Have you ever thought your dog was growling<\/a> only to realize the sound wasn\u2019t coming from your dog\u2019s mouth but from his stomach instead<\/a>? If you have ever mistaken dog stomach gurgling for a regular pupper growl, you\u2019re not alone.<\/p>\n While dog stomach growling isn\u2019t uncommon, you shouldn\u2019t ignore it. Like most symptoms (or weird noises for that matter), dog stomach gurgling can be completely normal \u2014 or it can indicate a real medical issue.<\/p>\n Is that dog stomach gurgling normal? Photography \u00a9 WilleeCole | iStock \/ Getty Images Plus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Dog stomach gurgling is known officially as borborygmus (pronounced bor-bor-rig-mus). As Nicole LaForest, LVT, explains<\/a>, \u201cBorborygmus is a gurgling or rumbling noise that occurs when fluid or gas passes throughout the intestines.<\/p>\n Gas is supposed to travel through different parts of the intestines (that\u2019s how it gets out, after all!). But when borborygmi is exceptionally loud or obvious, it might indicate discomfort.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is one of those symptoms that can mean anything from trapped wind<\/a> \u2014 totally harmless \u2014 to a twisted stomach<\/a>\u00a0(GDV) \u2014 totally deadly,\u201d says Dr. Dave Nicol<\/a>, BVMS Cert MGMT of Roundwood Vets<\/a>. \u201cBut usually it is a sign that something has upset the stomach and is leading to more gas being produced or the intestines moving food along more quickly to get it out as fast as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n Dog stomach gurgling can signify several different things. These can range from the harmless and totally normal to a severe illness or complication.<\/p>\n LaForest says, \u201cThe presence of stomach gurgling may occur from simply feeding table scraps, dietary changes, intestinal parasites, toxicity, immune-mediated conditions such as hemorrhagic gastroenteritis<\/a>, IBS or Crohn\u2019s, fluid in the abdominal cavity and potentially from ingestion of a foreign body such as a rock, stick or toy that may have potentially perforated through the intestines.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf your pet has recently had surgery or received anesthesia, stomach gurgling may be indicative of his intestines becoming mobile and responsive to the (lack thereof) drugs,\u201d LaForest continues.<\/p>\n What can you do about dog stomach gurgling? Photography \u00a9 EmmaJanePhoto | iStock \/ Getty Images Plus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Can you hear your dog\u2019s stomach gurgling? The sound you are hearing might signify an upset stomach. Luckily, if it\u2019s all that is, there are a few things you can do to help alleviate the discomfort.<\/p>\n \u201cIf your dog is otherwise normal, then just keep a close watch and take an extra poo bag or two,\u201d Dr. Nicol advises. \u201cBut if there is any other symptom happening like sleepiness<\/a>, not eating or vomiting<\/u><\/a>, then get it checked by your vet.\u201d<\/p>\n If your dog isn\u2019t exhibiting any other symptoms, diet can play a role.<\/p>\n \u201cTry hard to stop your dog from scavenging,\u201d advises Dr. Nicol. \u201cFeed [your dog] a quality food and try to be consistent in your choice. Picking and mixing dog food based on cost \u2014 or what\u2019s on special offer \u2014 is rarely a good idea and is going to cause more gurgly tummies.\u201d<\/p>\n While the above advice is applicable to innocuous cases, there\u2019s more to consider if you notice additional symptoms alongside that dog stomach gurgling.<\/p>\n \u201cGet a diagnosis from your veterinarian before initiating at-home care as many over-the-counter medications can be harmful if used inappropriately or frequently,\u201d says LaForest.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile waiting for your dog\u2019s appointment, you could consider withholding food and water to allow their stomach to settle,\u201d she adds. \u201cIf your dog is exhibiting other signs of intestinal upset, feeding a bland diet of unseasoned boiled poultry or fish and white rice may suffice.\u201d<\/p>\n Dog stomach gurgling can also indicate the ingestion of a foreign body. \u201cTry to rule out toxicities within your household such as chocolate<\/a>, raisins<\/a>, rat bait<\/a> or sugar-free gum<\/a> that may be the cause of your dog\u2019s stomach gurgling,\u201d LaForest advises.<\/p>\n A physical examination will begin with feeling the dog\u2019s abdomen and listening to his heart, lungs and intestinal sounds.<\/p>\n \u201cDepending on what specifically your dog\u2019s symptoms are, your veterinarian may recommend further diagnostics typically starting with X-rays and blood work and may discuss further testings such as a food allergy panel, ultrasound or fluid therapy if indicated to rule out a more serious or underlying condition,\u201d LaForest adds.<\/p>\n Oftentimes, dog stomach gurgling does not require professional treatment. However, in some cases, treatment may include deworming meds, adjusting of diet, fluid therapy or even surgery.<\/p>\n \u201cIn uncomplicated cases we mostly don\u2019t need to treat; time is our healer,\u201d explains Dr. Nicol.<\/p>\n According to LaForest, dog stomach gurgling can be resolved by withholding food, a bland diet or drugs that slow the production of gas, stomach acid or diarrhea.<\/p>\n LaForest adds, \u201cIf your pet is rapidly losing water, intravenous or subcutaneous fluid therapy along with an anti-nausea, antacid, anti-diarrhea or antibiotic may be necessary. If parasites are what is plaguing your pet, a dewormer or monthly preventative for worms and other parasites may be necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n Top photograph:\u00a0 michellegibson | E+ \/ Getty Images.<\/em><\/p>\n This piece was originally published in 2018.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The post What to Do About Dog Stomach Gurgling<\/a> by Stephanie Osmanski<\/a> appeared first on Dogster<\/a>. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n The post What to Do About Dog Stomach Gurgling<\/a> by Stephanie Osmanski<\/a> appeared first on Dogster<\/a>. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.<\/p>\n Have you ever thought your dog was growling<\/a> only to realize the sound wasn\u2019t coming from your dog\u2019s mouth but from his stomach instead<\/a>? If you have ever mistaken dog stomach gurgling for a regular pupper growl, you\u2019re not alone.<\/p>\n While dog stomach growling isn\u2019t uncommon, you shouldn\u2019t ignore it. Like most symptoms (or weird noises for that matter), dog stomach gurgling can be completely normal \u2014 or it can indicate a real medical issue.<\/p>\n Is that dog stomach gurgling normal? Photography \u00a9 WilleeCole | iStock \/ Getty Images Plus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Dog stomach gurgling is known officially as borborygmus (pronounced bor-bor-rig-mus). As Nicole LaForest, LVT, explains<\/a>, \u201cBorborygmus is a gurgling or rumbling noise that occurs when fluid or gas passes throughout the intestines.<\/p>\n Gas is supposed to travel through different parts of the intestines (that\u2019s how it gets out, after all!). But when borborygmi is exceptionally loud or obvious, it might indicate discomfort.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is one of those symptoms that can mean anything from trapped wind<\/a> \u2014 totally harmless \u2014 to a twisted stomach<\/a>\u00a0(GDV) \u2014 totally deadly,\u201d says Dr. Dave Nicol<\/a>, BVMS Cert MGMT of Roundwood Vets<\/a>. \u201cBut usually it is a sign that something has upset the stomach and is leading to more gas being produced or the intestines moving food along more quickly to get it out as fast as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n Dog stomach gurgling can signify several different things. These can range from the harmless and totally normal to a severe illness or complication.<\/p>\n LaForest says, \u201cThe presence of stomach gurgling may occur from simply feeding table scraps, dietary changes, intestinal parasites, toxicity, immune-mediated conditions such as hemorrhagic gastroenteritis<\/a>, IBS or Crohn\u2019s, fluid in the abdominal cavity and potentially from ingestion of a foreign body such as a rock, stick or toy that may have potentially perforated through the intestines.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf your pet has recently had surgery or received anesthesia, stomach gurgling may be indicative of his intestines becoming mobile and responsive to the (lack thereof) drugs,\u201d LaForest continues.<\/p>\n What can you do about dog stomach gurgling? Photography \u00a9 EmmaJanePhoto | iStock \/ Getty Images Plus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Can you hear your dog\u2019s stomach gurgling? The sound you are hearing might signify an upset stomach. Luckily, if it\u2019s all that is, there are a few things you can do to help alleviate the discomfort.<\/p>\n \u201cIf your dog is otherwise normal, then just keep a close watch and take an extra poo bag or two,\u201d Dr. Nicol advises. \u201cBut if there is any other symptom happening like sleepiness<\/a>, not eating or vomiting<\/u><\/a>, then get it checked by your vet.\u201d<\/p>\n If your dog isn\u2019t exhibiting any other symptoms, diet can play a role.<\/p>\n \u201cTry hard to stop your dog from scavenging,\u201d advises Dr. Nicol. \u201cFeed [your dog] a quality food and try to be consistent in your choice. Picking and mixing dog food based on cost \u2014 or what\u2019s on special offer \u2014 is rarely a good idea and is going to cause more gurgly tummies.\u201d<\/p>\n While the above advice is applicable to innocuous cases, there\u2019s more to consider if you notice additional symptoms alongside that dog stomach gurgling.<\/p>\n \u201cGet a diagnosis from your veterinarian before initiating at-home care as many over-the-counter medications can be harmful if used inappropriately or frequently,\u201d says LaForest.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile waiting for your dog\u2019s appointment, you could consider withholding food and water to allow their stomach to settle,\u201d she adds. \u201cIf your dog is exhibiting other signs of intestinal upset, feeding a bland diet of unseasoned boiled poultry or fish and white rice may suffice.\u201d<\/p>\n Dog stomach gurgling can also indicate the ingestion of a foreign body. \u201cTry to rule out toxicities within your household such as chocolate<\/a>, raisins<\/a>, rat bait<\/a> or sugar-free gum<\/a> that may be the cause of your dog\u2019s stomach gurgling,\u201d LaForest advises.<\/p>\n A physical examination will begin with feeling the dog\u2019s abdomen and listening to his heart, lungs and intestinal sounds.<\/p>\n \u201cDepending on what specifically your dog\u2019s symptoms are, your veterinarian may recommend further diagnostics typically starting with X-rays and blood work and may discuss further testings such as a food allergy panel, ultrasound or fluid therapy if indicated to rule out a more serious or underlying condition,\u201d LaForest adds.<\/p>\n Oftentimes, dog stomach gurgling does not require professional treatment. However, in some cases, treatment may include deworming meds, adjusting of diet, fluid therapy or even surgery.<\/p>\n \u201cIn uncomplicated cases we mostly don\u2019t need to treat; time is our healer,\u201d explains Dr. Nicol.<\/p>\n According to LaForest, dog stomach gurgling can be resolved by withholding food, a bland diet or drugs that slow the production of gas, stomach acid or diarrhea.<\/p>\n LaForest adds, \u201cIf your pet is rapidly losing water, intravenous or subcutaneous fluid therapy along with an anti-nausea, antacid, anti-diarrhea or antibiotic may be necessary. If parasites are what is plaguing your pet, a dewormer or monthly preventative for worms and other parasites may be necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n Top photograph:\u00a0 michellegibson | E+ \/ Getty Images.<\/em><\/p>\n This piece was originally published in 2018.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The post What to Do About Dog Stomach Gurgling<\/a> by Stephanie Osmanski<\/a> appeared first on Dogster<\/a>. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4893","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nFirst, is dog stomach gurgling normal?<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"http:\/\/www.dogster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/A-dog-upside-down-showing-his-stomach.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWhat does dog stomach gurgling mean?<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"http:\/\/www.dogster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Black-and-white-dog-flipped-over-showing-stomach.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWhat to do about dog stomach gurgling \u2014 if it\u2019s normal<\/h3>\n
What to do about dog stomach gurgling \u2014 if it\u2019s serious<\/h3>\n
Diagnosis of dog stomach gurgling<\/h3>\n
Treating dog stomach gurgling<\/h3>\n
Read Next:How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Digest Food? (Plus, Other Dog Digestion Basics)<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
First, is dog stomach gurgling normal?<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nWhat does dog stomach gurgling mean?<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nWhat to do about dog stomach gurgling \u2014 if it\u2019s normal<\/h3>\n
What to do about dog stomach gurgling \u2014 if it\u2019s serious<\/h3>\n
Diagnosis of dog stomach gurgling<\/h3>\n
Treating dog stomach gurgling<\/h3>\n
Read Next:How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Digest Food? (Plus, Other Dog Digestion Basics)<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n