Have you ever watched your dog enjoy a new cookie? Then they look at you and make an “urp” noise.
Can dogs burp?
Or was that a way of saying thank you?
Oddly enough, yes, dogs can burp.
Dogs can burp just like people. An occasional burp is probably nothing to worry about.
My dog, Henry, has a sensitive stomach, so I’m always making note of his odd noises. Sometimes I think being able to burp him like a baby would make life a whole lot easier for him.
Actually, I have heard the slightest little burp noise from Henry on rare occasions. He always looks at me as if to say, “What was that, Mom?”
Why Do Dogs Burp?
When your dog swallows air, it can come back up as a burp.
This can happen when your pup eats or drinks quickly, gulps their food, or gets excited around mealtime.
That swallowed air needs to go somewhere, which can mean it comes back up as a burp.
Your dog’s normal digestion process includes the production of gas.
Some of that gas can be released as a burp.
But some of that gas travels all the way through the digestive tract and eventually makes its exit from the other end.
If your dog enjoys dinner or a treat and makes an “urp” noise, there’s usually no reason to panic.
Is It Normal For Dogs To Burp?
Occasional burping is generally normal, especially if your dog is otherwise acting like themselves.
If your dog is happy, eating normally, and doesn’t have other signs of digestive trouble, an occasional burp is probably just a normal part of being a dog.
Dogs have plenty of embarrassing habits. One more isn’t going to hurt. You, on the other hand, may turn a few shades of red if it’s during a fancy dinner party.
Why Is My Dog Burping A Lot?
Frequent or excessive burping may be worth paying attention to more.
If your dog regularly has digestive problems, don’t assume the burping is simply a quirky habit. Your veterinarian can help figure out what’s causing it.
Check with your vet if burping is also accompanied by:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- weight loss
- decrease in appetite
- bloated stomach
- or other signs of digestive trouble
Slowing mealtime down for those pups who inhale their food may help. A simple puzzle feeder or slow-feeder bowl can encourage some dogs to take their time instead of gulping meals.
Can Burping Be A Sign Of Bloat?
Don’t worry. A normal burp is not the same thing as bloat.
Thankfully, you don’t need to treat every little dog burp like an emergency.
For reference, bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is a life-threatening emergency. Warning signs can include:
- a swollen or distended abdomen
- restlessness
- excessive drooling
- trouble breathing
- repeated attempts to vomit without producing anything
If your dog is showing these symptoms, contact a veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic immediately.
The Bottom Line On Can Dogs Burp?
Yes, dogs can burp.
An occasional burp is usually a perfectly normal way for your dog to get rid of swallowed air.
If your dog eats quickly, they may burp more often because they’re swallowing air along with their food.
But if the burping is excessive or comes with other symptoms, it’s worth checking with your veterinarian.
Most importantly, if your dog is repeatedly trying to vomit without bringing anything up, has a swollen abdomen, or seems distressed, contact your vet immediately.
As for Henry, I’ll happily take an occasional burp over some of the other things he’s done in the name of digestion.
Dogs are adorable, weird, gassy, and apparently even capable of burping.
Welcome to the odd side of being a dog parent.
Fun Dog Fact: Food allergies, diet, flat-faced dogs (brachycephalic dogs), and stress can all contribute to burping in dogs.
What’s Next:
- Why Do Dogs Carry Their Food to Another Room?
- Why Do Dogs Kick After They Poop (It’s Not What You Think)
- Dog Bad Breath: Causes, Fixes, and When You Should Worry
- How to Stop Destructive Dog Behavior: Which Solutions Actually Work?
Have you ever caught your dog burping?
