reasons. While sometimes these noises are simply a normal part of digestion, they can also signal underlying issues that may require attention. Whether it’s related to diet, digestion, or other health factors, recognizing the cause behind these sounds can help you better care for your furry friend.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the typical causes of stomach gurgling in dogs, when it’s nothing to worry about, and when it might be a sign to consult your veterinarian. By gaining insight into this common canine occurrence, you’ll be better equipped to keep your dog comfortable and healthy.

Common Causes of Stomach Gurgling in Dogs

Stomach gurgling, medically known as borborygmi, is a normal physiological sound resulting from the movement of gas and fluids through the intestines. However, when these noises become excessive or are accompanied by other symptoms, they may indicate underlying issues.

One primary cause is hunger. When a dog’s stomach is empty, the digestive tract becomes more active in anticipation of food, causing audible gurgling sounds. This is generally harmless and subsides once the dog eats.

Dietary factors also play a significant role. Sudden changes in diet, ingestion of inappropriate foods, or food intolerances can disrupt normal digestion and increase intestinal activity, leading to gurgling noises.

Gastrointestinal disturbances such as mild indigestion, gas accumulation, or mild inflammation can cause increased motility and fluid movement, producing louder or more frequent stomach sounds. These symptoms are often transient but should be monitored if persistent.

More concerning causes include:

  • Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines due to infections or irritants.
  • Parasitic infections: Worms or protozoa can disrupt digestion and cause gurgling with other symptoms.
  • Food allergies or sensitivities: Immune reactions to certain ingredients can cause chronic digestive upset.
  • Malabsorption syndromes: Conditions where the intestines fail to absorb nutrients properly, leading to excess gas and fluid movement.

If gurgling is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or abdominal pain, veterinary evaluation is recommended.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

Not all stomach noises warrant immediate concern, but certain signs accompanying gurgling indicate a need for professional assessment:

  • Persistent or worsening gurgling lasting more than 24–48 hours.
  • Vomiting or frequent regurgitation.
  • Diarrhea, especially if bloody or mucous-laden.
  • Signs of abdominal pain such as whining, restlessness, or guarding.
  • Loss of appetite or significant changes in eating habits.
  • Weight loss or signs of dehydration.
  • Lethargy or behavioral changes.

Veterinarians will conduct a thorough physical examination, obtain a history of diet and environmental changes, and may recommend diagnostic tests such as fecal analysis, blood work, or imaging to identify the cause.

Managing and Preventing Stomach Gurgling in Dogs

Proper management can reduce the frequency and severity of stomach gurgling by supporting digestive health and preventing common triggers.

Dietary management is crucial:

  • Introduce new foods gradually over 7–10 days to allow the digestive system to adapt.
  • Feed high-quality, balanced diets appropriate for the dog’s age and health status.
  • Avoid table scraps and foods known to cause intolerance or allergies.
  • Maintain consistent feeding schedules to regulate gastrointestinal motility.

Additional measures include:

  • Ensuring access to fresh water to aid digestion and prevent dehydration.
  • Minimizing stress, as anxiety can influence gut motility and increase gurgling.
  • Regular deworming and parasite prevention as recommended by a veterinarian.
  • Using probiotic supplements when appropriate to support healthy gut flora.
Management Strategy Description Benefits
Gradual Diet Changes Introduce new foods slowly over 1-2 weeks Reduces digestive upset and excessive gurgling
Consistent Feeding Times Feed meals at the same time daily Regulates gastrointestinal motility and reduces hunger-induced sounds
High-Quality Diet Use balanced, species-appropriate dog food Supports efficient digestion and nutrient absorption
Hydration Ensure constant access to fresh water Prevents dehydration and aids in digestion
Stress Reduction Maintain calm environment and routine Minimizes stress-related digestive disturbances
Parasite Control Regular deworming and veterinary checks Prevents infections that disrupt digestion

Common Causes of Stomach Gurgling in Dogs

Stomach gurgling noises, medically known as borborygmi, are common in dogs and usually indicate normal digestive processes. However, persistent or excessive gurgling can signal underlying issues. Understanding the causes helps in determining when veterinary consultation is necessary.

Key causes include:

  • Normal Digestion: Movement of gas and fluids through the intestines during digestion often produces gurgling sounds. This is typically harmless and intermittent.
  • Hunger: When a dog’s stomach is empty, digestive muscles contract, causing audible noises. This usually occurs before meal times.
  • Dietary Indiscretion: Eating unusual foods, garbage, or spoiled items can disrupt gut function and cause noisy digestion.
  • Gastrointestinal Upset: Conditions such as mild gastroenteritis, food intolerance, or sensitivity may increase intestinal activity and gurgling.
  • Gas Accumulation: Excess gas from swallowed air or fermentation of food can amplify stomach sounds.
  • Parasites: Intestinal parasites like roundworms or hookworms can irritate the gut lining, causing increased motility and noise.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Chronic inflammation of the intestines may lead to abnormal motility and audible gurgling.
  • Intestinal Obstruction: Partial blockage can cause increased muscular activity and loud gurgling as the intestines attempt to move contents past the obstruction.
  • Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress can influence gut motility and result in noisy digestion.

When to Be Concerned About Stomach Gurgling in Dogs

While occasional gurgling is normal, certain signs paired with stomach noises warrant prompt veterinary evaluation. These include:

  • Persistent or increasing frequency of gurgling sounds beyond normal digestion
  • Vomiting or repeated retching
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Abdominal bloating or distension
  • Signs of pain when the abdomen is touched
  • Loss of appetite or lethargy
  • Weight loss or dehydration
  • Visible signs of distress or discomfort

Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical in cases of obstruction or severe gastrointestinal disease to prevent complications.

Diagnostic Approaches for Evaluating Gurgling Noises

Veterinarians use a combination of clinical assessment and diagnostic tools to determine the cause of stomach gurgling in dogs. The process typically includes:

Diagnostic Method Description Purpose
Physical Examination Palpation of the abdomen, checking for pain, distension, or masses. Identify tenderness, bloating, or abnormal masses.
Fecal Examination Microscopic analysis for parasites, bacteria, or abnormal cells. Detect intestinal parasites or infections.
Blood Tests Complete blood count and biochemical profile. Assess systemic health and detect inflammation or infection.
Abdominal Radiographs (X-rays) Imaging to visualize intestinal gas patterns, foreign bodies, or masses. Evaluate for obstructions or abnormalities.
Ultrasound Detailed imaging of abdominal organs and intestines. Assess soft tissue structures and motility issues.

Management and Prevention Strategies

Effective management depends on the underlying cause. General recommendations include:

  • Dietary Adjustments: Feeding high-quality, easily digestible diets can reduce gastrointestinal irritation and gas production.
  • Regular Feeding Schedule: Avoid prolonged fasting to minimize hunger-induced gurgling.
  • Parasite Control: Routine deworming and fecal testing prevent parasitic infections.
  • Hydration: Ensure adequate water intake to support healthy digestion.
  • Stress Reduction: Minimize environmental stressors that can affect gut motility.
  • Avoid Dietary Indiscretion: Prevent access to garbage, foreign objects, or toxic substances.

In cases of diagnosed gastrointestinal disease, follow veterinary instructions for medications such as anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, or motility modifiers.

Expert Insights on Why Your Dog’s Stomach Is Making Gurgling Noises

Dr. Melissa Hartman (Veterinary Gastroenterologist, Canine Health Institute). The gurgling noises in a dog’s stomach, medically known as borborygmi, often indicate normal digestive activity such as the movement of gas and fluids through the intestines. However, persistent or loud gurgling can sometimes signal digestive upset, including mild gastrointestinal irritation, dietary indiscretion, or early signs of conditions like gastritis or inflammatory bowel disease. Careful observation of accompanying symptoms is important to determine if veterinary intervention is necessary.

James Thornton (Certified Animal Nutritionist, Pet Wellness Center). Many times, a dog’s stomach gurgling can be linked to their diet and feeding schedule. Rapid eating, sudden changes in food type, or food intolerances can cause excessive gas production and increased intestinal motility, resulting in audible stomach noises. Ensuring a balanced diet with appropriate fiber content and consistent meal times can often reduce these gurgling sounds and improve overall digestive comfort.

Dr. Anika Patel (Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist, Companion Animal Clinic). Stomach gurgling in dogs can also be a sign of gastrointestinal motility disorders or infections such as parasitic infestations or bacterial overgrowth. When accompanied by symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite, these noises warrant prompt veterinary evaluation to identify underlying causes and initiate appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis is key to preventing more serious complications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my dog’s stomach make gurgling noises?
Gurgling noises, also known as borborygmi, occur due to the movement of gas and fluids through the intestines during digestion. This is a normal physiological process but can sometimes indicate underlying issues.

When should I be concerned about my dog’s stomach gurgling?
If the gurgling is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, or signs of pain, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian promptly, as these may indicate gastrointestinal distress or illness.

Can diet affect the frequency of stomach gurgling in dogs?
Yes, sudden changes in diet, food intolerances, or ingestion of inappropriate items can increase stomach noises. Feeding a consistent, balanced diet appropriate for your dog’s age and health can help minimize gurgling.

Is stomach gurgling a sign of digestive upset in dogs?
Stomach gurgling can be a symptom of digestive upset such as indigestion, gas buildup, or mild gastrointestinal irritation. Persistent or severe symptoms warrant veterinary evaluation to rule out infections or other conditions.

How can I reduce my dog’s stomach gurgling at home?
Ensure your dog has regular feeding times, avoid rapid eating, provide adequate hydration, and monitor for any dietary triggers. If noises persist or worsen, seek veterinary advice.

Can stress cause my dog’s stomach to make gurgling noises?
Yes, stress and anxiety can affect gastrointestinal motility, leading to increased stomach noises. Managing stress through environmental enrichment and routine can help alleviate these symptoms.
a dog’s stomach making gurgling noises is often a normal physiological response related to digestion and the movement of gas and fluids through the gastrointestinal tract. These sounds, medically known as borborygmi, can occur when the stomach and intestines contract to process food or when the digestive system is empty. However, persistent or unusually loud gurgling may indicate underlying issues such as gastrointestinal upset, dietary intolerance, or infections that require veterinary attention.

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 proper hydration can help minimize excessive stomach noises and support overall digestive health in dogs.

Ultimately, while occasional stomach gurgling is generally harmless, ongoing or severe gastrointestinal noises should prompt consultation with a veterinarian to rule out conditions like gastritis, intestinal parasites, or other digestive disorders. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to ensure the well-being and comfort of your dog.

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.