Quick Answer:Stomach gurgling in dogs (borborygmi) is usually normal digestion, just the sound of gas and fluid moving through the intestines. Common causes include hunger, eating too fast, dietary changes, and mild digestive upset. See your vet if the gurgling comes with vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, loss of appetite, a bloated or painful abdomen, or if your dog seems distressed. |
If you have ever been sitting quietly in the evening and heard what sounds like a small thunderstorm coming from your dog's belly, you are not alone. Stomach gurgling is one of the most common things dog owners worry about, and one of the most common things that turns out to be completely normal.
But not always. And that is the bit that matters.
Gus, my Frenchie, has the loudest stomach of any dog I have ever known. Some evenings he sounds like a kettle coming to the boil. Most of the time, it is just Gus being Gus. But I have learned to know the difference between normal Gus noises and the ones that mean something is actually going on.
What Causes Stomach Gurgling in Dogs?
The technical term is borborygmi (say it three times fast). It is simply the sound of gas and fluid moving through the intestines during digestion. Every dog (and every human) has it. You just do not always hear it.
Normal causes (usually nothing to worry about)
Hunger. An empty stomach gurgles. If your dog's belly is noisy before mealtimes, this is almost certainly why. The stomach and intestines are still contracting, but there is no food to muffle the sound.
Normal digestion. After eating, the digestive system gets to work. Some dogs are noisier digesters than others, just like some people are. If your dog seems perfectly happy and the noise is not accompanied by any other symptoms, this is just their gut doing its job.
Eating too fast. Dogs that gulp their food swallow air along with it. That air has to go somewhere, and it often creates gurgling as it moves through the system. If your dog finishes their bowl in under a minute, this is probably a factor.
Dietary changes. Switched food recently? Changed treats? Added something new? The gut needs time to adjust, and gurgling during that transition is normal. This is why gradual transitions (mixing old and new food over 7 to 10 days) can help.
Rhubarb is the gassiest dog in her house. Her stomach announces itself from the next room. She is perfectly healthy. She is just noisy. Some dogs are.
Causes that need attention
Dietary indiscretion (eating something they should not have). Dogs eat things. Off the floor, out of the bin, from the garden. If your dog has eaten something unusual and the gurgling has started afterwards, keep an eye on them. Most of the time it passes. Sometimes it does not.
Food intolerance or sensitivity. If the gurgling is a regular thing, especially after certain foods, your dog may not tolerate an ingredient well. This is different from a true allergy. It is more of a "my gut does not like this" reaction.
Gus is the perfect example. Any change in his food, any new treat, anything slightly different and his stomach lets everyone in the house know about it. He is not allergic to anything as far as we know. He just has a very opinionated digestive system.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Chronic gurgling alongside intermittent diarrhoea, vomiting, weight loss, or poor coat quality can indicate IBD. This is a condition where the lining of the gut becomes chronically inflamed. It needs veterinary diagnosis and management.
Intestinal parasites. Worms and other parasites can cause digestive upset, including gurgling, diarrhoea, and a change in appetite. Make sure your dog's worming is up to date.
Pancreatitis. Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and a very noisy, distressed abdomen. This is a veterinary emergency.
When to Worry: The Red Flags
Most stomach gurgling is harmless. But there are specific signs that mean you should contact your vet.
See your vet urgently if the gurgling comes with:
✔️ Vomiting (especially if repeated or if the vomit contains blood)
✔️ Diarrhoea (especially if it is bloody, black, or has been going on for more than 24 hours)
✔️ A bloated, hard, or painful abdomen (this could indicate bloat/GDV, which is a life threatening emergency in large and deep chested breeds)
✔️ Lethargy or reluctance to move
✔️ Loss of appetite for more than 24 hours
✔️ Signs of pain (whimpering, hunched posture, restlessness, panting)
✔️ Drooling or retching without producing anything
If your dog's abdomen is visibly swollen and they are trying to vomit but cannot, get to a vet immediately. This could be gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV/bloat), which is a genuine emergency.
I do not say that to frighten you. GDV is uncommon, but it is one of those things where knowing the signs could save your dog's life. Large breeds (Great Danes, German Shepherds, Standard Poodles) and deep chested breeds are most at risk.
What You Can Do at Home
For mild, occasional gurgling with no other symptoms, there are practical things you can do.
Feeding adjustments:
✔️ Feed smaller, more frequent meals instead of one or two large ones
✔️ Use a slow feeder bowl if your dog eats too fast
✔️ Make any food changes gradually over 7 to 10 days
✔️ Keep meal times consistent
Avoid known triggers:
✔️ Secure the bin (dogs are opportunists)
✔️ Avoid giving rich, fatty, or unfamiliar scraps
✔️ Be cautious with new treats until you know how your dog tolerates them
Support gut health:
A healthy gut is a quieter gut. Supporting the balance of beneficial bacteria in your dog's digestive system can make a real difference to ongoing gurgling, gas, and digestive sensitivity.
Our Digestive Harmony collection is formulated by qualified herbalists and nutritionists specifically for dogs with digestive sensitivities. It includes our Probiotic Digestive Gut Support, which helps support healthy digestion and helps maintain balanced gut flora.
All of our functional powder supplements contain pre and probiotics, so whichever blend suits your dog's needs, gut support is built in. Our Digestive Blend is specifically formulated for dogs with digestive issues: gurgly bellies, sensitive stomachs, dogs that regularly vomit, regurgitate, or experience sickness and diarrhoea. It is also helpful after a course of medication or during a diet change, when the gut needs extra support to settle.
Minnie, one of the office rescues, has always had a sensitive belly. She came with all sorts of digestive uncertainty. Finding the right gut support for her was a process of trial and patience, but when we got it right, the difference in her was obvious. Less gurgling, firmer stools, and a much happier dog.
The Gut and Everything Else
Here is something I have learned from years of dealing with all sorts of health issues across our dogs: the gut is connected to everything.
Skin problems, ear issues, gland problems, even mood and energy levels. When the gut is not right, other things start showing up. I have seen it with Benson, with GiGi, with Gus, and with countless customer dogs.
If your dog has ongoing digestive noises alongside skin issues, recurring ear problems, or anal gland trouble, those things are probably connected. Addressing the gut is often the starting point for improving everything else.
For dogs with sloppy poo that is affecting their anal glands, our Anal Gland collection is designed to help support firmer stools and healthy gland function.
When to See Your Vet
To be clear about this:
See your vet if:
✔️ The gurgling is loud, persistent, and accompanied by any of the red flags listed above
✔️ Your dog has chronic digestive issues (ongoing diarrhoea, recurring vomiting, weight loss)
✔️ You have tried dietary adjustments and gut support and the problems persist
✔️ Your dog is a puppy, senior, or has other health conditions
If something feels off or sudden, your vet comes first. Probiotics and dietary changes are for gentle everyday support. They are not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis when something is genuinely wrong.
Gus has taught me this many times over. Sometimes a gurgly tummy is just Gus being dramatic after dinner. And sometimes it is something that needs proper attention. Learning the difference has been one of the most valuable things about living with a dog with a sensitive gut.
The Bottom Line
Stomach gurgling is usually just digestion doing what digestion does. Most of the time, your dog is fine. Feed regularly, avoid dietary surprises, support gut health, and learn your dog's normal so you recognise when something is different.
If you want to explore our Digestive Harmony collection, everything is formulated by qualified herbalists and nutritionists and trusted by over 400,000 dogs. You can also browse our Daily Wellness collection for everyday support. Because a happy gut makes for a happier dog. 🐾
FAQs
#1: Is stomach gurgling in dogs normal?
Yes, most stomach gurgling (borborygmi) is completely normal. It is the sound of gas and fluid moving through the intestines during digestion. Some dogs are naturally noisier digesters than others. It is only a concern when accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, pain, or loss of appetite.
#2: Why is my dog's stomach gurgling and they will not eat?
If your dog's stomach is gurgling and they are refusing food, it could indicate nausea, an upset stomach, or something more serious. A skipped meal is usually nothing to worry about. If they refuse food for more than 24 hours, or if the gurgling is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy, see your vet.
#3: What can I give my dog for a gurgling stomach?
For mild gurgling, small frequent meals and a consistent diet often help. Probiotic supplements formulated for dogs can help support healthy digestion and balanced gut flora. Avoid rich or unfamiliar foods. If the gurgling persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, see your vet before giving anything.
#4: Does a gurgling stomach mean my dog is hungry?
Often, yes. An empty stomach gurgles because the intestines are still contracting but there is no food to muffle the sound. If the gurgling happens mostly before mealtimes and your dog is otherwise happy and well, hunger is the most likely explanation.
#5: When should I take my dog to the vet for stomach gurgling?
See your vet if the gurgling is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhoea (especially bloody), a bloated or painful abdomen, lethargy, loss of appetite for more than 24 hours, or signs of pain. If the abdomen is visibly swollen and your dog is trying to vomit but cannot, this is a potential emergency and needs immediate veterinary attention.
