Why does my dog keep moving and sucking his stomach while sleeping?

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. A firm, painful abdomen, with a loss of appetite is a concerning set of symptoms. It may be a simple stomach upset, or more serious condition called pancreatitis. A painful back can also reflect as a painful abdomen as a dog draws up the abdomen trying to protect the back. If there is any retching, vomiting or diarrhea tonight, he should be seen on emergency. Otherwise, if the symptoms persist into tomorrow, please have Harley seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible tomorrow. I hope all is well soon. Take care.

It sounds like something is causing her discomfort. She should really be examined by a vet, if it continues. She could have a problem with her back, neck, or abdomen causing her some pain. Your vet can do a thorough physical examination to localize the problem and then treat. She may need an anti-inflammatory or pain medications. Hope she feels better soon.

Poor Little Man. I recommend to have an x-ray to look for evidence of disease in his spine. This sudden pain could come from many things including intervertebral disc disease, discospondylitis, an anal gland infection or a pinched nerve. The x-ray could show evidence of the first two diseases. Discuss start medications like steroids and muscle relaxants with your vet as well. Have the anal glands checked as well. An omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs may also help but will not control the symptoms alone. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Garling noises are called borborygmi and this can be normal stomach noises, but when heard along with lack of appetite this suggests gastritis (inflamed stomach). Gastritis can be cause by many things including dietary indiscretion (eating something he shouldn't have), FB ingestion, and many organ malfunctions. The rubbing of the side of his butt on things is also a sign that his anal glands (two sacs located on the inside of his rectum at the 4 o'clock and 10 o'clock position) are possibly full and irritating him. Anal glands are suspected to be caused by allergies and also often get full when pets go through bouts of diarrhea, because normally they are expressed when hard feces push past them. Because of the multiple factors that are affecting your pet, and the possible need for him to get his anal glands manually expressed to reduce discomfort, I am recommending taking him into your vet for a good exam. If he is found to have some GI upset then an appropriate antibiotics can be prescribed to help him. I would also recommend a probiotic, such as Culturelle over the counter or one from your vet, and a bland diet of boiled plain chicken and rice or cottage cheese to help settle the stomach over the next 4-7 days, then slowly transition him back to his normal diet if all goes well.

It is likely normal digestion. However, if he has not been dewormed yet, then I would highly encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian so they can begin vaccinations and deworming. Also, if there is any vomiting, diarrhea, or inappetance then he should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Without diagnostics, it's hard to know why this is happening. It's possible he has some shifts in his gut bacteria. Things like parasites are also common. There are also more sinister causes. If it has been great than 6 months since Bubbles has had a fecal exam to check for parasites, I recommend to have this done. You may also try boostering his gut bacteria with a probiotic 1 week out of every month. Use Purina FortiFlora. It has been tested and is proven to contain live bacteria. Other treatments may be available based up test results. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Aw, poor Honey. That posture indicates that her stomach is bothering her. A few things that can cause this are intestinal foreign body, gastritis, and bloat. If she's unable/unwilling to eat and rest, is vomiting, is very lethargic, or her gums look pale she needs to go to an emergency clinic right away (tonight). If she's otherwise totally normal (eating, resting a normal amount, playful, no vomiting or dry heaving, no diarrhea), you can probably wait until the morning, although going to the emergency clinic for an exam and abdominal x-rays would still be the safest choice. I hope that was helpful and that Honey is feeling better soon.