Why Is My Dog’s Stomach Making Gurgle, Gurgle Noises? - Should I Be Worried?
Friends of the Dog
Friends of the Dog
Why Is My Dog’s Stomach Gurgling? (And Should I Be Worried?)
You’re sitting on the couch, enjoying a quiet evening, when suddenly you hear it--a strange gurgle from your dog’s belly. You look down. Your pup seems fine, maybe even asleep. But what was that noise?
Welcome to the mysterious (and often noisy) world of dog digestion.
What’s That Gurgling Sound?
That gurgling noise—also known as "borborygmi" (yep, it’s a real word!)—is just the sound of gas and fluid moving through your dog’s digestive system. It happens in humans too, usually when we're hungry, digesting, or had that extra scoop of beans. Same deal with dogs.
In most cases, it’s totally normal and nothing to worry about.
Common (and Harmless) Reasons for Dog Stomach Noises
While most belly sounds are innocent, there are times when it might signal a health issue. Here’s when to pay attention:
🚩 Accompanied by other symptoms:
Possible Health Issues Linked to Gurgling
If your dog seems totally normal—eating, playing, and acting fine—occasional belly gurgles are nothing to stress over. It’s just their digestive system doing its thing.
But if the noise is constant, loud, or paired with signs your dog doesn’t feel well, it’s smart to get a vet’s opinion.
Paw Thoughts
If your busy changing food, slow down, rather add just 1Tablespoon, taking our 1Tablespoon of old food - you may be going too fast.
Just like people, dogs get tummy rumbles for all sorts of reasons—some cute, some gross, and some that need attention. The key is to watch for changes and trust your gut (pun intended) when something feels off with your pup.
And hey, if your dog is just gurgling because they’re hungry, maybe it’s time for a treat. 🦴
You’re sitting on the couch, enjoying a quiet evening, when suddenly you hear it--a strange gurgle from your dog’s belly. You look down. Your pup seems fine, maybe even asleep. But what was that noise?
Welcome to the mysterious (and often noisy) world of dog digestion.
What’s That Gurgling Sound?
That gurgling noise—also known as "borborygmi" (yep, it’s a real word!)—is just the sound of gas and fluid moving through your dog’s digestive system. It happens in humans too, usually when we're hungry, digesting, or had that extra scoop of beans. Same deal with dogs.
In most cases, it’s totally normal and nothing to worry about.
Common (and Harmless) Reasons for Dog Stomach Noises
- They’re just digesting.
After a meal, your dog’s stomach and intestines get busy breaking down food, which can get a little noisy. - They’re hungry.
An empty stomach can make gurgling sounds as air and digestive juices slosh around in there. If it’s close to mealtime, your dog might just be giving you an audible hint. - They swallowed air.
Dogs eat fast (some practically inhale their food), which means they also swallow a lot of air. That trapped air can move around and make noise. - Minor gas or diet change.
Just like us, dogs can get a little gassy from new foods, treats, or even eating something weird off the sidewalk (you know they do it).
While most belly sounds are innocent, there are times when it might signal a health issue. Here’s when to pay attention:
🚩 Accompanied by other symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Pacing or signs of discomfort
- Swollen or tight belly
Possible Health Issues Linked to Gurgling
- Gastrointestinal upset (GI upset)
This is often caused by something minor like eating something they shouldn’t have—but it can also come from food allergies or intolerances. - Parasites
Worms and other parasites can mess with the digestive system and cause rumbling, along with more serious symptoms. - Pancreatitis
This inflammation of the pancreas can cause pain, vomiting, and those loud digestive sounds. It often comes from eating high-fat foods (looking at you, holiday table scraps). - Intestinal blockage
If your dog ate something like a sock, toy, or piece of bone, it can get stuck and block digestion. This can be life-threatening and usually requires emergency care. - Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Chronic gut inflammation can lead to noisy digestion, weight loss, and chronic diarrhea.
If your dog seems totally normal—eating, playing, and acting fine—occasional belly gurgles are nothing to stress over. It’s just their digestive system doing its thing.
But if the noise is constant, loud, or paired with signs your dog doesn’t feel well, it’s smart to get a vet’s opinion.
Paw Thoughts
If your busy changing food, slow down, rather add just 1Tablespoon, taking our 1Tablespoon of old food - you may be going too fast.
Just like people, dogs get tummy rumbles for all sorts of reasons—some cute, some gross, and some that need attention. The key is to watch for changes and trust your gut (pun intended) when something feels off with your pup.
And hey, if your dog is just gurgling because they’re hungry, maybe it’s time for a treat. 🦴