Dog Gurgling Stomach: A UK Vet’s Guide to Causes & Relief

As a working vet, in my clinic, we frequently see worried owners concerned about the strange sounds coming from their dog's belly, a topic I, Dr Rebecca Massie MRCVS, deal with regularly in my clinic. A dog's gurgling stomach can range from a mild curiosity to a sign of digestive distress, so understanding the difference is vital for every caring owner.

While these noises are often normal, they can sometimes indicate an upset in the gut health and microbiome. In this guide, I will explain what these sounds mean, when you should worry, and how to support your dog's digestion effectively.

What is a dog's gurgling stomach (borborygmi)?

Borborygmi is the scientific term for the rumbling or gurgling sounds produced by the movement of gas and fluid through the intestines. While it sounds alarming, it is a natural byproduct of the digestive process caused by the rhythmic contraction of gut muscles, known as peristalsis.

1. Gas shifting through the intestinal tract.
2. Fluid movement during digestion.
3. Empty stomach contractions signaling hunger.
4. increased gut motility due to irritation.

In my clinical experience, the volume of these noises often correlates with the amount of gas present in the intestines. While silent digestion is ideal, audible gurgling does not automatically imply a severe illness, though it does suggest the gut is working harder than usual.

Key Takeaway: Borborygmi is the medical term for gut sounds caused by gas and fluid moving through the digestive tract.

Why is my dog's stomach making loud noises?

There are several reasons why your dog's stomach might sound like a washing machine. The most benign cause is simple hunger; when the stomach is empty, there is no food to muffle the sound of digestive juices moving around. However, dietary indiscretion is another frequent culprit I see in practice.

If your dog has scavenged food from the bin or eaten something unusual on a walk, their gut may produce excess gas as it attempts to break down the inappropriate items. This is particularly common in dogs with sensitive stomachs who react quickly to dietary changes.

Aerophagia, or swallowing air, can also cause loud gurgling. This happens frequently in dogs that eat their food too quickly. The excess air travels through the intestines, creating significant noise and sometimes discomfort until it is passed.

Key Takeaway: Loud stomach noises are most often caused by hunger, scavenging bad food, or swallowing air while eating.

Is a gurgling stomach in dogs a sign of illness?

While often harmless, stomach noises can accompany illness. If the borborygmi is accompanied by other clinical signs, it warrants attention. I always advise clients to look at the whole dog, not just listen to the stomach.

If your dog has a loud tummy and is also experiencing vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy, this suggests gastroenteritis or a dietary indiscretion that requires management. In these cases, the gut is hyperactive as it tries to expel the offending bacteria or toxin.

More seriously, if the stomach is distended (bloated), hard to the touch, and the dog is retching without bringing anything up, this could be a sign of Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV or Bloat). This is a life-threatening emergency. However, simple gurgling alone is rarely this serious.

Key Takeaway: Stomach noises become concerning if accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, or a painful, bloated abdomen.

How can I stop my dog's stomach from gurgling?

If your dog is bright and alert but has a noisy tummy, you can often manage this at home. The first step is usually a short period of fasting (skipping one meal) followed by a bland diet. This rests the gut and reduces the workload on the digestive system.

Feeding small, frequent meals of boiled chicken and white rice or white fish is a standard veterinary recommendation. This highly digestible food produces less gas as it moves through the tract. Hydration is also key, so ensure fresh water is always available.

For soothing the gut lining, ingredients like slippery elm are fantastic. You can read more about this in my guide to slippery elm for dogs. It coats the stomach lining and can help settle the erratic muscle contractions causing the noise.

Key Takeaway: Manage mild gurgling with a bland diet, smaller meals, and soothing ingredients like slippery elm.

Do probiotics help with dog stomach noises?

Yes, probiotics are often very helpful for chronic or recurrent stomach gurgling. By introducing beneficial bacteria, we can outcompete the gas-producing bad bacteria that often cause borborygmi. However, not all supplements are created equal.

When clients ask me for the best gut support, I tell them to look beyond just a single strain of bacteria. Many popular supplements on the UK market are incomplete, offering only a basic probiotic. In my clinical experience, this single-ingredient approach fails to address the full complexity of digestive upset.

This is precisely why I formulated the Juno Daily all-in-one supplement to provide a complete solution. It combines clinically proven probiotics like Calsporin® Bacillus velezensis with prebiotics to feed them, postbiotics for immediate immune support, and slippery elm to soothe the gut wall.

Scientific research supports the use of multi-strain synbiotics (pre and probiotics combined) to stabilise the canine microbiome effectively (refer to studies on canine synbiotics for further reading). This comprehensive approach is often required to silence a noisy gut for good.

Key Takeaway: A comprehensive supplement with prebiotics, probiotics, and slippery elm is more effective than simple probiotics alone.

Can stress cause stomach noises in dogs?

The link between the brain and the gut is profound. We call this the gut-brain axis. Just as you might get 'butterflies' in your stomach when nervous, dogs can experience increased intestinal motility and gas when they are anxious.

I see this frequently in dogs with separation anxiety or noise phobias. Stress releases cortisol, which alters blood flow to the intestines and changes how the gut muscles contract. This can lead to sudden bouts of gurgling and diarrhoea during stressful events like thunderstorms or vet visits.

Managing this requires addressing the anxiety as well as the gut. Calming supplements and environmental management are often necessary alongside dietary support to resolve stress-induced tummy noises.

Key Takeaway: Anxiety and stress can directly alter gut motility, causing loud gurgling and digestive upset.

What is the best food for a dog with a noisy tummy?

If your dog suffers from chronic gurgling, their daily diet may need adjustment. Foods high in fermentable fibres, low-quality fillers, or high fat can contribute to gas production. You want a diet that is highly digestible and supports a stable microbiome.

Look for foods with high-quality protein sources and limited ingredients. It is also worth checking the ingredient list for things that might not agree with your dog, such as certain grains or legumes. Understanding dog diet basics is crucial here.

Adding a consistent digestive aid to their meals can also help them process their regular food better. This ensures that nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine rather than passing into the large intestine to ferment and create gas.

Key Takeaway: High-quality, digestible diets low in fillers and fat are best for preventing chronic stomach noises.

When should I call the vet about stomach gurgling?

While I encourage owners not to panic over every sound, there are specific scenarios where you must seek veterinary advice. If the gurgling is accompanied by signs of pain, such as the 'prayer position' (front legs down, bottom up), this indicates abdominal cramping.

You should also check their stools. Changes in consistency or colour can give us clues. For example, yellow dog poop can indicate rapid transit or issues with fat digestion. If the noises persist for more than 24 hours despite a bland diet, or if your dog refuses to eat, please book a consultation.

We may need to run blood tests or imaging to rule out underlying issues like pancreatitis, parasites, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Early intervention prevents minor gut issues from becoming chronic problems.

Key Takeaway: See a vet if gurgling lasts over 24 hours or is accompanied by pain, stool changes, or anorexia.

FAQs

What causes borborygmi in dogs?

Borborygmi is caused by gas and fluid moving through the intestines. It happens due to peristalsis, the muscle contractions that push food along. Excess gas from fermentation, swallowed air, or hunger can make these normal digestive sounds much louder and more frequent.

Is it normal for a dog's stomach to gurgle loudly?

Yes, it is often normal for a dog's stomach to gurgle, especially if they are hungry or just ate. However, if the noises are exceptionally loud and continuous, or if the dog seems uncomfortable, it may indicate digestive upset or gas that needs management.

Can I give my dog anything for a gurgling stomach?

You can offer a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice to settle the stomach. Supplements containing slippery elm and probiotics, like Juno's vet-developed all-in-one supplement, are also excellent for soothing the gut lining and restoring bacterial balance to reduce gas production.

When should I worry about my dog's stomach noises?

You should worry if the noises come with vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, or signs of pain like a hunched back. If your dog's stomach is bloated and hard, or if they are retching without vomiting, seek emergency veterinary care immediately as this could be bloat.

Does stress cause stomach noises in dogs?

Yes, stress triggers the release of hormones that speed up digestion and alter gut motility. This 'nervous tummy' can lead to increased gas and audible gurgling. Addressing the underlying anxiety and supporting the gut with probiotics can help resolve these stress-related symptoms.

Why is my dog's stomach making noises and he won't eat?

If your dog is refusing food and has a noisy stomach, they are likely feeling nauseous or experiencing abdominal pain. The noises may be from empty stomach contractions or gas. If they refuse food for more than 24 hours, you should consult your vet.

Can worms cause stomach gurgling in dogs?

Yes, a heavy burden of intestinal parasites, such as roundworms or tapeworms, can disrupt normal digestion and cause gas, leading to increased stomach noises. Regular deworming is essential. If you suspect worms, check for other signs like scooting or weight loss.

Do probiotics help with loud dog stomach noises?

Probiotics are very effective for reducing stomach noises caused by dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria). By increasing the beneficial bacteria, you reduce the fermentation that creates excess gas. Comprehensive supplements with prebiotics work best to sustain these good bacteria long-term.

How long do dog stomach noises last?

In mild cases caused by hunger or a small dietary indiscretion, noises usually resolve within a few hours to a day once the gas passes or the dog eats. If the gurgling persists for more than 24 hours, it suggests a more persistent issue requiring attention.

Is yoghurt good for a dog's gurgling stomach?

While yoghurt contains probiotics, many dogs are lactose intolerant, which can actually make gas and gurgling worse. It is safer and more effective to use a dedicated canine supplement formulated without common allergens to support their gut health.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. If you are concerned about your dog's health, please consult your veterinary surgeon.