Have you ever heard your pup’s tummy grumble?Are they hungry, sick, or is it something else? Most people understand the overwhelming feeling of hunger or sickness accompanied by a rumbling tummy. So, it can cause concern if your pup’s tummy is making noise.
Don’t worry, though! It’s not always a bad sign. They might just be digesting food or even hungry. However, there are some instances where it can be serious as well. You know you heard the gurgle, but what about your pup? Do dogs hear these rumblings like we do?
Signs of Tummy Problems with Dogs
If your pup is simply hungry, what are some signs you might notice? Well, for starters, your dog might be sitting by their bowl or anxiously pacing back and forth next to it if you’re running behind on feeding them. They might put their face in your lap at the table and whimper, whine, salivate, and beg for some of the food from off your plate, even.
How frustrating would it be if every time you wanted a meal or even a snack, you had to wait for someone to give it to you? That might just be how your pup is feeling. So, if you notice they’re hungry and it fits in with a healthy diet, it’s always good to make sure they have plenty of food and water.
If there is a more serious underlying health issue with your pup’s tummy grumbles, there are a few things to watch out for.
Care.com says that if you notice a difference in your pup’s bowel habits, there could be a problem. Diarrhea and constipation can sometimes mean bad things going on in your pup’s system.
They also mention that if your dog is vomiting, salivating excessively, has bad gas, a change in their appetite, or dehydration, you need to speak with your vet immediately. Your pup may have a more serious health problem.
Signs that your dog hears their own tummy grumbling include them staring in confusion at the noise, sniffing around, or looking to you. Likely, they don’t think too much about it, but perhaps, if there are health issues at hand, they can smell something when the rumbling occurs.
Body Language
Here are some signs you might notice if your dog is simply hungry:
– Whining
– Pacing
– Whimpering
Other Signs
Here are some signs you might notice if there is a more serious stomach issue:
– Diarrhea
– Constipation
– Throwing Up
– Salivating Excessively
– Bad Gas
– Dehydration
– Change In Appetite
History of Dogs and Their Stomachs
Alright, so there really isn’t much history recorded that is specifically about stomachs rumbling. We know that humans and dogs both get the tummy rumbles and have been getting them for, well, as long as we can recall.
This shortage of information is probably due to the fact that it’s not something that was commonly discussed in literature, and it’s hard to depict in art. So, we are just left to assume. We do know that cats can get the tummy grumbles, too. It’s just part of digesting food, usually.
Science Behind Dogs’ Stomachs Gurgling
Scientifically speaking, there is quite a bit of info behind why people and animals get the grumbles in their stomachs. This is also called “bowel sounds” in humans. It can sound like rushing water or gurgles. In many cases, these sounds are perfectly normal, but according to HealthLine, if you get the grumbles along with heartburn, diarrhea, fever, gas, constipation, or bloody stools, it’s time to see your doctor and make sure everything is alright. Not to make anyone paranoid, but it can mean that you potentially have a tumor, a blockage, a hernia, an infection, or something else.
As for your dog, sometimes their stomach grumbles are normal, but other times, it can also signal a more serious issue. Maybe they ate something bad or you recently changed their diet. While these are sometimes not as bad to worry about, they still need to be addressed by your vet. According to PetMD, some more serious issues that can be accompanied by loud stomach rumbling in dogs include eating foreign objects, “gastrointestinal diseases,” or parasites.
They go on to mention that in more serious cases, it can also mean metabolic or endocrine disorders. If your dog seems to be in distress, there are many things that could be going on. So, it’s important to get a call into your vet and have your pup seen. It might even mean x-rays to see if your pup has swallowed a foreign object and has a blockage. It depends on what your vet thinks is the best way to approach these issues.
Keeping Your Dog’s Stomach Healthy
Unfortunately, if you’ve sat in a quiet room with your stomach growling for the world to hear, you know that your pup has no control over if their stomach is making noises or not. So, it’s up to you to help them stay healthy and be understanding if they get the grumbles. Hey, they put up with your noises too, and they have much better hearing!
So, what can you do to help your pup out? If the grumbling is something that happens a lot – and it’s not accompanied by more serious issues, you might want to watch how your dog eats. They might be eating too quickly and ingesting too much air at the same time as their food.
To remedy this, Dr. Barrack, a veterinarian interviewed by Care.com, suggests having your dog eat more slowly or give them smaller meals more often. Another suggestion he mentioned was raising your dog’s bowls off the floor.
If this isn’t the case for your dog, the food you are feeding them might not be working for their stomach. So, take a look at what’s in your dog’s food. It’s always a good idea to call your pup’s vet and ask for some options that might help your dog’s stomach. It may simply just be that the dog food you’re giving them isn’t agreeing with them.
“Listen closely to your pup’s tummy grumbles, they may be trying to tell you something.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ If your dog’s tummy is rumbling, it doesn’t always indicate a serious problem. They might just be digesting food or feeling hungry. However, if you notice other symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, or a change in appetite, it’s important to consult your vet immediately.
2️⃣ Dogs can exhibit signs of hunger such as whining, pacing, and whimpering. On the other hand, more serious stomach issues may manifest as diarrhea, constipation, throwing up, excessive salivation, bad gas, dehydration, or a change in appetite. Pay attention to these signs and seek veterinary help if necessary.
3️⃣ To help your dog maintain a healthy stomach, make sure they eat slowly, avoid ingesting too much air, and consider raising their bowls off the floor. If your dog’s stomach issues persist, it might be worth exploring different food options with your vet to find one that suits their digestive system.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. How can I tell if my dog is hungry or if there is a more serious underlying health issue?
– Signs of hunger include sitting by their bowl, pacing anxiously, and begging for food. Signs of a more serious health issue include changes in bowel habits, vomiting, excessive salivation, bad gas, dehydration, and a change in appetite.
2. Do dogs hear their own stomach rumbling like we do?
– Yes, dogs can hear their own stomach rumbling. They may stare in confusion at the noise, sniff around, or look to their owner. However, they may not think too much about it unless there are underlying health issues.
3. Are there any historical records about dogs’ stomachs rumbling?
– There is a shortage of historical information specifically about stomachs rumbling in dogs. It is not a commonly discussed topic in literature or art. However, we do know that cats can also experience stomach grumbles.
4. What causes stomach grumbles in dogs and humans?
– Stomach grumbles, also known as “bowel sounds,” are normal in both dogs and humans. It is a result of the digestive process. However, if accompanied by other symptoms like heartburn, diarrhea, fever, gas, constipation, or bloody stools, it’s important to see a doctor or vet as it could indicate a more serious issue.
5. How can I help keep my dog’s stomach healthy?
– If your dog’s stomach grumbles frequently and there are no underlying health issues, you can help by ensuring they eat more slowly, giving them smaller meals more often, and raising their food bowls off the floor. If the issue persists, it may be necessary to consult with a vet to explore different food options for your dog.
