If you own a dog, chances are you’ve heard his stomach gurgle, stutter, or howl every now and then. It’s a noise that, especially when accompanied by your dog not eating, is often cause for concern. If your dog’s stomach is gurgling and they’re not eating, it can be worrying, as you’re left wondering whether it’s a sign of a serious problem or just a minor upset. This article will discuss what causes your dog to have a gurgling stomach, why they might not eat, and how to remedy these problems to keep your dog healthy and happy.
What Causes a Dog’s Stomach to Make Noises?
Before we dive into the possible reasons for dog gurgling stomach not eating, let’s take a look at what the gurgling sound is. Generally, the sound you hear is gas or fluids moving in your dog’s stomach. This noise is called “borborygmi” in medical terms. It’s a natural behavior for dogs, especially at mealtime or when they are hungry. However, if your dog is experiencing gurgling stomach and not eating, there could be more to the issue.
Why Does Gurgling Happen?
Gurgling can happen for a number of reasons. Here are some of the most common reasons for dog gurgling stomach not eating:
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Digestion: Dogs go through a digestion process similar to humans. So when food, gas, and liquids travel through your dog’s intestines, gurgling can occur.
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Gas: Sometimes, gas builds up in the digestive tract, making the stomach rumble and gurgle.
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Empty Stomach: If a dog’s stomach is empty and they haven’t eaten for a while, the body signals that it’s time to eat through gurgling noises.
While gurgling in itself is not a cause for alarm, the pairing of a dog gurgling stomach not eating might point to an underlying condition that needs attention.
Common Causes of Dog Gurgling Stomach Not Eating
Now that we know the basics of why a dog gurgling stomach not eating occurs, let’s explore the more serious causes. If your dog is gurgling but not eating, there could be a variety of reasons—some less serious than others.
Gastrointestinal Upset
One of the most common causes of dog gurgling stomach not eating is gastrointestinal upset. If your dog’s stomach is gurgling, they might also not feel like eating. Here are some possible causes:
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Indigestion: When a dog’s digestive system becomes overwhelmed or stressed, indigestion can occur, leading to discomfort and gurgling sounds from the stomach.
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Gas: If your dog has excessive gas, they may feel bloated and uncomfortable, which could lead to a lack of appetite and gurgling noises.
Dietary Issues
A dog gurgling stomach not eating is often related to food. Certain foods upset the digestive system, or a sudden change in diet can lead to symptoms like gurgling stomach sounds and loss of appetite.
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Food Sensitivities: Just like humans, dogs can develop sensitivities to certain ingredients. If your dog has an intolerance to specific proteins or carbohydrates, this can lead to an upset stomach and cause your dog to refuse food.
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Dietary Changes: Switching your dog’s food suddenly or feeding them something out of the ordinary can result in digestive upset, leading to discomfort and loss of appetite.
Infections or Illness
Infections or illnesses are also common causes of a dog gurgling stomach not eating. Some infections can result in symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy, which can discourage your dog from eating.
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Vomiting and Diarrhea: If your dog has a gurgling stomach and is not eating, they could be experiencing gastrointestinal infections, such as parvovirus, canine coronavirus, or gastroenteritis.
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Lethargy: If your dog is lethargic and not eating, it’s important to take them to the vet, as this could indicate an infection or disease.
Parasites
Internal parasites, like worms, can upset your dog’s digestion and contribute to a dog gurgling stomach not eating. These infections can cause bloating, diarrhea, and discomfort, leading to a loss of appetite and gurgling stomach sounds.
Foreign Objects
Dogs are notorious for putting things into their mouths that they shouldn’t. If your dog has swallowed a non-food item, food that’s gone bad, or foreign objects, these could be blocking their gastrointestinal tract. A dog gurgling stomach not eating in this case is a more serious issue and requires a visit to the vet.
Stress or Anxiety
In some cases, emotional factors like stress or anxiety can affect a dog’s stomach. Changes in routine, new pets, or vet visits can trigger stress in dogs, leading to an upset stomach. If your dog’s gurgling stomach is accompanied by not eating, stress might be the cause.
What Does It Mean if Your Dog Stops Eating?
A dog that refuses to eat can be a major concern, especially if they also have a gurgling stomach not eating. Prolonged periods of not eating can lead to several health issues.
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Dehydration: If your dog isn’t eating and also isn’t drinking water, dehydration can set in quickly. This can lead to serious complications. It’s important to monitor your dog’s water intake and ensure they stay hydrated while they’re not eating.
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Weight Loss: Skipping meals can cause weight loss. If your dog isn’t eating and the gurgling continues for more than a day or two, it could be a sign of a more serious health problem that requires veterinary care.
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Lack of Energy: If a dog isn’t eating, they might not have enough energy to move around as they usually would. This can lead to lethargy, weakness, and a decrease in overall activity.
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Impaired Immune System: Food provides essential nutrients that support your dog’s immune system. When a dog doesn’t eat, their immune function may weaken, leaving them vulnerable to infections and disease.
How to Treat a Dog with a Gurgling Stomach and No Appetite
If your dog has a gurgling stomach and not eating, there are steps you can take to help them feel better and recover.
Monitor Symptoms
Keep an eye on your dog’s behavior. If they exhibit other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, it’s time to consult your veterinarian. Monitoring your dog’s health can help you decide when a vet visit is necessary.
Offer a Bland Diet
If your dog’s stomach is gurgling due to mild indigestion or gastrointestinal upset, offering a bland diet can help settle their stomach. Foods like boiled chicken and rice are gentle on the stomach and may stimulate their appetite.
Provide Fresh Water
Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water. If they’re not drinking, try encouraging them with ice cubes or using a syringe to administer fluids. Dehydration can worsen their symptoms and make them feel worse.
Avoid Overfeeding
Sometimes, dogs stop eating if they’ve been overfed or given too many treats. Ensure that you’re feeding your dog the right portion sizes according to their age, breed, and activity level.
Use Digestive Aids
Consider giving your dog digestive aids such as probiotics or digestive enzymes. These can support their digestive health and help alleviate gurgling stomach sounds and discomfort.
When Should I See the Vet?
While a dog gurgling stomach not eating may resolve with home treatment, there are times when you should seek veterinary care.
Persistent Symptoms
If your dog’s symptoms persist for more than 24-48 hours, it’s time to contact your vet. Prolonged loss of appetite and gurgling stomach sounds could be signs of a more serious condition.
Additional Symptoms
If your dog exhibits other troubling signs, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or extreme lethargy, contact your vet immediately. These could be indications of a serious underlying issue.
Age and Breed
Certain dog breeds, especially those with sensitive stomachs or older dogs, may be more prone to gastrointestinal issues. If your dog is elderly or belongs to a breed known for digestive problems (like German Shepherds), you should seek care as soon as symptoms arise.
Conclusion: How to Deal with Dog Gurgling Stomach Not Eating
A dog gurgling stomach not eating can cause anxiety for pet owners, but most causes are treatable with the right care. By observing symptoms, offering a bland diet, and ensuring proper hydration, you can help your dog feel better. However, if the symptoms persist or worsen, seek veterinary attention to rule out more serious conditions. With prompt treatment, most dogs can return to their healthy, happy selves.
As always, if you’re unsure about your dog’s condition, consult your vet for guidance on how much your dog should be eating and how to address their symptoms effectively.
❓ I hear my dog’s stomach gurgling and he’s not eating? There are several common causes: Upset stomach (mild indigestion, gas) Hunger (stomach becomes louder the more empty) Dietary Indiscretion (Ate Something They Should Not Have) Illness/infection (e.g.gastroenteritis, pancreatitis) Parasites Stress or anxiety Has more severe problems (ie blockage, kidney or liver problems)
Refrence:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/
https://www.petmd.com/dog
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet
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🐶 Why Is My Dogs Stomach Gurgling And He Wont Eat
