When your dog’s stomach sounds like a rumbling thunderstorm and they’re also having diarrhea, it’s hard not to worry.
A gurgling stomach combined with loose stool often points to digestive distress — but the cause can range from mild indigestion to something more serious that needs a vet’s attention.
We outline the common causes of dog diarrhea and a gurgling stomach, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Diarrhea and Gurgling Stomach — Why It Happens
Dog diarrhea paired with a gurgling stomach usually means there’s excess gas and fluid moving through the intestines, often from irritation or inflammation. This can occur when a dog eats something they shouldn’t, experiences a sudden diet change, or has an infection or intestinal parasite. The gurgling sound — called borborygmi — happens as gas and fluids move around in the gut.
While occasional gurgling isn’t alarming, when it’s joined by diarrhea, it suggests your dog’s digestive system is struggling to process food normally.
Food intolerances, bacterial imbalances, or even stress can trigger these symptoms. In some cases, underlying conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or pancreatitis may be involved.
Dog Diarrhea and Gurgling Stomach: Common Causes
1. Dietary Indiscretion
Dogs are natural scavengers, and eating spoiled food, garbage, or non-food items is one of the most common causes of diarrhea with stomach gurgling.
When this happens, their digestive tract becomes irritated as it tries to process something it shouldn’t.
You might notice loud gurgling noises, vomiting, or loose stool soon after the incident. These cases are usually mild but can worsen if your dog ingests toxins, bones, or foreign materials.
If the diarrhea lasts longer than 24 hours or your dog seems lethargic, a vet visit is needed.
Read more: Dog Diarrhea and Not Eating (Why it happens)
2. Sudden Diet Change or Food Sensitivity
Switching your dog’s food too quickly or introducing a new protein can cause an upset stomach. Their digestive system needs time to adjust to new ingredients, and without that transition, gas and diarrhea are common.
Even after a gradual change, some dogs develop sensitivities to certain ingredients like chicken, beef, grains, or dairy. In such cases, their intestines become inflamed, leading to gurgling, soft stools, and sometimes mucus in the feces.
Food sensitivities can develop over time, even to foods your dog has eaten for years, so a careful diet review with your vet may be needed.
3. Intestinal Parasites
Parasites like Giardia, roundworms, or hookworms can irritate the intestinal lining and cause both diarrhea and loud stomach noises. Puppies and dogs who frequent parks, kennels, or daycare are especially prone to infection.
These parasites can also cause bloating, gas, and occasional vomiting. If your dog’s stool looks greasy, pale, or contains mucus, or if there’s unexplained weight loss, a fecal exam is crucial. Most parasitic infections resolve quickly with deworming medication once identified.
4. Bacterial or Viral Infection
Infections such as salmonella, campylobacter, or parvovirus can wreak havoc on a dog’s digestive system. The intestines react by expelling fluid rapidly — causing watery diarrhea, loud gut noises, and often vomiting.
Puppies, senior dogs, and those with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable. In bacterial infections, symptoms may also include fever or loss of appetite. Parvovirus, on the other hand, is life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary care.
If your dog’s diarrhea is persistent or has blood, see a vet right away.
5. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed, often after eating fatty foods like table scraps or greasy meat. The inflammation disrupts digestion, causing abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea with noticeable stomach gurgling.
A dog with pancreatitis may refuse food, appear hunched, or act unusually tired. This condition can range from mild to severe and should never be treated at home without veterinary guidance. IV fluids, pain relief, and a low-fat diet are typically needed to recover safely.
6. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD is a chronic condition where the intestinal lining becomes persistently inflamed, disrupting the absorption of nutrients. The result is frequent diarrhea, stomach rumbling, and sometimes vomiting or weight loss.
Dogs with IBD often have intermittent flare-ups, appearing normal between episodes. While there’s no cure, diet management and medication can help control symptoms long-term. If your dog’s diarrhea and stomach noises keep returning despite diet changes, IBD could be the cause.
Read more: Dog Diarrhea with No Other Symptoms (What it means)
What to Do If Your Dog Has Diarrhea and a Gurgling Stomach
If your dog has mild diarrhea and you hear their stomach rumbling, start by withholding food for 12–24 hours to let the digestive system rest. Always provide fresh water to prevent dehydration. After the fast, introduce a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice or plain pumpkin in small portions.
If your dog improves after a day or two, gradually return to their normal food over several days. You can also use a vet-approved probiotic to restore gut balance.
Keep your dog’s environment calm, as stress can worsen digestive issues. Avoid giving new treats, table scraps, or fatty foods until their stool returns to normal.
If your dog seems uncomfortable, has excessive gas, or keeps producing watery stool, do not delay veterinary advice. Persistent diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration — especially in puppies and small breeds.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Call your vet right away if your dog’s diarrhea lasts more than 24–36 hours or is accompanied by other symptoms. Seek urgent veterinary care if you notice:
Your dog is vomiting frequently, refusing to eat, or seems weak.
The diarrhea contains blood, mucus, or is black and tar-like.
There’s a bloated abdomen or signs of abdominal pain.
Your dog is very lethargic or dehydrated (dry gums, sunken eyes, panting).
These signs may indicate infection, pancreatitis, or a more serious intestinal problem that needs prompt treatment.
If your dog’s gurgling stomach occurs regularly — even without severe diarrhea — it’s still worth mentioning to your vet. Chronic digestive noise can signal ongoing food intolerance, IBD, or other underlying issues that require professional care.
Read more: Dog Diarrhea and Shaking (What it means and when to worry)
Key Takeaway
A gurgling stomach and diarrhea in dogs are often linked to digestive upset, but they can also point to deeper issues like infection, parasites, or pancreatitis.
If symptoms are mild and your dog seems otherwise normal, rest the stomach, feed a bland diet, and monitor closely. However, if the diarrhea persists, your dog shows signs of discomfort, or there’s blood or vomiting, it’s time for a vet visit.
Early intervention can prevent dehydration and help uncover any hidden causes behind your dog’s upset stomach. With the right care and diet adjustments, most dogs bounce back quickly — leaving those unsettling stomach rumbles behind.
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