If your dog is not eating and you hear strange gurgling or rumbling sounds from their stomach, it can be concerning.
These symptoms—loss of appetite and stomach noises —can happen together due to a range of medical or behavioral causes.
We outline the common reasons why your dog is not eating and their stomach is making noises, what to do about it, and when to seek veterinary help.
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Dog Not Eating and Stomach Making Noises: What It Means
If your dog is not eating and their stomach is making noises, it could be a sign of an upset digestive system, hunger pangs, or a more serious underlying issue like gastrointestinal inflammation, intestinal parasites, or pancreatitis.
Stomach noises occur when gas or fluids move through the intestines. These sounds are often harmless, but when paired with loss of appetite, they may indicate discomfort, nausea, or a blockage.
While occasional gurgling is normal, persistent noise along with refusal to eat should prompt a veterinary evaluation to rule out conditions like infections, dietary intolerance, or organ-related diseases.
Common Causes of Dog Not Eating and Stomach Making Noises
1. Gastrointestinal Upset or Indigestion
One of the most common reasons a dog’s stomach is making noises and not eating is basic indigestion.
Dogs sometimes eat too fast, eat something they shouldn’t, or have trouble digesting their food.
This leads to increased gas in the intestines, which produces rumbling or gurgling sounds.
The discomfort may reduce their appetite or make them skip a meal entirely.
You may also notice other symptoms like bloating, licking lips, or drooling.
Try offering a bland diet like boiled chicken and rice for a day or two.
If your dog begins eating and the stomach noises subside, it was likely a mild case of GI upset.
2. Dietary Change or Food Intolerance
If you’ve recently changed your dog’s food, or they’ve eaten something new, it may cause a dog not eating with stomach making noises due to food intolerance or allergy.
Sudden diet changes can throw off the balance of gut bacteria and lead to gas, nausea, and stomach discomfort.
This can cause your dog to stop eating and exhibit signs like stomach gurgling, flatulence, or diarrhea.
Always transition dog foods slowly over 7–10 days. If intolerance is suspected, revert to the previous diet and monitor symptoms.
Seek help if they persist.
Related: Dog not eating and lethargic (Here’s why)
3. Empty Stomach or Hunger Pains
Believe it or not, sometimes a dog’s stomach making noises and not eating can be due to hunger itself.
An empty stomach can cause increased digestive sounds, and if the dog skips meals frequently or has irregular feeding times, this may happen more often.
However, if a dog feels nauseated due to hunger, it can paradoxically cause them to refuse food—leading to a cycle of noise and loss of appetite.
Keep a consistent feeding schedule.
Try offering a small snack, like a treat or a spoonful of wet food, to see if your dog’s appetite returns.
4. Nausea or Gastroenteritis
If your dog seems nauseous, turns away from food, and you hear excessive gurgling sounds from the abdomen, they may have gastroenteritis—inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
This condition often leads to a dog not eating and stomach making noises, sometimes along with vomiting or diarrhea.
Causes can range from mild infections to ingestion of spoiled food or toxins.
If symptoms persist beyond 24 hours or include vomiting, lethargy, or bloody stool, seek veterinary care.
Dehydration is a risk, especially if your dog won’t eat or drink.
5. Intestinal Parasites
Worms and other parasites can wreak havoc on your dog’s digestive system.
Dogs infected with parasites often show signs like stomach rumbling, gas, weight loss, and decreased appetite.
In this case, a dog not eating with stomach making noises may be suffering from internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, or giardia.
Have a vet run a fecal test and prescribe a dewormer if needed.
Regular parasite prevention is essential for dog health.
Related: Dog not eating and has blood in stool (Here’s why)
6. Foreign Body or Obstruction
When a dog swallows something they shouldn’t—like a toy, sock, or bone—it can lead to a partial or full intestinal blockage.
This is a medical emergency.
A dog not eating and stomach making noises may be showing early signs of obstruction.
Other red flags include vomiting, straining to poop, restlessness, or abdominal pain.
If you suspect your dog may have ingested a foreign object, go to the vet immediately.
X-rays or ultrasound may be needed to confirm and treat the blockage.
7. Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas—often triggered by fatty foods—can lead to a dog not eating and stomach making noises along with vomiting, fever, or diarrhea.
Pancreatitis is painful and requires medical attention.
Dogs prone to pancreatitis should avoid greasy table scraps or high-fat treats.
If your dog is showing signs of abdominal pain (arched back, reluctance to lie down), along with not eating and noisy stomach, see your vet.
Bloodwork and supportive care may be required.
8. Stress or Anxiety
Dogs, like people, can lose their appetite when they’re stressed.
Stomach sounds may become louder due to changes in digestive function caused by anxiety.
If your dog’s stomach is making noises and not eating around new environments, travel, separation, or loud noises (like fireworks), stress could be the trigger.
Maintain a calm environment. Use calming aids if needed.
If stress persists, consult your vet about anti-anxiety strategies or medications.
9. Side Effects of Medication
If your dog recently started a new medication, stomach noises and reduced appetite might be side effects.
Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or pain medications often irritate the GI tract.
A dog not eating and stomach making noises after medication should be monitored closely.
Contact your vet. They may suggest giving the medication with food, switching drugs, or adding probiotics to ease gut discomfort.
10. Liver or Kidney Issues
Sometimes, a dog not eating and stomach making noises is a symptom of an underlying systemic condition like liver disease or kidney failure.
These illnesses disrupt normal digestion and appetite regulation.
Other signs may include vomiting, excessive thirst, yellowing of eyes/gums (jaundice), or changes in urination.
A veterinary examination, blood tests, and possibly imaging will be needed to diagnose and manage these conditions.
When to See a Vet
If your dog is not eating and stomach making noises for more than 24 hours, or if other symptoms appear, don’t wait.
Seek veterinary help if you notice:
Vomiting or diarrhea
Signs of pain or bloating
Lethargy or weakness
Blood in vomit or stool
Suspected ingestion of a toxin or foreign object
Dehydration (sunken eyes, dry gums, poor skin elasticity)
Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with pre-existing health conditions should receive prompt care at the first sign of these symptoms.
What You Can Do at Home
While waiting for a vet appointment or if symptoms are mild, here are things you can do:
Withhold food for 6–12 hours to rest the GI system (for adult dogs only).
Offer small amounts of water frequently to avoid dehydration.
Provide a bland diet such as boiled chicken and plain rice.
Keep a symptom log for your vet visit.
Avoid giving medications unless prescribed.
Key Takeaway
If your dog is not eating and stomach is making noises, it could be a sign of a temporary digestive issue—or it could point to a more serious underlying problem.
While mild cases often resolve on their own, persistent or severe symptoms warrant veterinary evaluation.
By understanding the possible causes, keeping track of related signs, and acting quickly when necessary, you can ensure your furry friend gets the care they need.
Healthy digestion is vital to your dog’s well-being—don’t ignore what their stomach is trying to tell you!