My Dog’s Stomach is Making Loud Noises: What Does it Mean?

Many dog owners struggle with gastrointestinal problems in their pets. Often times, this will leave dogs with bad gas, runny stool, and a stomach that is constantly making loud noises. The latter is usually something that boggles the minds of dog owners. So, what does it mean when your pup’s stomach is making loud noises?

If your dog’s stomach seems to have always made loud noises, then it is most likely that they are affected by a condition that was inherited from birth. However, if this is a new issue with your dog, then it may be the case that your dog has eaten something that it shouldn’t have or has an infection.

In this article, we will be explaining why some dogs will have stomachs that make loud noises. This will include listing all of the potential causes for this problem in dogs and when you should take your dog to the vet for this issue. Let’s get into it!

7 Reasons Why Your Dog’s Stomach Is Making Weird Loud Noises

There are many potential causes for loud noises coming from a dog’s stomach. For dogs that always seem to have had this problem, it is likely that they have a gastrointestinal disorder or food intolerance. However, in cases where the dog is suddenly experiencing stomach noises, an infection or sudden dietary change is likely the cause. Here are the seven possible causes for a dog’s stomach making loud noises.

1) Your Dog Has Some Bad Gas

A dog’s stomach will often make loud noises when they have bad gas. This gas could be caused by a general upset stomach or a gastrointestinal disorder. Similarly, a dog could also have bad gas if they have a food intolerance or allergy, or if a dog has eaten something that they shouldn’t have.

2) Your Dog Has A Food Intolerance Or Allergy

Food intolerances and allergies are more common in dogs than many people may think, and they are actually one of the most common causes of stomach upset in dogs today. In addition to causing loud stomach sounds, food allergies and intolerances can cause some other gastrointestinal symptoms such as:

• Foul smelling gas
• Loose stools
• Unusually colored stools
• Vomiting and diarrhea

In some cases, food allergies can cause additional symptoms like rashes, itchy skin, and ear infections. If you suspect that your dog may have a food allergy or intolerance, then speaking with a vet could help you to better their diet and narrow down the cause.

3) Your Dog Ate Something They Shouldn’t Have

Dogs will often eat scraps and lick things up on the floor that they really should not be eating.

If your dog has a history of engaging in this behavior, then this very well may be the cause of their loud stomach noises. This is especially true if they have eaten something particularly oily or fatty.

4) Your Dog Has Intestinal Parasites

In some cases, intestinal parasites cause GI tract upset and loud stomach noises in dogs. This is especially true if an upset stomach is not a common problem that your dog has. In addition to loud stomach noises intestinal parasites can cause:

• Vomiting and diarrhea (may or may not contain mucous or blood)
• Tarry, black stools
• Signs of anemia
• A reduced appetite
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Worms or spots visible in stools

The good news is that most intestinal parasites are easily diagnosed and treated by a vet. This is especially true if the condition is caught by a vet early on.

5) Your Dog Is Sick

Some viral and bacterial infections can cause a dog to have an upset stomach as well. Of course, this can also cause their stomach to make loud noises. Usually these weird stomach noises are paired with vomiting and diarrhea when a dog is sick.

Of course, it is always a good idea to take your dog to the vet immediately if you believe that they are sick. This is because some illnesses are potentially life threatening to dogs. Additionally, it is always good to have an illness in dogs diagnosed and treated by a vet.

6) Your Dog Has A Bowel Obstruction

Bowel obstructions are a potentially life threatening condition in dogs. This condition occurs when a dog has ingested something that has blocked their intestinal tract. Usually, this is a large object that cannot be digested such as a bone or sock. In addition to potentially causing a dog’s stomach to make loud noises, bowel obstruction in dogs can cause:

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Lethargy
• A reduced appetite
• Struggling to defecate or no defecation
• Signs of pain
• Signs of dehydration

Bowel obstructions are considered a medical emergency in dogs, and most of the time they require emergency removal surgery. As a result, it is best to take your dog to the vet or emergency vet if you suspect that they have a bowel obstruction.

7) Your Dog Has A Disorder Of The GI Tract

Just like in people, disorders affecting the GI tract can also cause a dog to have symptoms like bad gas, loose stools, and loud stomach noises. Depending on your dog’s situation they may need to be placed on a special diet or take medications.

There are a variety of disorders that can affect a dog’s digestive system. Luckily though, all disorders affecting a dog’s digestion can be diagnosed and treated by a vet fairly easily most of the time.

When To See A Vet About Your Dog’s Stomach Noises

Unfortunately, there are times when loud stomach noises from a dog may be a sign that the dog needs to be seen by a vet as soon as possible. This is always when the loud stomach noises are paired with other troubling symptoms.

You should take your dog to the vet immediately if:

• They have bloody vomit or diarrhea
• They have mucous in their vomit or diarrhea
• They have been vomiting or have had diarrhea for more than 48 hours
• They have worms or spots in their stool
• Their stool appears black
• They have not defecated for a long amount of time or are straining to defecate
• They are showing signs of extreme weakness or lethargy

Conclusion

Just like humans, a dog’s stomach may make noises. This can often be accompanied by a stomach ache, gas, or other symptoms. Typically, a dog’s stomach making noise is not a big deal. However, if this condition is paired with symptoms we mentioned in this article, then your pup should see a veterinarian.

For dog parents in the Atlanta, GA region, The Village Vets has multiple locations to serve you and your pet. Visit us online to find a location near you!