If your dog's stomach growls or grumbles, it's usually due to natural digestion. However, if the stomach sounds are very loud, it can also indicate a worm infestation, inflammation, allergies, kidney problems or even poisoning.
As a rule, there is only cause for concern if it is chronically very loud and other pathological symptoms occur. Here is a brief overview:
Location of the noisesTypical causesStomachworm infestation
gastritis
Upset stomach
Swallowed foreign bodies
Stomach cancer
Liver and kidney problemsIntestinal obstruction
Chronic inflammatory bowel disease
Inflamed pancreas
Irritable bowel syndrome
Disturbed intestinal flora
Intestinal inflammationStomach & intestinesNatural digestion
Food allergies
Medication
Flatulence
Previous anesthesia
Poisonings[1]
Below we will go through the 9 most common causes of stomach noises.
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#1 Natural digestion
During digestion, food particles are transported back and forth in the stomach and intestines. This has 3 different functions:
- Crushing the food pulp
- Increased absorption rate
- Preparation for elimination [2]
Since the digestive tract moves rhythmically, bubbling in the stomach occurs more often. Even a healthy dog's stomach makes noises.
The typical stomach growling usually occurs because the stomach is empty and the corresponding hormones in the brain trigger a feeling of hunger.
This causes the digestive tract to be compressed by the surrounding muscles so that all gases are squeezed out. [3]
However, this does not necessarily have to be a sign of hunger. It could just be that the dog sees something that stimulates his appetite, but is actually full.
Even with healthy digestion, dogs still experience stomach noises. In addition, growling is more common on an empty stomach. These noises are completely normal. There is usually only cause for concern if they are very loud.
#2 Worm infestation
Dogs can be affected by two types of parasites. The ectoparasites are outside the body and endoparasites are inside.
The internal parasites are mostly worms. The following species in particular are known to attack the stomach:
- Tapeworms
- Hookworms
- Roundworms
- Whipworms [4]
These worms are so common that veterinarians recommend a 3-month preventative deworming. Typical symptoms of this are:
- Swollen stomach
- Stomach noises
- Worms in the stool
- Dog loses weight
- Lack of energy
- Chronic diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting [5]
To remove the worms, special drops or tablets are usually mixed into the food. This type of worm treatment can quickly solve the problem.
If there are worms in the dog's stomach, they will become noticeable after a certain time. What is typical here is that the dog loses weight despite eating a normal amount, has diarrhea, the stomach constantly growls and there are worms in the stool.
#3 Gastritis
The stomach is protected by a mucous membrane so that aggressive stomach acid cannot damage the organ itself. It becomes a problem when it becomes inflamed.
Then there is talk of “gastritis”. In most cases it is caused by bacteria. Other typical causes of this are:
- Allergies
- Poisonings
- Liver problems
- Viral infections
- Existing intolerances
- Kidney diseases
- Worm infestation [6]
Sick dogs in particular are affected more often. Among other things, it can also be noticeable through unusual stomach noises. Typical symptoms here are:
- Dog has no appetite
- Sudden vomiting
- Listless behavior
- Blood in the vomit
- Diarrhea with mucus
- Sudden bad breath
- Constant heartburn
- Strong thirst [7]
The treatment depends on the suspected cause. In many cases, antibiotics are enough. Then you should go for something that is easy to digest.
When dogs struggle with gastritis, they usually also experience stomach problems. It can typically be recognized by the dog refusing food, vomiting frequently, getting diarrhea and the stomach constantly growling and bubbling.
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#4 Upset stomach
Did you know that dogs struggle with stomach aches much more often than humans? This is because they have only been omnivores for a few millennia.
They “spoil” their stomachs much more easily than we humans. The most common causes of an upset stomach include:
- Mold in the food
- Food intolerances
- Food is old and spoiled
- Human food leftovers
- Food allergies
- Dog ate garbage [8]
In this case, the stomach noises are usually caused by the resulting flatulence. Other typical signs of this are:
- Sudden vomiting
- Dog gets diarrhea
- Listless behavior
- Dog drools profusely
- Constant licking of lips
- Bloated stomach
- Decreased activity [9]
The solution? Fasting for several hours. This should usually solve the problem within a very short time. Afterwards, something easy to digest is recommended.
When dogs upset their stomachs, they usually experience abdominal pain. This can often be recognized by the fact that the dog gets flatulence, suddenly vomits and the stomach rumbles or bubbles. Lethargic behavior is also typical here.
#5 Food Allergies
Not only pollen and grass can cause allergies, but also food. In addition, many dogs also struggle with intolerances. Typical triggers here are:
- Cereal products
- soy products
- Dairy products
- Some spices
- Certain types of meat
- Fillers in the lining [10]
What is noticeable here is that the symptoms usually occur a short time after eating. Severe itching around the mouth is one of the first symptoms.
However, allergens and intolerances can also primarily manifest themselves in the stomach. Severe flatulence and loud stomach noises are typical here. Other signs include:
- Dog suddenly vomits
- Face swells
- Redness on the face
- Dog is breathing heavily
- Sudden hyperactivity
- Dog loses weight
- Frequent sneezing [11]
There is no cure for allergies and intolerances. The only real option here is to eat the appropriate foods. An allergy test can help.
Dogs with allergies or even intolerances often have digestive problems after eating regular food. Among other things, this can manifest itself in the dog having severe flatulence, vomiting and the stomach beginning to hum and growl.
#6 Liver and kidney problems
Even if the liver and kidneys are not directly part of the digestive tract, they still play a central role in digestion. The reason?
They ensure that all toxins and pollutants are removed from the organism. The most common causes of kidney and liver problems include:
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Internal bleeding
- Side effect of medication
- Swallowing toxic things
- Tumor diseases [12]
Liver problems usually become apparent very early on. Kidney problems, on the other hand, only occur when ⅔ of them no longer function. Common signs of this are:
- Loss of appetite
- Strange stomach noises
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chronic diarrhea
- Increased drinking quantity
- Blood in urine
- Listless behavior
- Constant urge to urinate [13]
For diagnosis, you should consult the vet immediately. Even if the cause cannot be cured, the symptoms can usually be treated well.
When dogs develop problems with their liver or kidneys, this is usually noticeable through an increased amount of water and a constant urge to urinate. Sometimes it can also be recognized by the stomach rumbling and the dog vomiting.
#7 Swallowed foreign objects
For some breeds, natural curiosity often becomes their downfall. This is at least the case when dogs accidentally swallow foreign bodies. Typical examples are:
- Golf balls
- Plastic food packaging
- Table tennis balls
- Abandoned toys
- Whole bones
- Toys too small [14]
The problem? When these things make it through the throat, they usually get stuck in the stomach. This is especially true for indigestible things.
The result? Severe flatulence and general digestive problems. Loud stomach noises are also typical here. Other classic signs include:
- Frequent gagging
- Dog refuses food
- Constant diarrhea
- Aggressive behavior
- Lack of motivation
- Sudden constipation
- stomach pain [15]
An ultrasound examination is usually sufficient for diagnosis. Depending on the type and size of the object, the appropriate treatment will then be initiated by the veterinarian.
If dogs swallow indigestible foreign bodies, they can get stuck in their stomachs. You can usually tell that the dog has diarrhea or constipation. A bubbling feeling in the stomach and flatulence are also typical here.
#8 Poisoning
Many first-time owners accidentally poison their dogs themselves. This is because some common foods also have a toxic effect on their four-legged friends.
Even those foods that you would probably consider healthy can have life-threatening consequences for dogs. Typical examples of these are:
- Leeks, onions and garlic
- Avocados and macadamia nuts
- Grapes, raisins and wine
- Hops and alcohol
- Cocoa and chocolate [16]
Depending on the food, the symptoms can vary. Among other things, it can also manifest itself in stomach noises and breathing difficulties. Typical symptoms are:
- Heavy panting
- Dog becomes restless
- Increased saliva production
- The dog's belly gurgles
- Multiple vomiting
- Dog starts shaking
- Sudden diarrhea [17]
If you suspect possible poisoning, I recommend contacting the emergency veterinary service immediately. Otherwise, kidney and liver failure can occur.
Poisoning from common foods can cause acute breathing problems and abdominal pain in dogs. What is typical here is that affected dogs often vomit, their stomachs grumble loudly and an unusually large amount of saliva is produced.
#9 Stomach cancer
Of all types of cancer, stomach cancer is one of the most common. The causes of this are still unclear. Some risk factors have already been identified for this:
- Age over 9 years
- Masculine
- Certain breeds [18]
According to statistics, collies, beagles, chow chows and Staffordshire terriers in particular are said to be very common…