Digestive problems affect not only humans but also animals. Owners often notice their dog's stomach growling. The causes of this can vary. It's important not only to identify the cause but also to help your pet.
Harmless reasons
There are several physiological reasons why rumbling is observed:
- This is a common condition. This may be due to the dog's digestion if it continues for more than a couple of hours.
- Genetic factor. The animal exhibits an unpleasant symptom from birth, for example, if it has always had a weak stomach and intestines.
- Overfeeding The intestines are full of food, and this requires a lot of energy. That's why such a sound is heard.
- An unbalanced diet. This symptom can be observed due to a deficiency or excess of vitamins and minerals. If a dog has been eating a diet poorly balanced in protein, fat, and carbohydrates, its stomach will usually growl.
- Inappropriate food intake. This may include salty, spicy, sweet, smoked, or fatty foods. Such foods are harmful to dogs.
- A sudden transition from one feeding to another. For example, the animal was first given food "from the table," and then a special food. The transition should be gradual.
- Excitement. If a dog is playing or has been on a long walk, it may become agitated. Even this can cause this symptom.
- A female dog in heat is a normal physiological state. In this case, the purring is caused by uterine spasms.
- Uterine rumbling during pregnancy is a temporary condition that should subside after delivery.
The above-mentioned causes are not dangerous. Some are temporary; for example, the animal may be eating improperly. In such cases, simply improving the pet's diet will resolve the unpleasant symptoms. This will also improve the dog's overall well-being.
Disease signals
A rumbling sound may be associated with a pathology (disease). Other symptoms may also appear. Gastrointestinal diseases are accompanied by rumbling, diarrhea, vomiting, gas, and belching.
These symptoms of stomach and intestinal diseases usually occur together. They are often associated with the following:
- Poisoning. It causes vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal noise. Metabolism is disrupted due to intoxication.
- Gastritis. Symptoms include bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Gastritis is characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining, which impairs the organ's basic functions.
- Gastroenterocolitis. The disease manifests itself as bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, belching, and bloating. Gastroenterocolitis is an acute, multifactorial gastrointestinal disorder.
- Ulcer. This is a chronic condition in which regulatory, neural, and hormonal mechanisms are disrupted. An ulcer appears on the mucous membrane. The ulcer manifests as bloating, constipation, gas, and loss of appetite.
- Intestinal obstruction. This occurs when foreign bodies enter the intestines and block or narrow the lumen. This is often associated with stones, pieces of bone, or sticks. In some cases, obstruction is caused by severe worm infestation. The dog will have no appetite, but will experience bloating, constipation, and flatulence.
- Hepatosis. This disease involves changes in the liver parenchyma, with no symptoms of inflammation. Hepatosis manifests as abdominal sounds, vomiting, diarrhea, and gas formation.
- Liver cirrhosis. This chronic disease causes liver cells to die. Abdominal sounds, gas, vomiting, and belching are common.
If the rumbling in the stomach is related to a medical condition, it shouldn't be ignored. It's a good idea to take your dog to the veterinarian, who will advise you on the appropriate course of action. Timely treatment yields positive results. Therefore, even if some painful symptoms appear, it's important to consult a specialist.
How to rid your pet of this problem
Every loving pet owner wants to help their pet, but not everyone knows how. Don't immediately resort to activated charcoal, abdominal massage, or torturing your dog with a diet. First, take your pet to a veterinarian for an assessment. The specialist will then provide recommendations for care and treatment:
- If your diet is unhealthy, you will need to adjust your diet.
- If your dog eats too quickly, you need a special bowl.
- When the cause is overeating, it is important to reduce portions.
- If worms are present, the veterinarian will prescribe appropriate tablets. These should be administered to the dog according to the instructions.
- After the procedure, the stomach must be pumped and an IV must be placed. The pet can then be fed only the recommended diet, in small increments, until it recovers.
- If the cause is dysbacteriosis, special medications are required, as recommended by a specialist. The easiest way is to crush the tablets into powder and sprinkle them in the dog's food.
- In case of intestinal infection, treatment is performed at a veterinary clinic. The doctor will then prescribe a diet. Typically, a gentle diet is prescribed 5-6 times a day for 2 weeks.
- When allergies are the cause, the source of the allergen must be eliminated. This is accomplished by changing the dog's diet. It's important to prevent the dog from picking up random items from the street. Strangers should also discourage the pet from being fed.
- Erosion requires a special diet. Special food may be required. The diet should include only lean meats, liquid porridges made with water, and boiled vegetables. Increased water intake is needed, and dairy products should be avoided. Boiled eggs should not be included in the diet.
- If the problem is a tumor, the veterinarian will prescribe a diet. Surgery is also necessary. Afterward, a gentle regimen, dressing changes, and anti-inflammatory medications are needed.
Don't choose medications on your own; always consult a veterinarian. Also, read the instructions before using them.
After treatment, your dog's condition will improve. It will be active and energetic. Don't delay an examination, as advanced illnesses are much more difficult and take longer to treat.
