If a dog's stomach gurgles, it is usually due to hunger, flatulence or an upset stomach. Among other things, it can also be an indication of internal parasites, inflammation, poisoning, or even an intestinal obstruction.
The grumbling is caused by gases, water and food particles moving around in the stomach and intestines. Very loud noises are usually an indication of:
- Severe gas formation (bloating)
- High activity of the digestive tract [1]
As a rule, there is only cause for concern if other pathological symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting occur or if the dog even refuses to eat.
Below you will learn about the 10 most common causes of rumbling in the stomach, their symptoms and what can help.
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#1 Upset stomach
Dogs' digestive tracts are comparatively primitive. It was only a few millennia ago that four-legged friends became omnivores through domestication.
Humans, on the other hand, have been omnivores for millions of years. This is also why upset stomachs are more common in dogs. Typical causes here are:
- Eaten grass or garbage
- Allergens in food
- Poor quality food
- Mold in the food
- Leftover food from people
- Spoiled food [2]
Here, the gurgling in the stomach is usually triggered by the associated flatulence. Other typical symptoms are:
- Loss of appetite
- Dog seems depressed
- Profuse salivation
- Dog farts a lot
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Frequent licking of lips
- Lack of motivation [3]
In most cases, the problem resolves itself by fasting for several hours. Afterwards, easily digestible food such as cooked rice with chicken helps.
In dogs with an upset stomach, their stomachs often start to gurgle because a lot of gas is forming. Among other things, it can be recognized by the fact that dogs sometimes get diarrhea, suddenly drool or even vomit.
#2 Poisoning
When it comes to poisoning, almost all dog owners first think of poison bait because of the news. In reality, however, it is usually ordinary food that is behind it.
Even those foods that are considered “healthy” for us can have a toxic effect on dogs. This includes:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Raisins
- Chocolate
- Leek
- grapes
- Avocados [4]
The symptoms and severity of these can vary greatly depending on the type of poisoning. The most common signs include:
- Physical restlessness
- Loud gurgling in the stomach
- Dog starts shaking
- Labored breathing
- Constant panting
- Dog refuses food
- Diarrhea and vomiting [5]
If you suspect this, you should contact the emergency veterinary service immediately. Otherwise, the liver and kidneys can suffer so badly that organ failure occurs.
When dogs swallow something toxic, it also puts a strain on their digestive tract as well as their liver and kidneys. What is typical here is that the dog becomes increasingly restless, his stomach is bubbling and he refuses his food. Some four-legged friends also start to tremble.
#3 Stomach and intestinal parasites
Worms in the stomach and intestines belong to the category of “endoparasites” because they are located inside the body. Fleas and ticks, on the other hand, are “ectoparasites”.
In practice, both types occur approximately equally frequently. The following four types are usually found in the digestive tract:
- Tapeworms
- Whipworms
- Roundworms
- Hookworms [6]
In some cases there are no symptoms at all for a long time. However, severe infestations often result in a gurgling stomach and other symptoms:
- Worms in the stool
- Dog looks tired
- Constant coughing
- Worms in vomit
- Unexplained weight loss
- Swollen stomach
- Lack of energy [7]
A worm treatment is sufficient for treatment. Because these types of worms are very common, you should always follow the recommended deworming plan.
If dogs are infected with stomach and intestinal parasites, this can become noticeable over time. What is typical here is that there are worms in the stool, the dog is losing weight and the stomach is grumbling and gurgling unusually loudly.
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#4 Hunger
You've probably already experienced how your stomach suddenly starts to growl after a long break from eating and feeling hungry at the same time. Or not?
This is because hormones in the brain trigger the feeling of hunger and the stomach and intestines are then compressed by the muscles. [8]
These types of stomach noises are usually nothing to worry about. It only becomes a problem if your dog is hungry but doesn't want to eat. Typical causes here are:
- Toothache
- Injuries to the oral cavity
- Mold in the food
- Competition while eating
- Allergens in food
- Problems swallowing
Sometimes the gurgling in the stomach is only triggered because the dog is watching its owner eat, which stimulates its appetite.
You can usually recognize potential problems with the teeth or gums when the dog's snout becomes sensitive to touch. [9]
When dogs feel very hungry, their stomachs often start to growl because their stomach and intestines contract. Normally feeding should solve the problem. Caution is only advised here if the dog cannot eat.
#5 Pancreatitis
The primary job of the pancreas is to produce digestive juices and keep blood sugar levels in check.
However, various circumstances can cause this gland to become inflamed. Doctors refer to this as “pancreatitis”. Typical risk factors here are:
- Diabetes
- Taking medication
- Severely overweight
- Hyperthyroidism
- Severe poisoning
- High-fat diet
- Internal injuries [10]
You can usually tell if the dog doesn't drink or eat, or if his stomach starts to gurgle. Other classic symptoms of this are:
- Severe stomach pain
- Dog assumes prayer position
- Lack of energy and drive
- Increasing breathing problems
- Dog gets a fever
- Diarrhea and vomiting [11]
This type of inflammation can be life-threatening if left untreated. If you suspect this, you should seek professional help immediately.
If the dog's pancreas becomes inflamed, this will also be noticeable physically and behaviorally. Among other things, affected four-legged friends appear very weak and usually get a fever. A constant gurgling in the stomach is also typical here.
#6 Allergies and intolerances
Only around 2% of all dogs are said to struggle with food allergies. Intolerances in sensitive stomachs, on the other hand, are relatively common. [12]
Basically, all foods can cause problems for dogs. In most cases, however, the following foods are behind it:
- Gluten from grains
- soy products
- Fillers in the lining
- Proteins from some types of meat
- Milk
- Certain spices [13]
Depending on the type and quantity, the symptoms can vary greatly. There is usually severe itching and loud stomach noises. Other typical symptoms are:
- Redness around the mouth
- swelling of the face
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Hyperactive behavior
- Severe flatulence
- Breathing problems after eating
- weight loss [14]
Unfortunately, in most cases “hypoallergenic food” is just marketing. On the other hand, it is better to start an exclusion diet or, if necessary, to carry out an allergy test.
Various allergies and intolerances can cause dogs to always struggle with digestive problems after eating. It can usually be recognized by flatulence, a gurgling in the stomach, sudden nausea and redness in the mouth.
#7 Inflammatory bowel disease
In some dogs, the intestines are inflamed for reasons that are still unclear. Veterinarians also talk about “IBD”. Known risk factors are:
- Intolerances and allergies
- Infestation of harmful bacteria
- Severe or chronic stress
- Infestation of endoparasites
- Weakened immune system
- genetics [15]
Typically, the symptoms appear in fits and starts, so there are also phases without any symptoms. The most common signs include:
- Chronic vomiting
- Gurgling in the stomach
- Increasing weight loss
- Frequent belching
- Constant diarrhea
- Dog refuses food
- Licking the lips [16]
To make a diagnosis, the vet usually examines some tissue, analyzes the blood in the laboratory, takes a stool sample and carries out a subsonic examination.
Chronic inflammatory bowel disease is currently considered incurable. However, this can be solved with medication and a change in diet.
When dogs struggle with IBD, chronic digestive problems are inevitable. This can usually be recognized by the fact that dogs constantly vomit, get chronic diarrhea, their stomach grumbles loudly and they lose weight.
#8 Flatulence
When excessive amounts of gas form in the stomach and intestines, we are talking about flatulence. In most cases it is caused by eating too quickly. [17]
This means that too large morsels end up in the stomach, which take longer than average to digest and produce a lot of gas. Other typical triggers are:
- Human food leftovers
- Food with lots of fiber
- Food allergies and intolerances
- Sudden change in food
- Very high carbohydrate diet
- Food of poor quality [18]
Very voracious breeds such as Rottweilers, Labrador Retrievers, Beagles, Bulldogs, Dachshunds and Golden Retrievers most often experience gurgling in their stomachs.
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When dogs struggle with flatulence, it is usually due to unsuitable dog food or a generally unfavorable diet. This can usually be recognized by the fact that dogs have a bloated stomach and the stomach is constantly bubbling.
#9 Gastrointestinal inflammation
When the lining of the stomach and intestines become inflamed, doctors usually speak of “gastroenteritis”. The most common causes include:
- Viral infection
- Bacterial imbalance
- Liver diseases
- Poisonings
- Food allergies
- Worm infestation
- Kidney problems [19]
The best way to recognize it is that dogs have chronic diarrhea…