10 Reasons Why Can I Hear My Dog’s Stomach Gurgling (Answered)

You’re lying on the couch, your dog curled up beside you, and suddenly you hear it—a weird gurgling sound coming from their belly. It’s loud, surprising, and maybe a little unsettling. Should you be worried? Or is it just digestion doing its thing?

Dogs’ stomachs can make noise for lots of reasons. Sometimes it’s nothing. Other times, it’s your dog’s way of signaling hunger, gas, or even digestive distress. These sounds—called borborygmi—can range from harmless to a sign of something deeper.

In this blog, we’ll explore the 10 most common causes of stomach gurgling in dogs, how to tell if it’s normal or abnormal, and what to do next. Because when your dog’s stomach speaks, it’s worth listening.

1. Hunger or Empty Stomach

• The most common reason for gurgling is simply an empty stomach.
• Digestive muscles keep moving, and air and fluids make noise in the absence of food.
• It’s harmless but can mean it’s time for a light meal or snack.

2. Swallowed Air

• Dogs that eat too fast swallow air which moves through the gut noisily.
• This happens especially in brachycephalic breeds or anxious eaters.
• Slow feeders or puzzle bowls can help reduce gulping and gurgling.

3. Gas or Indigestion

• Gas buildup from fermenting food or poor digestion can cause gurgling.
• You may also notice flatulence, bloating, or occasional discomfort.
• A change in food or digestive enzymes can help settle the gut.

4. Dietary Changes

• A sudden switch in food may upset your dog’s gut bacteria and cause noise.
• Gurgling is common during transitions or after trying new treats or table scraps.
• Always introduce new foods gradually over 7–10 days.

5. Food Intolerance or Allergy

• Certain ingredients like grains, beef, dairy, or fillers may irritate the gut.
• Symptoms can include gurgling, vomiting, diarrhea, or itchy skin.
• An elimination diet can help identify and remove problem foods.

6. Gastroenteritis

• Inflammation of the stomach or intestines causes loud gurgling, often with vomiting or diarrhea.
• Common causes include spoiled food, infection, or eating garbage.
• Dogs may need fluid support, bland food, or vet-prescribed meds to recover.

7. Parasites or Worms

• Intestinal parasites like roundworms or giardia can cause strange stomach noises.
• You may also notice weight loss, poor coat, or irregular stools.
• Deworming regularly and checking stool samples helps prevent infestations.

8. Foreign Object in the Gut

• If your dog ate something they shouldn’t—like a sock or toy—it can cause blockages.
• Loud sounds may come before vomiting, drooling, or straining.
• Blockages are serious and often need emergency vet care.

9. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

• IBD is a chronic condition causing inflammation of the digestive tract.
• It may cause frequent gurgling, loose stools, weight loss, and appetite changes.
• Treatment involves diet changes, steroids, and long-term management.

10. Pancreatitis

• Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that affects digestion.
• Dogs may have gurgling sounds, belly pain, vomiting, and refusal to eat.
• It requires prompt treatment, including IV fluids, medication, and dietary support.

Conclusion

A dog’s stomach gurgle can be as simple as hunger or as serious as pancreatitis or IBD. The sound itself isn’t dangerous—but what’s causing it might be. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the frequency, timing, and other symptoms.

If the gurgling is occasional and your dog seems fine, you likely have nothing to worry about. But if it’s paired with vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or pain, it’s time to see a vet right away.

Dogs don’t complain with words—but they communicate through signs like this. When their gut talks, it’s our job to listen, learn, and make sure they’re healthy from the inside out.

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