Unraveling the Mystery: Why is Your Dog’s Stomach Gurgling?
Loud and unusual sounds coming from your dog’s stomach may make you wonder why your dog’s stomach seems to be gurgling frequently. When most people hear an animal’s stomach rumbling they assume the animal is hungry. While this may be the case sometimes, there are a variety of different things that can cause your dog’s stomach to gurgle.
As your dog’s stomach makes sloshing and gurgling noises, you may be concerned about whether or not those sounds are cause for concern. The good news is that the majority of the time the gurgling sounds you are hearing are related to things like hunger pains or excess gas. However, it is possible that there could be other underlying issues going on that need to be addressed.
Gastrointestinal Issues Can Cause Stomach Gurgling in Dogs
A dog’s diet and stress level can impact their gastrointestinal tract. Just like humans, dogs can struggle with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and the gurgling you are hearing may be caused by IBD. IBD comes with other symptoms as well such as chronic vomiting and diarrhea. If you suspect your dog may be dealing with IBD, discuss it with your veterinarian at your next visit. Your vet may take a fecal sample or perform an ultrasound or biopsy to look for inflammatory markers.
While there is no exact treatment for IBD, there are certain antibiotics and other medications your dog can take to help treat the symptoms. Diet is a big part of treating IBD as well in dogs, so make sure they are eating dog food rich in fiber and limit any treats or people food until the IBD is under control.
Another less common gastrointestinal issue in dogs is something called hemorrhagic gastroenteritis or HGE. HGE occurs suddenly and typically has more than one symptom that occurs. Bloody stool and vomiting are usually signs of HGE as well as lethargy and possibly a fever. While HGE is scary to witness as a pet owner as it can come on strong and quickly, there are treatments available that will help your dog feel better quickly.
Excess Gas Makes A Dog’s Stomach Rumble
If you have ever sat next to your dog after they have eaten something they shouldn’t have, you are well aware of how much gas one dog can produce. What you may not know is that even something as simple as your dog eating their food too quickly can cause their stomach to make a lot of loud noises due to air being stuck in their intestines. There are also certain foods that can make a dog’s stomach rumble more than usual such as foods high in fat like cheese or high in fiber foods like peas.
If your dog seems to be uncomfortable there are things you can do to help them get relief from the trapped gas. Massage is one tool that can help move things along in the digestive tract. Going for a walk can also be helpful in easing gas pains. Probiotics can also be used as a supplement to help dogs that seem to be prone to dealing with gas more frequently.
Stomach Gurgling Due to Blockage in the Intestines
If you have been a dog owner for a while, you know that dogs will eat anything and everything. Unfortunately, extra curious pups may eat things that aren’t meant to go through the digestive tract. When this happens, an intestinal blockage can occur which will result in numerous different symptoms including stomach gurgling.
If you suspect your dog ate something they shouldn’t have, it is important to contact your vet right away. Your vet will perform diagnostic tests and imaging to see if they can locate the blockage. Once they find what’s causing the intestines to be blocked, it is possible surgery may be required to remove the blockage depending on the size and location of the object.
Illness Is Causing An Upset Stomach
Stomach illnesses can cause the intestines to become inflamed making it painful for your dog to eat and drink. When a dog has an illness and isn’t eating or drinking like normal, the lack of nutrition can cause the stomach to rumble.
There are different illnesses that can cause upset stomachs in dogs. Parasites such as worms can cause excess gas in dogs which in turn makes more noise than usual coming from your dog’s stomach. Dogs can also get colitis, just like humans, which is an uncomfortable stomach condition that can cause diarrhea, painful gas, and a lot of stomach rumbling.
Stomach illnesses often need time to pass and your dog should eat a bland diet while trying to heal. If there are any parasites or bacteria involved, your dog may need to take an antibiotic in order to feel better.
Deciding When to See A Veterinarian
Remember that gurgling sounds can be expected in healthy dogs. Noises coming from the stomach can simply be a sign that the digestive system is working properly. The gurgling only becomes concerning when it is happening consistently or if there are other symptoms coinciding.
If your dog seems to be eating more or less or is having other issues related to constipation or diarrhea, it may be time to see your vet. One thing you can do to help give as much information as possible to your vet is to keep a daily log of when your dog is eating and going to the bathroom. The frequency or infrequency can help your vet in determining any issues that may be going on with your dog.
Even if the cause is simply something they ate, it can be reassuring to rule out anything more serious. Now that you are aware of what can cause a dog’s stomach to gurgle, you can make a more informed decision on whether or not your dog needs medical treatment. After all, it may simply be their stomach telling you they are hungry.
