TL;DR: Stomach gurgling, or borborygmi, is typically a normal part of digestion, but you should seek veterinary care if your dog also shows signs like vomiting, lethargy, or a bloated belly.
What is borborygmi and why is my dog’s stomach making loud noises?
- Borborygmi are the loud gurgling or sloshing sounds caused by gas or fluid moving through the gastrointestinal tract.
- These noises are often a normal part of digestion as the intestines contract to move food along.
- Loud stomach sounds can also occur when a dog is hungry or swallows air while eating.
Is my dog’s gurgling stomach an emergency?
The urgency level for a gurgling stomach is generally low if your dog is acting normally, has a good appetite, and is passing normal stools. However, you should contact a veterinarian immediately if the gurgling is accompanied by:
- A bloated or hard abdomen
- Repeated vomiting
- Extreme lethargy or signs of distress
How can photos and videos help a veterinarian triage my dog's stomach sounds?
Providing your veterinarian with visual aids can be incredibly helpful for remote triage:
- A video allows the vet to hear the intensity of the sounds and observe your dog’s body language and posture.
- A clear photo of unusual stool can help the vet determine if the gurgling is related to a serious digestive upset or infection.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Loud stomach gurgling in dogs, while sometimes benign, can be a sign of gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV), an acute, life-threatening condition especially in large- and giant-breed dogs like Great Danes, German Shepherds, and Irish Setters. Predisposing factors include a lean body condition, deep/narrow thoracic conformation, a family history of GDV, stress, and rapid food consumption. Clinical signs of GDV include abdominal distension, restlessness, unproductive retching, weakness, pale mucous membranes, tachycardia, and dyspnea. Suspicion of GDV warrants immediate veterinary attention; diagnosis is aided by right lateral and dorsoventral radiographs revealing a distended, gas-filled stomach with the pylorus displaced.
Chapter: Emergency, Surgery, Gastroenterology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 384)