Help! How Do I Know It’s Time for a Vet Visit? (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Hi Dr Paola,
Brownie has had a gurgling stomach off and on for 3 days. He is a Weimaraner mix, 60 pounds. Active and no signs of distress. He is a bit restless when his stomach gurgles. No signs of bloating or pain. I have massaged his stomach/bowel area, and he doesn’t mind.
He has been eating once a day, rather than his usual twice. No changes in his food (3/4 cup kibble, 1 Tbsp boiled chicken breast, 1 Tbsp white rice). I gave him a Tbsp of yogurt two days ago, which quieted his stomach. Then, I read that dogs have trouble digesting lactose. He vomited 1/4 of his meal the following day. Drinks lots of water. His bowels have been loose, occasionally with a bit of mucus. We have seen mucus in his stool when we have been traveling with him, and he is out of his routine. We have not been traveling lately.
We walk him up to two miles per day without any problems. He is alert and energetic.
We keep a pretty close eye on him. He stays indoors, or in our back yard (AZ desert, no real grass, only rocks and synthetic grass), unless we take him out. We got him from a shelter 5 years ago in August. He is around 6? Have not had any stomach issues prior to this.
Questions: What signs should we look for that require a vet visit? How long do we wait for the gurgling stomach to cease? Thank you! “ – Wendy
Quick Info about Brownie
Hi Wendy,
Thank you for your detailed message. It’s clear that you’re very attentive to Brownie’s well-being, which is wonderful to see. The gurgling you describe, often referred to as borborygmi, is usually related to gas moving through the intestines. While it can happen in healthy dogs occasionally, the fact that it’s been recurring for three days, paired with some loose stools and a decrease in appetite, tells us his digestive system is a bit out of balance.
The yogurt may have temporarily helped by introducing beneficial bacteria, but you’re absolutely right to be cautious with lactose. Some dogs can digest small amounts of plain yogurt, especially if it contains active cultures and is low in sugar, but others may not tolerate it well. The mucus in Brownie’s stools could indicate mild intestinal inflammation, which, in dogs with sensitive systems, can be triggered by stress, subtle dietary upsets, or minor gastrointestinal infections. Given that he hasn’t had a recent change in environment or food, this might be a transient upset or possibly related to mild dietary indiscretion, like licking or ingesting something in the yard.
As for when to see a vet, I recommend a visit if any of the following appear: refusal to eat for more than 24 hours, persistent or worsening vomiting, repeated loose stools (especially if there’s increasing mucus or any presence of blood), visible discomfort (panting, whining, stretching oddly), bloating, or lethargy. If the gurgling and loose stools continue beyond five days, even without those urgent signs, it’s still wise to check in with your vet to rule out parasites, food intolerances, or early signs of chronic GI sensitivities. In the meantime, offering smaller, more frequent meals and temporarily switching to a bland, easily digestible diet (like boiled chicken and rice alone) can support his recovery. Since he’s still energetic, drinking well, and engaging with you, there’s some reassurance that it’s not urgent, but this is a good moment to keep a close watch. If you’re ever in doubt and a physical exam isn’t possible right away, a teletriage service may be helpful for guidance based on real-time changes.
That said, if at any point his abdomen appears distended or tight, if he starts retching without producing anything, or if you see a sudden shift in his demeanor, it would be an emergency, and he should be seen immediately as this signs suggest gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), sometimes referred as Bloat which deep-chested dog breeds like the Weimaraners are more susceptible to. Here, there is no waiting or time to be lost. I hope this helps!
Dr. Paola