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Dog Stomach Gurgling: What It Means & How to Treat

Have you ever heard your dog’s stomach making loud and strange noises? This is called dog stomach gurgling or borborygmi in medical terms. It is the sound of gas and fluid moving through the digestive tract. Sometimes, it is normal and harmless, but other times, it can indicate a serious problem. In this article, we will explain the common causes of why your dog’s stomach makes noises and remedies for dog stomach gurgling.

Exploring Dog Stomach Gurgling

dog stomach gurgling noise
dog stomach gurgling noise

Causes: Dog stomach gurgling can be caused by hunger, stomach upset, gas, bowel obstruction, bloat, poor quality food, or parasites or infections.
Symptoms: If the gurgling is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, it is best to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any serious health issues.
Treatment: To treat dog stomach gurgling, you can try feeding your dog small, frequent meals throughout the day to prevent hunger-related gurgling. Additionally, canine probiotics can help improve digestion and reduce stomach gurgling. If your dog’s stomach is making noise even after they have eaten, it may be a sign of a more serious issue, and you should consult with a veterinarian.

Common Causes of Dog Stomach Gurgling

Causes of Dog Stomach Gurgling
Causes of Dog Stomach Gurgling

There are many possible reasons why your dog’s stomach is gurgling. Some of them are:

  • Hunger: If your dog has not eaten for a long time, their stomach may produce noises as it prepares for food. Feeding your dog small and frequent meals may help prevent this.
  • Eating too fast: If your dog gulps down their food, they may swallow air and cause gas in their stomach. This can lead to gurgling noises and even burping. You can use a slow feeder bowl or puzzle toy to make your dog eat more slowly.
  • Diet change: If you switch your dog’s food abruptly, their stomach may not adjust well and cause digestive upset. You should always introduce new food gradually, mixing it with the old food over a few days.
  • Food intolerance or allergy: Some dogs may be sensitive or allergic to certain ingredients in their food, such as wheat, corn, soy, or dairy. This can cause inflammation, gas, and diarrhea in their stomach. You should consult your vet to find out what the best diet is for your dog.
  • Stress or anxiety: If your dog is nervous or anxious, their stomach may produce more acid and gas. This can cause gurgling noises and stomach pain. You should try to identify and reduce the sources of stress for your dog, such as loud noises, separation, or strangers.
  • Infection or parasites: Bacterial or viral infections, such as parvovirus or salmonella, can cause inflammation and damage to the digestive tract. Parasites, such as worms or giardia, can also interfere with digestion and cause gas and diarrhea. You should deworm your dog regularly and keep them away from contaminated food or water.
  • Foreign body or obstruction: If your dog ingests something that they should not, such as a toy, a bone, or a sock, it can get stuck in their stomach or intestines and cause a blockage. This can cause gurgling noises, vomiting, constipation, or loss of appetite. You should seek veterinary attention immediately if you suspect this.
  • Bloat or GDV: This is a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists and fills with gas. It can cause gurgling noises, bloating, drooling, panting, or collapse. It is more common in large and deep-chested breeds, such as Great Danes or German Shepherds. You should rush your dog to the vet if you notice these signs.
  • Pancreatitis: This is an inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that produces digestive enzymes. It can cause gurgling noises, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. It can be triggered by eating fatty or spicy foods, or by certain medications or diseases. You should consult your vet for diagnosis and treatment.
  • Other diseases: Some other diseases that can affect the digestive system and cause gurgling noises include inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, kidney disease, or cancer. You should take your dog to the vet for a thorough check-up if you notice any other symptoms, such as weight loss, blood in stool, or jaundice.

Remedies for Dog Stomach Gurgling

dog stomach gurgling sound treatment
dog stomach gurgling sound treatment

Depending on the cause and severity of your dog’s stomach gurgling, there are different remedies that you can try. Some of them are:

  • Withholding food: If your dog has a mild stomach upset, you can withhold food for 12 to 24 hours to let their stomach rest and heal. You should still provide plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration. You can also give your dog some ice cubes or broth to soothe their stomach.
  • Bland diet: After withholding food, you can reintroduce food slowly with a bland diet, such as boiled chicken and rice, or canned pumpkin and cottage cheese. You can feed your dog small and frequent meals until their stomach is back to normal. You can then gradually transition back to their regular food.
  • Probiotics: These are beneficial bacteria that can help balance the gut flora and improve digestion. You can give your dog probiotics in the form of supplements, yogurt, or fermented foods, such as kefir or sauerkraut. You should follow the dosage instructions on the label or consult your vet for advice.
  • Gas relievers: These are medications that can help reduce the production or accumulation of gas in the stomach. You can give your dog over-the-counter gas relievers, such as simethicone or activated charcoal, or prescription drugs, such as metoclopramide or famotidine. You should always check with your vet before giving any medication to your dog.
  • Anti-diarrheals: These are medications that can help stop or slow down diarrhea and prevent dehydration. You can give your dog over-the-counter anti-diarrheals, such as kaolin-pectin or bismuth subsalicylate, or prescription drugs, such as loperamide or metronidazole. You should always check with your vet before giving any medication to your dog.
  • Fluid therapy: If your dog is dehydrated or losing a lot of fluids due to vomiting or diarrhea, they may need intravenous or subcutaneous fluid therapy to replenish their electrolytes and hydration. This can only be done by a vet or a trained professional.
  • Surgery: If your dog has a foreign body or obstruction, or a twisted stomach, they may need surgery to remove the object or untwist the stomach. This is a major procedure that requires anesthesia and hospitalization. Your vet will advise you on the best course of action and the recovery process.
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Conclusion

Dog stomach gurgling is a common phenomenon that can have various causes and remedies. It is important to monitor your dog’s behavior and symptoms and seek veterinary help if needed. You can also prevent or reduce stomach gurgling by feeding your dog a high-quality and balanced diet, avoiding sudden changes or inappropriate foods, keeping them away from potential hazards, and providing them with a stress-free and comfortable environment. By doing so, you can ensure your dog’s digestive health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. What is the role of regular veterinary visits in preventing excessive gut sounds?

    Regular veterinary visits play a crucial role in preventing excessive gut sounds. These visits allow for screening for potential diseases or underlying conditions that may cause gut sounds. By detecting and addressing any health issues early on, veterinarians can help maintain your dog’s digestive health and minimize the occurrence of excessive gut sounds

  2. How can excessive panting during exercise be managed to prevent excessive gut sounds?

    To prevent excessive gut sounds caused by excessive panting during exercise, it is recommended to take intermittent breaks. These breaks allow the dog to release accumulated gas in the gastrointestinal tract and prevent discomfort. By allowing your dog to rest and catch their breath, you can minimize the occurrence of excessive gut sounds.

  3. How can constipation be managed to prevent excessive gut sounds?

    Some dogs may benefit from a high-fiber diet to manage constipation and prevent excessive gut sounds. Another approach is to add canned pumpkin to the normal dog food, as it can help alleviate constipation. However, it is important to consider your dog’s specific needs and consult with a veterinarian.

  4. What can cause gut sounds in dogs?

    Gut sounds in dogs can be caused by various factors. Consuming something out of the normal diet, such as table scraps, treats, or chew sticks, can lead to gut sounds. Additionally, gut sounds may be associated with vomiting or diarrhea.

  5. How should dietary changes be managed to prevent excessive gut sounds?

    To prevent excessive gut sounds, it is important to avoid frequent diet changes, as they can lead to indigestion. Instead, transition your dog to a new food gradually over a period of at least a few weeks. This can be done by adding small amounts of the new food to the old food.

  6. What type of food is recommended to prevent excessive gut sounds in dogs?

    It is recommended to find a high-quality commercial dog food that includes all the vital nutrients dogs need. Veterinarians generally recommend commercial dog food over home-cooked diets to ensure the inclusion of necessary nutrients.

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