A Gurgling Stomach in a Great Dane

Great Danes are voracious feeders and sometimes they eat too fast. This practice is the primary cause of a medical condition called bloat. While bloat is the most common gurgling stomach condition in dogs, other medical problems will cause a dog's stomach to gurgle.

  1. Bloat

    • A gurgling stomach in a Great Dane can be an early symptom of bloat. Bloat is a serious condition that generally afflicts large, tall dogs that consume food or water too quickly. When a dog swallows vast amounts of air, its stomach becomes distended, eventually restricting blood flow and causing intestinal blockage. With bloat, a Great Dane may repeatedly attempt to throw up without success. It will appear uncomfortable and unable to eat or drink anything. If your Great Dane is suffering from bloat, immediately get it to the vet.

    Canine Gastritis

    • Mild canine gastritis is stomach inflammation where gurgling will be present. Common causes for this condition are spoiled food, ulcers, viruses and bacteria. Other causes for gastritis include food allergies, parasites, sudden diet changes and health issues related to more serous ailments such as cancer or tumorous growths. You can treat mild gastritis by giving the dog a veterinary-recommended dose of stomach-soothing medication. Allow your dog's stomach to rest by withholding food for a 24-hour period, then allowing only small portions, leading up to the dog's normal allotment.

    Chronic Gastritis Episode

    • A chronic gastritis episode is when your dog is vomiting for more than 24 hours. At this time, it will require veterinary attention. Your Great Dane can be dehydrated and require intravenous delivery of fluids. If your dog retains a temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit or more, it will also require veterinary attention immediately. For chronic cases, your veterinarian will want to run a battery of tests, including X-rays and fecal analyses.

    Canine Gastritis Prevention

    • Although you as a pet owner cannot always prevent canine gastritis, you can take precautionary methods. Remove all small objects that your Great Dane may swallow. Be consistent with diet and feeding times. Keep your dog away from opportunities to eat garbage or other rotten foods, including dead animals. Parasite management and a current vaccination program will also help ward off canine gastritis.

    Canine Addison's Disease

    • Canine Addison's disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, is a condition that affects a dog's adrenal glands. Adrenal glands are located in the dog's abdomen, and their purpose is to regulate hormones that help the dog's organs to function properly. This illness causes interruption in your Great Dane's eating habits. One of the symptoms will be an upset stomach and gurgling. Only your veterinarian will be able to diagnose canine Addison's disease.

    Motion Sickness or Upset Stomach

    • Some dogs suffer from motion sickness. Whenever they ride in a moving vehicle, the motion causes an upset stomach and gurgling. Motion sickness in your Great Dane may result in vomiting, at which time the gurgling should stop and the dog will feel better. An upset stomach will cause a dog's stomach to gurgle. Several things can cause it. A Great Dane might have eaten something it shouldn't have, there may be blockage leading to your dog's stomach or your dog may have contracted a virus. Consistent gurgling, followed by repeated vomiting, are symptoms that your vet must address immediately.