In many cases, the gas that passes through the intestines of your dog will make noise. This happens frequently there is no need to be concerned. But, dog stomach making noises is a topic you need to investigate deeper. It isn’t always something you should ignore or laugh at! Today, we are going to give you all the facts you need to know regarding this matter.
Understanding My Dog Stomach Making Noises
In many cases you can see dog stomach making noises, but with different noise levels. Quiet noises are perfectly normal. It means that a small portion of the gas inside the intestines is present, and there is no need to worry about it. But, too loud noises suggest that there is a lot of gas inside and this isn’t perfectly normal.
The first thing you should do is put your ear close to the stomach of your pet and try to hear how loud the noises are. If they are quiet and periodic, your dog is fine. But if the noises are too loud (so loud that you can hear them across the room), it means that there is some issue present. Usually, you will hear loud and quiet noises, but not at the same time.
This is a similar matter to when our stomach makes noises. We can see more similarities than some people know and usually gas is the main cause for that. But, in the case of dogs, there are other causes as well.
Main Reasons Your Dog Stomach Making Noises
Dogs, much like humans, have a digestive process that can produce various sounds. While the occasional grumble or gurgle is perfectly normal, frequent or particularly loud noises might raise your eyebrows. Here’s an exploration of the most common causes for those amplified stomach sounds in your furry friend:
Your Dog Might Be Hungry
Believe it or not, the most common reason why you will hear noises from the stomach of your pet is hunger. Dogs do like to eat, and they need decent amounts of food. When a dog is hungry, there will be no food in the intestines, which means that gas will be present more.
Also, your dog anticipates being fed, which can cause the intestines to start working even without food inside. This is known as stomach gurgling, and it is extremely common. All dog owners forget or cannot arrive on time to feed their dog. The only thing you should do to stop this noise is to feed your dog. There is no need to worry about anything, and this is far from a severe problem.
Dietary Indiscretion
Sadly, not always when you can hear noise from the stomach of your pet food will be sufficient solution. Dietary indiscretion may happen as well. This usually happens when a dog eats something that he must not eat or eats something that is just strange. In both cases, we can see an upset stomach and hear noises coming from it. The best comparison would be a person who has never eaten spicy food. Then he will try Indian food. You can imagine what will happen.
Luckily, in most cases, this issue will resolve all by itself and there won’t be any severe problems. However, in some rare cases, your dog can end up with diarrhoea and vomiting. In even rarer cases, he may develop pancreatitis! These are severe issues, and you need to make sure the problem is resolved as soon as possible. It is always a good idea to take your pet to the vet and help him quickly.
Gastrointestinal Upset
The canine digestive system, although robust, can be sensitive to sudden changes or irritants. An upset stomach in dogs, commonly characterized by louder stomach noises, gas, or diarrhea, can be caused by various factors. Sometimes it’s a simple case of overeating, while other times it may be due to more spicy or rich foods that aren’t typically a part of their diet.
Additionally, some dogs may have sensitivities to certain food ingredients, additives, or sudden changes in their diet which can lead to a gastrointestinal upset. Much like humans who experience discomfort or bloating after consuming certain foods, dogs too react with their system working overtime, leading to increased noises.
Ingestion of Foreign Objects
A dog’s curiosity often leads them to explore the world with their mouths. From chew toys to children’s toys, from shoes to socks, our furry friends sometimes consume things that aren’t digestible. When a dog ingests such foreign objects, its digestive system struggles to process and move the object.
This can lead to louder and more frequent stomach noises as the intestines try to push the object through, often resulting in discomfort or even blockages. In some cases, surgical intervention might be required to remove the ingested item, especially if it poses a risk of causing internal harm or obstruction.
Gastrointestinal Diseases
Chronic or intense stomach noises can sometimes indicate a more severe underlying issue. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal infections, or even tumors, can lead to heightened stomach activity. Inflammatory bowel disease, for instance, involves chronic inflammation of the intestines, leading to symptoms like increased stomach noises, vomiting, weight loss, and diarrhea.
Similarly, gastrointestinal infections, caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, can disrupt the normal functioning of the stomach and intestines. If a dog is consistently showing symptoms or if the stomach noises are paired with other concerning signs, it’s imperative to consult with a veterinarian. Early diagnosis and intervention can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes.
Knowing the reasons behind your dog’s stomach noises can help you address any potential issues more efficiently and ensure that your pet remains in the best possible health.
What Should You Do?
Your reaction should be based on the behavior and symptoms of your pet. For instance, if your dog shows stomach noise early in the morning, you should feed your dog. This usually will put an end to the issue and your dog will behave normally. Keep in mind that your dog should have a proper and normal appetite and he must look and behave perfectly healthy, as he always does.
Brewing can cause stomach noise as well. You will notice that stomach noises are very loud and that lethargy is present or better said really visible. Poor appetite will be present as well. In many cases, you can see vomiting and diarrhea as well. However, these don’t occur always. The best thing to do is to feed your dog with steamed, white rice and chicken breasts (boneless and skinless). This should help him within minutes and your dog will recover. If the issue remains present, take him to a vet.
In the worst case scenario, you will have a sick dog who has diarrhea, vomits, and shows symptoms of lethargy. He will have no appetite at all and he will refuse drinking water. In this case, scenario, take him to a vet immediately. There is a risk of a severe problem and medical attention is needed. Don’t forget that dogs must drink plenty of water when they have diarrhea.
Is Your Dog In Pain Due To Stomach Noises?
All dog owners want to know the answer to this question. Are stomach noises painful? They usually are not, but they can be! If your pet has stomach noises to show but he acts happy and he has an appetite, pain isn’t present. This can happen a few times a week and usually, it is completely harmless. On the other hand, if a dog shows a lack of appetite or lethargy, or both, pain is present. This is the main reason why dog refuses food.
A special type is dogs who will snow loud stomach noises but at the same time have diarrhea or they will vomit (or both). If this happens on a regular basis, your dog has parasites, chronic intestinal disease, or inflammatory bowel diseases. You need to take him to a vet and he needs therapy.
Conclusion
Dog stomach making noises is something all dog owners encounter at some point. In most cases it is normal and there is no need to worry or to take him to a vet. But, it can be more severe as well, and help from your vet is mandatory. The secret is to look at the symptoms and to pay close attention to how and what your pet is doing. Then, just act accordingly as we have explained above.
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