If your dog’s gurgling stomach is making you worried, then know that more often than not, it is a sign of an upset stomach and can be easily fixed. But sometimes, it can point to a larger health problem.
If you are wondering whether to be worried about these noises or not, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will look at the most common causes of loud gurgling noises in dogs and some natural remedies to make your dog feel better.
Let’s dive in!
Why Is Your Dog’s Stomach Gurgling?
In medical terms, the movement of gases in the digestive tract can cause gurgling sounds, and this is called borborygmi. This normal gas movement occurs daily, but it happens quietly.
But when your dog’s stomach noises get too loud, then there is something wrong, and you should find out the reason as soon as possible.
Some of the possible reasons why is your dog’s stomach making noises are:
1. Eating Something Bad
Dogs are very playful and quirky creatures, who do not know how to distinguish between good and bad food. Asdog owners, you might have found your dog drinking from the toilet or searching for food in the trash.
Dogs are like children and can swallow small objects lying around in the house. One reason for your dog’s upset stomach could be that your dog ate something bad, or it could be due to a change in diet.
Instead of suddenly changing your dog’s diet, you should do it slowly and gradually by mixing the new food with old food, until your dog becomes accustomed to the new food.
2. Parasitic Or Bacterial Infection
Another cause of gurgling noises could be a parasitic or bacterial infection in a dog’s stomach. They reduce the absorption of nutrients and increase gas production.
If their body is not able to retain nutrients, then it can cause weakness in dogs.
3. Gastrointestinal Disorders
Gastrointestinal diseases can be caused by irritation in your dog’s gastrointestinal tract and could result in inflammatory bowel disease. Another cause could be inefficient pancreatic exocrine secretion.
A deficiency of digestive enzymes can lead to your dog’s stomach making noises and other gastrointestinal problems.
When your dog eats large chunks of food that have not been digested properly, they could cause gastrointestinal obstruction, leading to an increase in gases trying to dilate the bowels.
Some other sources of an increase in gases are:
- Eating food with a high amount of carbohydrates can be a problem, because when carbohydrates are broken down, the fiber in them ferments, causing excessive gas ingestion.
- If your dog is sensitive to certain ingredients and his body does not react well to them, then it can also cause an increase in gas.
Symptoms Of A Serious Problem
When you take your dog to the hospital, the vet will start by taking some X-rays to pinpoint the cause of the gurgling. If there is something lodged inside, then you will have to discuss surgery options to prevent intestinal problems.
But how do you know if there is a serious health issue?
If the problem is bigger than just an upset or empty stomach, then more serious symptoms will follow, such as:
1. Vomiting or Diarrhea
If the dog stomach gurgling is accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea, then it is time to consult a doctor. Vomiting once or twice is normal, but anything more than that could be fatal.
Diarrhea can be a result of eating something bad. If the vomiting is due to swallowing a lego or small object, then look for it in the stool. Also, be on the lookout for blood in the vomit or the stool, because that could be a sign of a serious problem.
2. Bizarre Eating Habits
Bizarre eating patterns, such as not wanting to eat anything or eating too much, can also be the cause of gastrointestinal problems. Eating too much or eating the wrong food will result in nausea and heartburn.
Refusing to eat food is very uncommon in dogs. If your dog is eating little to no food, then you should promptly take him to the vet for a proper diagnosis.
3. Fatigue
Dogs are very chipper and energetic animals. If they are not showing their usual level of excitement, then there is reason to worry.
Sometimes a dog stomach gurgling can cause abdominal pain. So, if your dog is acting lethargic and showing signs of discomfort, he might be experiencing cramps, which can hurt a lot.
If your dog’s symptoms get worse, then you should go to your vet immediately.
Remedies For When Your Dog Has An Upset Stomach
We have talked about many of the symptoms and causes responsible for dog stomach gurgling. It could be anything from gastritis or a reaction to eating something bad.
If your dog is vomiting, then these are some of the things you can try out at home to help stop the vomiting:
1. Feed Your Dog In Moderation
Some people are under the misconception that giving more food will help to settle a dog’s upset tummy by diluting the stomach acid and bile juices, which cause burning of the esophagus and the heart.
Instead of feeding more food to your dog, you should make them fast for 12 to 24 hours. If the GI tract is irritated, fasting will give it time to rest. And, when you see that the vomiting has subsided, you can start feeding your dog again.
But, this method is not for all dogs. If your dog has a health condition or a medical history that does not allow him to fast, then you should avoid doing it. In such cases, a bland diet might help.
Consult your vet before making any changes to your dog’s food, and then proceed with the doctor’s directions.
2. Don’t Let Your Dog Drink Too Much Water
In times of sickness, it is extremely important to drink water and stay hydrated. Especially when your pet is vomiting, you might think that he has become dehydrated.
But, in the case of an upset stomach, drinking too much water will do more harm than good. If your dog drinks too much water too quickly, he might end up vomiting all over again.
So, to make sure your dog is not drinking too much water, you should put away the water bowl and offer your dog water in the form of ice cubes or ice chips instead. Drinking water in the form of ice cubes will help your dog’s tummy retain water and stay hydrated.
Or, if you are there to monitor the activities of your dog at all times, then make sure he is only drinking a few sips at a time. You can gradually increase the intake of water over time.
3. Feed Your Dog Rice Or Rice Water
Soak some rice in water overnight and drain the rice the next day, but save the water. Giving rice water to your dog will help with hydration and replenish the nutrients that were lost due to the bouts of vomit and diarrhea.
You can also mix some cooked rice into the dog food to make it more balanced. It is a natural remedy for diarrhea. But, be sure to give it in small amounts because dogs have difficulty digesting rice.
A great alternative to rice is a rice-based dog probiotic, which is safer for dogs to consume.
4. Give Food To Improve Digestion
You can mix a variety of foods with your dog’s regular food to improve his digestion and help with the gas problem.
Canned pumpkin is one such food. It is absorbed slowly by the body due to its low glycemic index and helps with indigestion. But be sure to get 100% canned pumpkin. Other foods like bananas, sweet potatoes, and oatmeal can be helpful as well in reducing the noise and the painful cramps.
Here are some other home remedies that you can try out to reduce your dog stomach gurgling:
- Make a transition to a more balanced and nutrient-rich diet. It helps to feed on food that is easily digestible by the body.
- You could give your dog over-the-counter medications like Pepto-Bismal mixed in water to calm down the stomach. The dosage will depend on the weight of your dog.
- If the problem is indigestion, then giving your dog some probiotics could help. It will introduce living gut-friendly bacteria into the stomach, which will boost the immune system.
- Do not feed greasy foods to your dog because it will only increase your dog stomach noises.
- Eating grass also helps because it is a good source of roughage, which helps the digestive system run smoothly.
Final Word
If you are a first-time dog owner, you have to be extra vigilant in monitoring your furry friend’s health since they cannot tell you themselves. Dog stomach gurgling can mean several things, and you should take them to the vet if they show symptoms of a serious issue.
And, before you decide to administer any of the remedies listed above, you must consult a trained veterinarian and make sure that it is safe to do so, based on your dog’s medical history.
