Dog Stomach Gurgling: Why Your Dog’s Stomach Makes Loud Noises

Clinical context: when stomach noises are normal—and when they are not

Hearing your dog’s abdomen make loud noises can be unsettling. Dog stomach gurgling is often caused by normal movement of gas and fluid through the stomach and intestines. The clinical term is borborygmi in dogs, which simply means audible intestinal sounds created by digestion and motility (the gut moving contents forward).

In many cases, gurgling is harmless—especially if your dog is acting normal. But if the noises occur alongside appetite loss, vomiting, pain, or bloating, the same sound can be a sign of irritation, inflammation, or even obstruction. The goal is not to fear the noise—it’s to interpret the full pattern.

Common owner mistakes (misreads that delay the right action)

• Assuming loud noises are always “gas” and ignoring other signs
  
  

• Overfeeding treats, rich foods, or sudden diet changes to “settle the stomach”
  
  

• Using human medications without veterinary guidance
  
  

• Waiting too long when there is dog stomach making loud noises and not eating
  
  

Stomach noises are not a diagnosis. The context decides the risk.

What “borborygmi” is (normal gas movement)

Borborygmi in dogs is typically the sound of:

• Air moving through the intestines
  
  

• Fluid shifting during digestion
  
  

• Normal contractions of the GI tract
  
  

When gurgling is usually benign

• Your dog is bright, active, and comfortable
  
  

• Appetite is normal or only slightly reduced for one meal
  
  

• No vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, or abdominal pain
  
  

• The noise is intermittent and resolves on its own
  
  

Normal borborygmi can be louder when:

• Your dog is hungry (an empty stomach can amplify movement)
  
  

• They swallowed air from eating fast
  
  

• They had a mild, brief dietary change (new treats, new chew)
  
  

Indigestion gas vs. obstruction warning noises (the critical distinction)

The same “gurgling” can sit on opposite ends of the risk spectrum. The difference is what comes with it.

Gurgling from indigestion or mild GI upset

Often seen with:

• Mild nausea or temporary appetite dip
  
  

• Soft stool or mild diarrhea
  
  

• Occasional grass eating
  
  

• Normal energy overall
  
  

Common triggers:

• New treats, rich foods, table scraps
  
  

• Eating too fast
  
  

• Sudden diet transition
  
  

• Mild stress
  
  

This is typically managed with conservative care if the dog is stable and symptoms are mild.

Gurgling that may indicate obstruction or a more serious problem

Be cautious if gurgling is paired with any of the following:

• Dog stomach making loud noises and not eating for more than 12–24 hours
  
  

• Repeated vomiting or unproductive retching
  
  

• Visible abdominal distension or tight belly
  
  

• Abdominal pain (hunched posture, guarding, reluctance to move)
  
  

• Lethargy, weakness, dehydration
  
  

• Straining without producing stool, or no stool
  
  

Obstruction is not always silent. Early on, the gut may become hyperactive, creating loud, frequent sounds before motility fails. If a foreign body is possible (toy pieces, socks, corn cob, bones), treat this as urgent.

Red flags and timing rules (practical decision-making)

Use these rules to reduce uncertainty.

The 12–24 hour rule

If your dog has dog stomach making loud noises and not eating beyond 12–24 hours, or appetite is dropping, schedule veterinary evaluation—especially if the noise is frequent or worsening.

The “any vomiting + no appetite” rule

If there is vomiting plus appetite loss, do not rely on home care alone—risk increases fast with dehydration and obstruction concerns.

Immediate veterinary care

Seek urgent evaluation if you see:

• Repeated vomiting, especially with inability to keep water down
  
  

• Bloated abdomen, tight belly, or signs of pain
  
  

• Weakness, collapse, pale gums
  
  

• Rapid worsening over hours
  
  

Home remedies to calm the stomach (safe, conservative options)

These steps are appropriate only if your dog is otherwise stable: no severe pain, no repeated vomiting, no bloating, and normal hydration.

1) Pause treats and rich foods

Stop table scraps, fatty treats, and new chews for 24–48 hours.

2) Offer small, frequent meals (not a big meal)

If your dog will eat, offer smaller portions more often to reduce GI load.

3) Temporary bland food (short-term)

A simple bland approach can help mild upset:

• Boiled skinless chicken + plain white rice (low fat, no seasoning)
  Use small portions and avoid overfeeding.
  
  

4) Hydration support

Ensure constant access to water. If your dog won’t drink or vomits water, that is a clinical red flag.

5) Reduce stress and activity intensity

Keep walks gentle and avoid intense exercise until the stomach settles.

Avoid: human antacids, anti-diarrheals, or pain medications unless a veterinarian directs you. Some can be dangerous for dogs or mask serious disease.

Associated factors (nutrition, speed eating, parasites, and routine)

• Fast eating increases swallowed air, which can amplify borborygmi
  
  

• Diet changes and fatty foods are frequent triggers
  
  

• Parasites can cause ongoing GI irritation, especially if gurgling pairs with diarrhea or weight loss
  
  

• Irregular feeding schedules can contribute to hunger-related gurgling
  
  

If stomach noises are frequent and recurring, it’s worth addressing routine, diet consistency, and parasite prevention with a veterinarian.