Understanding The 9 Causes of Stomach Sounds in Dogs

Understanding The 9 Causes of Stomach Sounds in Dogs

When a dog’s stomach growls or rumbles, this is usually due to natural digestion. However, very loud stomach noises can also indicate worm infestation, inflammation, allergies, kidney problems, or even poisoning.

It is usually only a cause for concern if it is chronically very loud and other pathological symptoms occur. Here is a brief overview:

Place of noiseTypical causes
StomachWorm infestation
Gastritis
Upset stomach
Swallowed foreign objects
Stomach cancer
Liver and kidney problems
ColonIntestinal obstruction
Inflammatory bowel disease
Inflamed pancreas Irritable bowel
syndrome
Disturbed intestinal flora
Inflammation of the intestine
GastrointestinalNatural digestion
Food allergies
Medications
Bloating
Pre-anesthetic
Poisoning

Below we go through the 9 most common causes of stomach murmurs together.

Are you worried or unsure? Then click here to start the live chat with a veterinarian.

1. Natural Digestion

During digestion, the remains of food are transported back and forth in the stomach and intestines. It has 3 different functions:

  • Crushing the food pulp
  • Increased absorption rate
  • Preparing for elimination

Since the digestive tract moves rhythmically for this purpose, bubbling in the stomach also occurs more frequently. Even a healthy dog’s stomach makes noises.

The typical growl in the stomach is usually caused by the fact that the stomach is empty and the corresponding hormones induce a feeling of hunger in the brain.

This is because the digestive tract is compressed by the surrounding muscles so that all gases are pressed out.

However, this does not necessarily have to be a sign of hunger. It can also just be that the dog is seeing something that whets its appetite but is actually full.

Stomach murmurs occur in dogs even with healthy digestion. An empty stomach is also more likely to growl. These noises are completely normal. The only cause for concern is usually when they are very noisy.

2. Worm infestation

Dogs can be infested with two types of parasites. The ectoparasites are outside the body and the endoparasites are inside.

The internal parasites are mostly worms. The following species in particular are known to infest the stomach:

  • Tapeworms
  • Hookworms
  • Roundworms
  • Whipworms

In fact, these worms are so common that veterinarians recommend a 3-month preventative deworming. Typical symptoms of this are:

  • Swollen belly
  • Stomach sounds
  • Worms in the stool
  • Dog picks up
  • Missing energy
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting

In order to remove the worms, special drops or tablets are usually mixed with the feed. With such a worm treatment, the problem can be solved quickly.

If there are worms in the dog’s stomach, they will become noticeable after a certain time. It is typical here that the dog loses weight despite eating a normal amount, has diarrhea, the stomach is constantly growling and there are worms in the stool.

3. Gastritis

The stomach is protected by a mucous membrane so that the aggressive stomach acid cannot damage the organ itself. It becomes a problem when it becomes inflamed.

Then there is talk of “gastritis”. In most cases, it is caused by bacteria. Other typical causes of this are:

  • Allergies
  • Poisoning
  • Problems with the liver
  • Viral infections
  • Existing intolerances
  • Diseases of the kidney
  • Worm infestation

Sick dogs in particular are more likely to be affected. Among other things, it can also be noticed by unusual stomach noises. Typical symptoms here are:

  • The dog has no appetite
  • Sudden vomiting
  • Driveless behavior
  • Blood in the vomit
  • Diarrhea with mucus
  • Sudden bad breath
  • Constant heartburn
  • Intense thirst

The treatment depends on the suspected cause. In many cases, antibiotics are sufficient. Then you should go for something easily digestible.

When dogs are struggling with gastritis, it usually also causes problems in the stomach. It can typically be recognized by the fact that the dog refuses food, vomits frequently, gets diarrhea and the stomach is constantly growling and bubbling.

4. Stomach upset

Did you know that dogs are much more likely to struggle with abdominal pain than humans? That’s because they’ve only been omnivores for a few millennia.

They “spoil” their stomachs much more easily than we humans. The most common causes of an upset stomach include:

  • Mold in the feed
  • food intolerance
  • The lining is old and spoiled
  • Human leftovers
  • Food allergies
  • Dogs ate garbage

In this case, stomach noises are usually triggered by the resulting flatulence. Other typical signs of this are:

  • Sudden vomiting
  • Dog gets diarrhea
  • Driveless behavior
  • Dog drools profusely
  • Constant licking of the lips
  • Bloated stomach
  • Decreased activity

The solution? Fasting for several hours. This should usually solve the problem in no time. Afterward, something easily digestible is recommended.

When dogs upset their stomachs, they usually experience abdominal pain. It can often be recognized by the fact that the dog gets gas, suddenly throws up, and the stomach growls or bubbles. Lethargic behavior is also typical here.

5. Food allergies

Not only pollen and grasses can cause allergies, but also food. In addition, many dogs also struggle with intolerance. Typical triggers are:

  • Grain products
  • Soy products
  • Dairy products
  • Some spices
  • Certain meats
  • Fillers in Lining

What is striking here is that the symptoms usually appear shortly after eating. Severe itching around the mouth is one of the first symptoms.

However, allergens and intolerances can also be felt primarily in the stomach. Strong flatulence and loud stomach noises are typical here. Other signs are:

  • Dog vomits suddenly
  • Face swells
  • Reddening of the face
  • The dog is breathing heavily
  • Sudden hyperactivity
  • Dog loses weight
  • Frequent sneezing

There is no cure for allergies and intolerance. The only real possibility here is to prevent the appropriate foods. An allergy test can help.

Dogs with allergies or even intolerances often get digestive problems after eating normal food. Among other things, this can be expressed in the fact that the dog has severe flatulence, vomits and the stomach starts to hum and growl.

6. Liver and kidney problems

Even though the liver and kidneys are not directly part of the digestive tract, they still play a central role in digestion. The reason?

They ensure that all toxins and pollutants are removed from the organism. The most common causes of kidney and liver problems include:

  • Bacterial or viral infections
  • Internal bleeding
  • A side effect of medication
  • Swallowing toxic things
  • Tumor diseases

Liver problems usually show up very early on. Kidney problems, on the other hand, only occur when ⅔ of them are no longer working. Common signs of this are:

  • loss of appetite
  • Strange stomach sounds
  • nausea and vomiting
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Increased drinking
  • blood in the urine
  • Driveless behavior
  • Constant urge to urinate

For diagnosis, you should visit the veterinarian immediately. Even if the cause cannot be cured, the symptoms can usually be treated well.

If dogs have problems with their liver or kidneys, this is usually noticeable in the form of increased drinking and a constant urge to urinate. Sometimes it can also be recognized by the fact that the stomach rumbles and the dog vomits.

7. Swallowed foreign objects

In some breeds, natural curiosity is often fatal. This is at least the case when dogs accidentally swallow foreign objects. Typical examples are:

  • Golf balls
  • Plastic food packaging
  • Table tennis balls
  • Abandoned toys
  • Whole bones
  • Too small toys

The problem? When these things make it through your throat, they tend to get stuck in your stomach. This is especially true for indigestible things.

The consequence? Strong flatulence and general digestive problems. Loud stomach noises are also typical here. Other classic signs are:

  • Frequent retching
  • Dog refuses food
  • Constant diarrhea
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Listlessness
  • Sudden constipation
  • Abdominal pain

An ultrasound examination is usually sufficient for the diagnosis. Depending on the type and size of the object, the appropriate treatment is then initiated by the veterinarian.

When dogs swallow indigestible foreign objects, they can get stuck in their stomachs. It can usually be recognized by the fact that the dog gets diarrhea or constipation. Bubbling in the stomach and flatulence are also typical here.

8. Poisoning

Many first-time owners accidentally poison their dogs themselves. This is because some common foods are also toxic to four-legged friends.

Even those foods that you would probably consider healthy can have life-threatening consequences in dogs. Typical examples of these are:

  • Leeks, onions, and garlic
  • Avocados and macadamia nuts
  • Grapes, raisins, and wine
  • Hops and alcohol
  • Cocoa and Chocolate

Symptoms can vary depending on the food. Among other things, it can also express itself in stomach noises and breathing difficulties. Typical symptoms are:

  • Strong panting
  • Dog gets restless
  • Increased salivation
  • Dog’s belly gurgles
  • Multiple vomiting
  • Dog starts shaking
  • Sudden diarrhea

If you suspect possible poisoning, I advise you to contact the veterinary emergency service immediately. Otherwise, kidney and liver failure can occur.

Even poisoning from ordinary foods can lead to acute respiratory problems and abdominal pain in dogs. It is typical here that affected dogs often vomit, the stomach rumbles loudly, and an unusually large amount of saliva forms.

9. Stomach Cancer

Of all types of cancer, gastric cancer is one of the most common. The causes of this are still unclear. Some risk factors have already been identified for this:

  • Age over 9 years
  • Masculine
  • Certain races

According to statistics, collies, beagles, chow chows, and Staffordshire terriers are particularly affected. Unfortunately, the symptoms often only appear at an advanced stage.

It is most likely to be recognized by the fact that the dog always throws up after eating, eats less and the stomach makes noises. Other typical symptoms are:

  • Dog drools profusely
  • Driveless behavior
  • Avoidance of social contact
  • Blood in the stool
  • The dog gets a big belly
  • Decreased activity
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Sudden aggressiveness

If the tumor has not yet spread, it is usually surgically removed. In individual cases, chemotherapy or radiation therapy is also used here.

Stomach cancer can cause dogs to develop chronic indigestion. It can usually be recognized by frequent vomiting, severe weight loss, and loss of appetite. Increased growling and bubbling in the stomach is also typical here.

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