Quick Answer
Stomach gurgling (borborygmi) is the sound of gas and fluid moving through the intestines — it's usually normal digestion. The most common causes are hunger, gas from eating too fast, or mild dietary upset. Feed a bland diet and smaller, more frequent meals. See a vet if gurgling is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, a bloated abdomen, or signs of pain.
Table of Contents
What Is Stomach Gurgling?
Stomach gurgling — technically called borborygmi — is the rumbling, bubbling, or growling sound produced when gas and fluid move through the gastrointestinal tract. These sounds are generated by the normal contractions of the intestinal muscles (peristalsis) that push food, gas, and digestive juices through the system.
Just like your own stomach rumbles when you're hungry or digesting a meal, your dog's digestive system makes noise too. Soft, intermittent gurgling that you can only hear when you press your ear to your dog's belly is perfectly normal and healthy.
| Sound Level | What It Means | Action Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet (ear to belly) | Normal digestion or hunger | None — completely normal |
| Audible from a few feet | Increased gas or mild upset | Monitor, offer small bland meal |
| Loud, heard across the room | Significant gas, dietary upset | Bland diet, watch for other symptoms |
| Loud + other symptoms | Possible illness or obstruction | Contact your vet |
6 Causes of Dog Stomach Gurgling
1. Normal Digestion
The most common cause — and not a problem at all. Your dog's intestines are constantly contracting to move food along the digestive tract. This process produces gas and fluid movement that creates gurgling sounds. Post-meal gurgling that lasts 30-60 minutes is completely normal and healthy. It means the digestive system is working.
2. Hunger
When a dog's stomach is empty, it still contracts in preparation for food. These “hunger contractions” move air through the empty intestines, creating louder-than-usual gurgling. This is especially common in the morning before breakfast or if meals are spaced too far apart. The fix is simple: feed your dog a meal or snack.
3. Gas (Aerophagia)
Dogs that eat too fast, gulp water, or are brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs like Bulldogs and Pugs) swallow excessive air during eating and drinking. This trapped air moves through the intestines creating gurgling, rumbling, and sometimes flatulence. Slow feeder bowls and elevated feeding stations can reduce air swallowing.
4. Dietary Indiscretion
Eating garbage, table scraps, new treats, or non-food items irritates the stomach and intestines, increasing gas production and motility. The result is louder, more frequent stomach gurgling, often followed by diarrhea or vomiting. Sudden food changes without gradual transition also fall into this category.
5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Chronic inflammation of the intestinal lining disrupts normal digestion and causes persistent gurgling, intermittent diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and poor appetite. IBD is an ongoing condition that requires veterinary diagnosis (often via endoscopy and biopsy) and long-term management with diet changes and medication.
6. Intestinal Parasites
Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and giardia can cause increased intestinal gas, gurgling, diarrhea, and weight loss. Parasites are especially common in puppies, dogs from shelters, and dogs that drink from contaminated water sources. Regular deworming and annual fecal testing are the best prevention. See our guide to worms in dogs for more information.
Regular health checkups help catch digestive issues before they become serious
When to Worry (and When Not To)
Probably Fine
- Gurgling happens occasionally (a few times a week)
- Your dog is acting normally — eating, drinking, playing
- No vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in stool
- Gurgling occurs around mealtimes (hunger)
- Resolves on its own within a few hours
- Your dog doesn't seem bothered by it
See a Vet If
- Gurgling is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea
- Your dog is not eating or refuses food for 24+ hours
- Abdomen appears bloated, distended, or painful
- Your dog is lethargic, restless, or in obvious discomfort
- Stomach gurgling is constant and getting louder
- Weight loss, bloody stool, or progressive symptoms
Bloat vs. Gurgling
Bloat (GDV) is a life-threatening emergency that is different from stomach gurgling. In bloat, the stomach twists and gas is trapped — the abdomen becomes hard and distended, and the stomach is typically silent (no gurgling) because nothing can move. If your dog has a hard, swollen belly with non-productive retching (trying to vomit but nothing comes up), go to an emergency vet immediately.
Home Remedies for a Gurgling Stomach
If your dog's stomach is gurgling but they are otherwise acting normal, these home remedies can help settle things down:
Bland diet for 24-48 hours
Boiled chicken breast (boneless, skinless) mixed with plain white rice in a 1:2 ratio. Feed small portions 4-6 times a day instead of 1-2 large meals. This gives the digestive system easy-to-process food while it settles down.
Feed smaller, more frequent meals
Divide your dog's daily food into 3-4 meals instead of 1-2. This prevents the stomach from being empty long enough to cause hunger gurgling and reduces the volume of food being digested at once, producing less gas.
Probiotics
Dog-specific probiotics help restore the balance of beneficial gut bacteria, improve digestion, and reduce gas production. Give daily as directed. Look for products containing multiple strains of beneficial bacteria and prebiotics for best results.
Avoid table scraps and rich foods
Human food, especially fatty or spicy dishes, is a top cause of digestive upset in dogs. Even small amounts of table scraps can trigger hours of stomach gurgling, gas, and diarrhea. Stick to your dog's regular diet.
Light exercise
A gentle walk after meals can help move gas through the digestive system and reduce gurgling. Avoid vigorous exercise immediately after eating, which can increase air swallowing and make things worse. A calm 10-15 minute walk is ideal.
When Home Remedies Aren't Enough
If stomach gurgling persists beyond 48 hours despite bland diet and smaller meals, or if new symptoms develop (vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy), stop home treatment and contact your veterinarian. Chronic gurgling lasting weeks may indicate IBD, food sensitivity, or parasites that need specific treatment.
Products for Dogs With Stomach Gurgling
PetLab Co. Probiotic Chews for Dogs
Digestive probiotic chews with 8 strains of beneficial bacteria. Supports gut health and firm stools.
Under the Weather Bland Diet for Dogs
Freeze-dried bland diet (chicken & rice) for dogs with upset stomachs. Just add water — vet recommended.
As an Amazon Associate, OurPetGroomer earns from qualifying purchases. Product prices are approximate and may change. We only recommend products we believe will benefit your pet.
What the Vet Will Do
If stomach gurgling is chronic or accompanied by other symptoms, your vet will assess your dog's digestive health with a physical exam and targeted diagnostics.
| Test | What It Checks | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fecal exam | Intestinal parasites (worms, giardia, coccidia) | $25 - $50 |
| Blood work (CBC/Chem) | Organ function, infection markers, protein levels | $100 - $250 |
| Abdominal X-ray | Gas patterns, foreign bodies, masses | $150 - $300 |
| Abdominal ultrasound | Intestinal wall thickness, masses, motility | $300 - $500 |
| Food elimination trial | Identifies food sensitivities (8-12 week diet) | $50 - $100/month |
| Endoscopy + biopsy | IBD diagnosis, intestinal tissue examination | $800 - $2,000 |
Common Treatments
- Deworming medication — if parasites are found on fecal exam
- Anti-nausea medication (Cerenia) — if gurgling is paired with nausea or vomiting
- Probiotics and prescription diet — for chronic GI issues and food sensitivities
- Metronidazole — antibiotic/anti-inflammatory for intestinal inflammation
- Immunosuppressive therapy — for confirmed IBD (steroids, budesonide)
- Simethicone (Gas-X) — safe for dogs, helps break up gas bubbles (vet-directed dosing)
How to Prevent Stomach Gurgling
- Feed 2-3 consistent meals per day at regular times — don't skip meals
- Use a slow feeder bowl to prevent gulping food and swallowing air
- Transition between foods gradually over 7-10 days
- Avoid table scraps, fatty foods, and human food treats
- Keep garbage, compost, and non-food items out of reach
- Add a daily probiotic to support digestive health
- Maintain regular parasite prevention and annual fecal testing
- Feed a high-quality, easily digestible dog food
- Don't let your dog drink from puddles, ponds, or communal water bowls (giardia risk)
- Schedule annual vet checkups that include digestive health assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dog's stomach making gurgling noises?+
Should I be worried about my dog's gurgling stomach?+
What can I give my dog for a gurgling stomach?+
Is a gurgling stomach a sign of bloat in dogs?+
How can I prevent my dog's stomach from gurgling?+
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