Dog Stomach Gurgling: Causes, Home Remedies & When to See a Vet 2026

Dog stomach gurgling (medically called borborygmi) is the sound of gas and fluid moving through the gastrointestinal tract. Most dog stomach gurgling is completely normal and harmless. However, loud, persistent, or painful gurgling combined with other symptoms can indicate a digestive problem that needs veterinary attention.

This guide is for informational purposes. Contact your veterinarian if you’re concerned about your dog’s symptoms.

In This Guide:

Causes of Dog Stomach Gurgling
When Stomach Gurgling Is Normal
Warning Signs to Watch For
Safe Home Remedies
When to See a Vet
Frequently Asked Questions

Causes of Dog Stomach Gurgling

The medical term for stomach gurgling is borborygmi — it’s the sound of gas and liquid moving through the digestive system. Here are the most common causes:

Cause	Severity	Notes
Hunger	Normal	Empty stomach produces gurgling sounds
Normal digestion	Normal	Gas and fluid movement is always present
Dietary indiscretion (eating something unusual)	Mild	Usually resolves within 24 hours
Food intolerance or allergy	Mild-Moderate	May recur with same food
Intestinal parasites	Moderate	May accompany diarrhea and weight loss
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)	Moderate-Serious	Chronic; needs vet diagnosis
Bloat (GDV)	Emergency	Loud gurgling with distension — call vet immediately

When Stomach Gurgling Is Normal

Borborygmi is a normal sound of a healthy digestive system. It’s most noticeable:

When your dog is hungry (before meals)
After eating, as digestion begins
After your dog has been active
Occasionally during sleep or rest

If the gurgling is soft, occasional, and your dog shows no other symptoms — eating well, normal energy, normal stools — there is nothing to worry about.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Contact your vet if stomach gurgling is accompanied by:

Loss of appetite or refusing food for more than 24 hours
Vomiting (especially repeated vomiting)
Diarrhea, especially with blood or mucus
Visible abdominal distension (bloated belly)
Lethargy, weakness, or unusual restlessness
Hunching or guarding the belly
Unsuccessful attempts to vomit (retching without producing anything)

Emergency: Unproductive retching, a hard swollen belly, and extreme distress are signs of bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus/GDV). This is life-threatening and requires emergency veterinary care immediately.

Safe Home Remedies

For mild, occasional stomach gurgling with no other symptoms:

Fast for 12–24 hours (for adult dogs only, not puppies) — allows the GI tract to settle
Bland diet — after fasting, offer boiled white rice and plain boiled chicken (no seasoning) in small portions
Fresh water — ensure your dog stays well hydrated
Smaller, more frequent meals — reduces air swallowing and GI distress
Slow feeder bowl — if your dog eats too fast, a slow feeder reduces swallowed air
Probiotics — dog-specific probiotic supplements can support gut flora balance

Never give human medications like Pepto-Bismol or Imodium without explicit vet guidance. Some human medications are toxic to dogs.

When to See a Vet

See a vet if:

Gurgling persists more than 24 hours despite fasting and bland diet
Your dog shows any of the warning signs listed above
This is a recurring issue (may indicate food intolerance, IBD, or parasites)
Your dog is a puppy, senior, or has a known health condition

A vet may recommend fecal testing for parasites, blood work, X-rays, or an ultrasound to identify the underlying cause of persistent GI symptoms. Find a trusted vet clinic near you on HeiBob.

Why is my dog’s stomach gurgling loudly?

Loud dog stomach gurgling is usually caused by increased gas or fluid movement in the GI tract, often due to hunger, dietary indiscretion, or mild stomach upset. Loud gurgling with other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or a distended belly warrants a vet visit to rule out serious conditions.

What can I give my dog for a gurgling stomach?

For mild cases, a 12-hour fast followed by a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice is the most common home remedy. Ensure fresh water is available. Dog-specific probiotics can help support gut health. Never give human medications without checking with your vet first, as many are harmful to dogs.

Is dog stomach gurgling a sign of bloat?

Bloat (GDV) can cause stomach sounds, but it’s usually accompanied by a visibly distended belly, unproductive retching, drooling, and extreme restlessness. Regular, occasional stomach gurgling without these signs is almost never bloat. However, if you see multiple warning signs together, treat it as an emergency and contact a vet immediately.

Should I be worried if my dog’s stomach is making noises at night?

Nighttime stomach gurgling in dogs is often just normal digestion or hunger. If your dog sleeps through it without distress and is otherwise healthy, it’s usually harmless. If the noises wake your dog or are accompanied by restlessness, vomiting, or refusal to eat in the morning, consult your vet.

Can food intolerance cause dog stomach gurgling?

Yes, food intolerance is a common cause of recurring stomach gurgling in dogs. Other signs include gas, diarrhea, and vomiting after eating specific foods. If you suspect food intolerance, your vet may recommend an elimination diet to identify the trigger ingredient.

Find Trusted Vets Near You

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