Why Your Dog Has a Noisy Stomach and What to Do About It

Do you often hear a growling from your pup’s abdomen and wonder why your dog has such a noisy stomach?

Well, I hear that on a regular basis from my dog Baloo. He’s stomach seems to be particularly talkative and I’ve often wondered why this occurs.

So, I’ve done some research and found the main potential reasons for your dog’s noisy stomach.

After that, we’ll also quickly go over a few tips that you can use to help your dog.

Can a Dog’s Stomach Growl?

Have you ever heard your dog’s stomach make some strange noises? Maybe your dog’s stomach is gurgling very loudly, and you’re wondering what’s going on.

Just like us humans, sometimes your dog’s tummy will make some sounds. A dog having a noisy stomach can be caused by a variety of things. But most of the time, it’s very normal for your dog’s stomach to growl.

As long as it’s only every once in a while!

If your dog’s stomach is growling loudly super frequently, then that may be a sign that something more is wrong.

As always, you know your dog best. If something seems abnormal to you, then you can always bring your dog to the vet to double check that there isn’t anything serious going on.

Why Your Dog Has a Noisy Stomach

Most of the time, a dog’s stomach being noisy isn’t anything to worry about. It’s usually one of a few common things. And those things are the same reasons our own stomachs gurgle from time to time!

He’s Hungry

Just like us humans, your dog’s stomach will growl when he gets hungry.

This is because of a function of the body called peristalsis. What happens is that the muscles in your stomach and gut contract in order to move food through the stomach and intestines.

But even if there isn’t any food in there, these muscles will still contract. This is so that they can prepare to digest your next meal—which they’re letting you know should be soon!

Your dog’s stomach acts in the exact same way.

Consider whether or not it’s been a while since he’s eaten. If it’s about time for his next meal, then this is likely the reason for his gurgles.

If the gurgles stop once he’s eaten, then you’ll know for sure you’ve found your answer!

Gas Moving Around His Intestines

Your dog’s stomach works essentially the same way yours does. And every once in a while, both you and your dog might get a little gassy.

The sounds that the stomach makes when gas is passing through is called “borborygmi.” This is a very normal process of the body.

However, sometimes borborygmi can be a sign of a larger problem. If that’s the case, then there will be other symptoms. Most of the time, these issues will relate to your dog’s diet.

Make sure that you’re feeding your dog the right food. If you’re interested in learning more about what options you have for your dog’s meal, check out the best dog food delivery service for fresh cooked food.

He Ate Something He Shouldn’t Have

Is your dog known for getting into things he shouldn’t? If that’s the case, your dog’s stomach rumbling might be because he ate something he shouldn’t have.

Usually, there will be pretty clear signs that this is the problem. For example, if he’s pulled something out of the trash you may find remnants around your house.

If your dog likes to get into your garbage, check out these 9 tips to keep dogs out of the trash.

Some dogs tend to get into things they shouldn’t while they’re on walks, too. Here’s how to stop a dog from eating everything on walks.

Intestinal Parasites

It’s gross and most likely not the cause of your dog’s stomach gurgles, but it’s important to talk about them anyway!

There are a number of different parasites that can affect your dog in different ways. Some of them, like fleas or ticks, are external. That means they attach to the outside of your dog’s body.

But some of them get inside your dog’s gut and affect him that way. Parasites like ringworm, roundworms, and tapeworms can all infect your dog.

If your dog has an intestinal parasite, his stomach may gurgle. But there will be other symptoms as well. This includes diarrhea, weight loss, vomiting, and lethargy.

If you suspect your dog has an intestinal parasite, take him to your vet. They will help determine what type of parasite it is, and set you up with the right treatment.

What Can I Give My Dog for a Noisy Stomach?

If your dog’s stomach is making noises and it seems painful or he has other symptoms, you should take him to your vet. Those are all signs that something more serious than just hunger or gas is going on.

But if your dog’s stomach is simply noisy and he seems fine otherwise, then what can you do to help him?

Mildly upset stomach

If your dog just has a mildly upset stomach, then withholding food for a few hours while his upset tummy passes will help. Once he’s ready to eat, you can feed him something that will be  easy on his stomach, such as chicken and rice.

If it’s because of hunger

If your dog’s stomach gurgling is caused by hunger, then consider feeding him more frequently. Feeding your dog twice a day may not be enough for him. Instead, take his food and split it up into three separate meals so he’s eating more frequently.

General indigestion

If your dog’s stomach gurgling is caused by general indigestion, you might want to consider giving him some pumpkin to help.

Pumpkin has loads of great health benefits for your dog. It can help your dog’s stomach and gut digest food properly, and is packed with great nutrients for your dog.

But not only that! Pumpkin can also help keep your dog’s coat nice and shiny, and hydrate his skin. It can boost his immune system and keep his heart healthy.

Plus, pumpkin tastes super yummy to your dog, so he gets all these benefits in the form of a tasty treat. You don’t need to add much pumpkin to his meal, either. Give him about one teaspoon of canned pumpkin for every 10 pounds that your dog weighs.

My Dog’s Stomach Is Gurgling and He’s Eating Grass. Is that Normal?

Have you ever watched your dog eat grass and been confused by it? Maybe you’ve noticed that his stomach starts gurgling really loudly. Then, as soon as he’s outside, he starts chomping away at grass.

What’s going on with that?

Dogs are generally really intuitive animals. If they don’t feel good, they’ll know to seek out ways to feel better. And one of those ways may be by eating grass.

Many owners attempt to stop their dogs from eating grass. However, grass may actually be beneficial for your dog’s digestive tract.

If your dog’s stomach is gurgling and he’s eating grass, he might just have an upset tummy that he’s trying to soothe.

Just try to keep an eye on your dog, if that’s the case. And don’t let him eat too much grass, since that could make him sicker. If he’s showing other signs of illness like vomiting, diarrhea, or acting more tired than usual, a call to your vet’s office might be in order.

My Dog’s Stomach Is Making Noises and He Has Blood in his Stool

While a gurgling or noisy stomach isn’t usually anything to worry about, blood in your dog’s stool is a sign of a serious problem. If you notice bloody stool, call your vet immediately.

It could be caused by inflammation in your dog’s digestive tract. If that’s the case, then your vet will help prescribe the right medication for your dog.

But blood in your dog’s stool and a loud stomach could also be the sign of an obstruction. Your dog might have eaten something that isn’t passing through his digestive tract properly.

In this case, you need to bring him to your vet right away. An obstruction in your dog’s digestive tract is a really serious health problem, especially if it’s causing bleeding.

My Dog’s Stomach Is Gurgling and He’s Shaking

If your dog’s stomach is gurgling and he’s shaking, then there are a few reasons why this may be. Your dog might be feeling extremely anxious or stressed about something. This can cause both shaking and an upset stomach.

But this could also be a sign that your dog is very sick. Consider the context of the situation. If nothing is happening that could cause your dog to be stressed, then call your vet right away.

Your dog may have a fever, or something that he ate might be making him sick. Whatever the cause, taking him to your vet will help diagnose the issue and get him the treatment he needs.

Conclusion

Most of the time, your dog’s stomach rumbling or gurgling won’t be any cause for concern. It’s usually just a sign of hunger, or he’s passing some gas through his digestive tract.

But if it’s happening frequently and is accompanied with other symptoms, then a trip to the vet is a good idea. Vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea could all indicate something more serious is going on.

Your vet will help diagnose your dog, set you up with the right treatment, and make sure your dog is happy and healthy.