Hearing any sort of unfamiliar sound coming from your dog’s stomach can be an instant source of worry. But while some sounds may indicate an underlying health issue, many of these sounds are harmless. Learning how to tell the difference can ensure your dog’s needs are taken care of, no matter the cause of their stomach noises.
Are you searching, “Why is my dog’s stomach making noises?” and wondering whether a trip to the vet is in order? Here is what you need to know about the sounds your pup’s digestive system can make.
Why Is My Dog’s Stomach Gurgling? Common Explanations
A dog stomach making noises is not necessarily a cause for concern, but it’s always a good idea to call your vet to find out more, especially if the sound doesn’t seem to be going away.
There are many explanations for your dog’s stomach making loud noises, both benign and potentially serious. Some of the most common causes include the following:
They’re Hungry
If you hear your dog’s stomach grumbling, consider when the last time you fed them was. An empty stomach is one of the most common causes of dog tummy gurgling. When their stomach has no food in it, gasses can begin moving around more easily and making unusual noises.
They’re Digesting
On the other hand, if you have recently fed your dog and you’re still hearing unusual sounds, then it may actually be because they’ve recently eaten. Digestion can be fairly noisy sometimes, so what you’re hearing may just be your dog’s dinner being broken down inside their stomach.
They’re Gassy
Just like with humans, dogs can get gassy from time to time, and some of them are more prone to gassiness than others. Your dog’s stomach gurgling may just be some of that gas moving through them. Give them a little time for things to settle, and they should be just fine.
They’re Constipated
If your dog hasn’t had a bowel movement in a while and you’re now hearing some unusual sounds emanating from their digestive system, they may just be constipated for one reason or another.
This can be due to a lack of exercise, a diet change, a diet missing the necessary nutrients, a blockage in the intestinal tract, and other reasons. Give them some time to make a bowel movement, and reach out to your vet if they remain constipated.
They Have Gastrointestinal Problems
There are a few different gastrointestinal issues that can result in your dog’s stomach making some loud and unusual sounds, such as inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, pancreatitis, and hemorrhagic gastroenteritis.
Often, these issues will come with other symptoms that will let you know it’s not just gas, but there’s no harm in getting your pup checked out to be certain.
There’s a Foreign Object Stuck in Their GI Tract
Unfortunately, there are times when a dog stomach making loud noises might indicate something a little more serious than hunger or gas. For instance, if your pup tends to challenge the definitions of what is and is not food by gnawing on all sorts of strange objects, then they may very well have bitten off more than they could chew this time.
It’s a fairly common issue for dogs to get a foreign object stuck inside their gastrointestinal tract, but it’s not necessarily something that will resolve itself all on its own. Reach out to your veterinarian as soon as possible if you suspect your dog has ingested a foreign object.
They Have Parasites
“Parasite” is a word that no dog owner ever wants to hear, but sometimes, strange noises coming from your dog’s tummy can be the result of a parasite. Fortunately, such issues are often easy to both diagnose and treat with a veterinarian’s help.
When Should I Call the Vet if My Dog’s Stomach Is Making Noises?
There is no wrong time to reach out to your vet if you’re feeling concerned for your dog’s health, especially if the noises have been frequent and persistent and other symptoms are present. It’s also crucial to call your vet if you know your dog has eaten something they should not.
What Can I Give My Dog for Gurgling Stomach?
If your dog’s noisy stomach is due to a benign issue, there are ways you can calm your dog’s tummy down on your own. Try giving your pup the following:
- Consistent meal times
- Plenty of water
- More exercise
- Food for sensitive stomachs
- More frequent but smaller meals
Never give your pet any kind of medication that you haven’t had your vet approve beforehand.
Don’t Panic When Your Dog’s Stomach Gets Noisy
Should you hear your dog’s stomach making unusual sounds, keep in mind that the cause is often nothing to worry about. But if the noises don’t seem to go away or are accompanied by other symptoms, it’s a good idea to reach out to your vet to make sure your pup’s digestive system is happy and healthy.
