You’re sitting on the couch, and suddenly your dog’s belly makes loud, strange gurgling noises—and then they skip dinner.
If your dog’s stomach is making sounds and they refuse to eat, it’s a red flag that something may be off in their digestive system.
A dog’s gut can be sensitive, and unusual noises paired with loss of appetite should not be ignored.
We outline the common causes of a dog belly gurgling and not eating, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary care.
Dog Belly Gurgling and Not Eating: Why It Happens
A dog belly gurgling and not eating may be experiencing gastrointestinal upset, gas buildup, dietary indiscretion, food allergies, parasites, pancreatitis, or more serious digestive issues like obstruction or inflammation.
These gurgling sounds are usually due to gas or fluid moving through irritated or abnormal areas in the gut, often accompanied by nausea or discomfort that suppresses appetite.
Dog Belly Gurgling and Not Eating: Why It Happens: Common Causes
1. Gastrointestinal Upset or Indigestion
The most common reason for gurgling stomach noises and appetite loss is simple digestive upset.
Your dog may have eaten too quickly, consumed something mildly irritating (like table scraps), or gone too long between meals.
When gas builds up, it moves noisily through the intestines.
Dogs experiencing mild indigestion might also lick their lips, stretch into a “prayer pose,” or seem restless. They may still be alert but reluctant to eat.
2. Dietary Indiscretion
Dogs are infamous for sneaking into the trash or gobbling up something odd during a walk.
Spoiled food, foreign objects, greasy leftovers, or non-food items can upset the stomach and cause loud gurgling noises.
This kind of behavior can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or a refusal to eat due to nausea.
If your dog is acting guilty, bloated, or has been around unsafe items, dietary indiscretion is a strong possibility.
Related: Dog vomiting and not eating (Causes and when to worry)
3. Intestinal Parasites
Worms like roundworms, hookworms, or giardia can wreak havoc on your dog’s digestion.
Along with stomach gurgling and appetite changes, you might notice:
Loose or greasy stools
Weight loss
Scooting or licking the rear
Vomiting
Parasites are more common in puppies or dogs exposed to contaminated soil, water, or feces—but they can affect any dog.
4. Food Intolerance or Allergies
Some dogs develop sensitivities to common proteins like chicken, beef, or grains.
These can trigger gastrointestinal inflammation and result in belly gurgling, gas, vomiting, or chronic diarrhea.
Dogs with food intolerances may also become picky eaters or stop eating altogether due to the discomfort.
This issue can appear gradually and may require an elimination diet to diagnose and manage effectively.
5. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that often occurs after eating fatty foods.
It’s painful and dangerous, and gurgling stomach sounds are a common symptom due to disrupted digestion. Other signs include:
Vomiting (often yellow or foamy)
Hunched posture
Lethargy
Refusal to eat
Pain when touched on the abdomen
This condition requires prompt veterinary attention.
6. Gastrointestinal Obstruction
If your dog has swallowed something they shouldn’t have—like a sock, toy, or bone—it could cause a partial or full blockage.
Gurgling, vomiting, loss of appetite, bloating, and constipation or diarrhea may follow.
An obstruction is a medical emergency.
If your dog’s belly is hard, they’re straining to poop, or vomiting persists without eating, seek veterinary help immediately.
What to Do If Your Dog’s Belly Is Gurgling and They’re Not Eating
Here are a few steps you can take if your dog shows these symptoms but is otherwise stable:
Withhold food for 8–12 hours to let the gut settle (but never withhold water).
Offer a bland meal such as boiled chicken and rice once the gurgling subsides.
Use a slow-feeder bowl if your dog eats too quickly.
Limit activity to prevent further discomfort and bloating.
Monitor poop and behavior—any worsening is a reason to call your vet.
Avoid giving over-the-counter medications without veterinary guidance.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Contact your vet right away if:
Your dog refuses to eat for more than 24 hours
Vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of dehydration appear
Your dog’s belly is bloated or painful to the touch
You see blood in stool or vomit
The gurgling persists for more than a day
Your dog becomes lethargic or collapses
Your vet may perform X-rays, blood tests, a fecal exam, or even an ultrasound to determine the cause of the gurgling and appetite loss.
Key Takeaway
When you notice your dog’s belly gurgling and not eating, it’s often more than just a noisy stomach—it’s a clue that something in their digestive system isn’t right.
While mild cases of gas or upset stomach may resolve on their own, persistent gurgling, appetite loss, or other concerning signs should never be ignored.
Trust your instincts. You know your dog best.
If their behavior is off, don’t wait too long to take action—catching a problem early can prevent more serious issues and get your furry friend feeling better fast.