Why Is My Dog's Stomach Making Noises? Understanding Gut Sounds in Dogs

Those mysterious stomach gurgles might be telling you something important about your dog’s digestive health

Quick Answer

Dog stomach noises (borborygmi) are often normal digestive sounds. However, excessive or unusual gurgling accompanied by symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy may indicate digestive problems requiring attention. Simple dietary adjustments and gut health support can resolve many cases.

FREE RESOURCE: Download our “7-Day Gut Health Plan for Dogs” to quickly resolve common digestive issues and restore your dog’s digestive harmony.

What’s Causing Those Stomach Sounds?

That concert of gurgles and rumbles coming from your Labrador’s belly has a scientific name: borborygmi. These sounds occur when gas and fluid move through your dog’s intestines during normal digestion.

But when should these noises concern you? Let’s break it down:

Types of Dog Stomach Sounds and What They Mean

Sound Type	Description	Likely Cause	Concern Level
Occasional gentle gurgles	Soft, intermittent sounds	Normal digestion	Low
Hunger rumbles	Louder growls after missed meals	Empty stomach	Low
Consistent loud gurgling	Frequent, audible from distance	Gas, possible digestive upset	Medium
High-pitched sounds with bloating	Squeaky noises with distended abdomen	Potential blockage or severe gas	High
Constant rumbling with other symptoms	Ongoing noises with lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea	Digestive disorder	High

Labradors are particularly prone to digestive noises because of their notorious appetite and tendency to eat things they shouldn’t. Their food-motivated nature can lead to dietary indiscretions that upset the delicate balance of gut bacteria.

Common Causes of Dog Stomach Noises

1. Hunger

The most innocent cause of stomach rumbling is simply hunger. If your Lab’s breakfast is delayed, those hunger pangs can create quite the symphony!

2. Dietary Indiscretion

Labs are famous for eating first and asking questions later. Whether it’s garbage, sticks, or your unattended sandwich, consuming inappropriate items often leads to digestive upset and increased stomach sounds.

3. Eating Too Quickly

Many Labradors inhale their food, swallowing excessive air that must work its way through the digestive tract, creating additional noise.

Common factors that contribute to increased stomach noises in dogs

4. Food Sensitivities

Approximately 10-15% of dogs have food sensitivities that can trigger digestive upset. Common culprits include:

Chicken
Beef
Dairy
Wheat
Corn
Soy

5. Microbiome Imbalance

Perhaps the most overlooked cause of persistent stomach noises is an imbalance in your dog’s gut bacteria. This microscopic ecosystem plays a crucial role in:

Proper digestion
Nutrient absorption
Immune function
Protection against harmful bacteria

DID YOU KNOW? Over 70% of your dog’s immune system is located in their gut. A healthy microbiome is essential for overall wellbeing, not just digestive comfort.

When to Be Concerned About Your Dog’s Stomach Noises

While occasional stomach gurgles are normal, certain situations warrant attention:

Red Flag Symptoms

If stomach noises are accompanied by:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Decreased appetite
Abdominal pain (whining when touched, prayer position)
Bloated or hard abdomen

Breed-Specific Concerns for Labradors

Labradors have specific digestive vulnerabilities worth noting:

Higher risk of food allergies than some breeds
Increased tendency toward dietary indiscretion
Predisposition to Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in some lines
Greater likelihood of obesity, which can worsen digestive issues

Home Solutions for Noisy Dog Stomachs

For mild cases of stomach gurgling without serious symptoms, try these approaches:

Immediate Relief Strategies

Fasting: A 12-hour digestive rest can help reset the system
Bland Diet: Temporarily switch to plain boiled chicken and rice
Small, Frequent Meals: Reduce portion size but increase feeding frequency
Slow-Feeder Bowls: Prevent air gulping during meals

Long-Term Gut Health Support

For lasting improvement, focus on these four pillars:

The four foundations of optimal canine gut health

Appropriate Diet: Choose easily digestible foods matched to your Lab’s specific needs
Digestive Enzymes: Support complete breakdown of nutrients
Probiotic Supplementation: Restore beneficial bacteria balance
Stress Reduction: Minimize anxiety that can disrupt digestion

SUCCESS STORY: “My Labrador Bella had chronic stomach gurgling that kept us both up at night. After implementing the 7-Day Gut Health Plan and discovering the ‘bacon & grass trick,’ her digestive noises disappeared completely. She’s like a different dog now!” – Sarah M., California

The Surprising Connection Between Gut Sounds and Overall Health

What many Labrador owners don’t realize is that those stomach noises might be early warning signs of broader health issues. Research shows that gut health affects:

Immune function
Skin and coat condition
Energy levels
Joint health
Even behavior and mood

This is why addressing the root cause of stomach noises—rather than just treating symptoms—is so important for your dog’s overall wellbeing.

The “Bacon & Grass Trick” That’s Transforming Dog Gut Health

Many of our readers have found remarkable success with a simple approach that combines specific probiotic strains with natural digestive enzymes in a way dogs find irresistible.

This method, which we call the “bacon & grass trick,” has helped thousands of dogs overcome persistent digestive issues, including those troublesome stomach noises.

WATCH NOW: Discover the simple “bacon & grass trick” that’s helping dogs eliminate digestive problems and adding years to their lives. This 6-minute video reveals what most veterinarians aren’t telling you about canine gut health.

When to See Your Veterinarian

While many cases of stomach noises can be resolved at home, certain situations require professional care:

Symptoms persist more than 24-48 hours
Severe or bloody diarrhea
Repeated vomiting
Signs of pain or distress
Suspected foreign object ingestion
Bloated, hard abdomen (potential emergency)

Your veterinarian may recommend:

Fecal examination
Blood tests
Abdominal imaging
Specialized diets
Prescription medications

Your 7-Day Plan for Quieting Your Dog’s Stomach

Ready to help your Labrador achieve digestive harmony? We’ve created a comprehensive guide that walks you through a simple day-by-day approach to resolving gut issues.

Our “7-Day Gut Health Plan for Dogs” includes: