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Bloated in Dogs
What is Bloated?
Your dog’s stomach may seem bloated once in awhile due to eating too much or eating something he is not supposed to, but a hard, swollen belly is not normal. If you notice that your dog is not acting normal, has a bloated belly, tries to vomit, circles like he cannot get comfortable, and has trouble breathing, you need to get your dog to a veterinary emergency hospital right away. This may be a life-threatening illness called bloat. Here are some other common causes of bloating in dogs:
- Stomach cancer or other tumors
- Heart problems
- Internal bleeding
- Infection
- Parasites
- Poisoning
Bloating in dogs is usually a sign that something is wrong and it needs to be checked out if it does not go away within a few hours. Since bloat can be lethal within hours, you should not wait longer than a few hours and you should not try to diagnose him on your own. Do not give him any kind of medication unless the veterinarian tells you to. It is best if you take him to see a veterinary professional right away.
Why Bloated Occurs in Dogs
There are many causes of bloating in dogs and many are serious, so it is important to see a veterinary professional right away.
Bloat (Gastric Dilation Volvulus)
Bloat is considered by most experts to be the most emergent situation for a canine. This is a condition that happens when a dog eats too much or swallows too much air and the swollen stomach rotates and traps the gas inside the stomach. The other symptoms include circling, vocalizing, trying to vomit, depression, and anxiety. This condition is more common in older dogs and large dog breeds with deep chests such as:
- Standard Poodle
- Gordon Setter
- Akita
- Basset Hound
- Irish Setter
- German Shepherd
- Doberman Pinscher
- Boxer
- Weimaraner
- St. Bernard
- Great Dane
Intestinal Cancer or Other Tumors
Some types of cancer are more common in dogs, but the most common include:
- Intestinal (Adenocarcinoma)
- Liver (Hepatocellular Carcinoma)
- Adrenal Gland Cancer (Pheochromocytoma)
Heart Problems
Heart failure and some cardiac infections can cause a buildup of peritoneal in the abdominal area. Other signs of heart disease in your dog are coughing and breathlessness.
Internal Bleeding
This is usually caused by a trauma to the abdominal or chest area. Blood will build up and cause the stomach to swell.
Infection
An infection of the womb (pyometra) and other infections, can cause abdominal bloating as well. Some of the other symptoms you will see may include:
- Bloody vaginal discharge
- Excess thirst
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Parasites
Roundworms can cause the stomach to swell. This is a common condition in puppies but can affect a dog of any age and breed.
Poisoning
There are numerous things that can cause poisoning in dogs, and that includes everyday items that we use every day such as seasonings and vitamins. Other items that can cause bloat are chocolate, some plants, medications, and even some bugs.
What to do if your Dog is Bloated
If your dog has signs of bloat, you need to take him to an animal hospital immediately. Do not wait to make an appointment with your regular veterinarian unless they will take you immediately. This is an extremely painful and fatal condition that will kill your dog within a few hours. Bloat causes the stomach to twist upon itself and blocks both the openings to the stomach, making it impossible for your dog to pass the gas and cutting off the blood supply. It usually requires emergency surgery to put the stomach back in its original position.
Stomach cancer or other tumors can be treated with medication or may need to be removed surgically. Your veterinarian will let you know what options are available for your dog.
Heart problems such as infections that cause fluid retention are usually treated by removing the fluid with a needle. Medication will be started to control the heart problems.
Often, infections like pyometra, which is a uterine infection, can cause abdominal swelling. Other symptoms include bloody discharge, fever, and appetite loss. The veterinarian will likely prescribe an antibiotic and maybe a corticosteroid to reduce the swelling.
Parasites such as roundworms need medication to be removed from the body. You should make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as you can if you believe your dog has roundworms.
Poisoning needs to be treated immediately because it can be lethal as well. The veterinarian will likely give your dog an emetic to induce vomiting, a gastric lavage to flush the stomach, and intravenous fluids to help circulation.
Prevention of Bloated
To prevent bloat, you should feed your dog more than two meals per day and add canned food to his diet. Try to keep him calm after eating and do not let him run around with a full stomach.
You cannot prevent cancer, but you can feed your dog veterinary approved foods and supplements known to help prevent cancer. Talk to your veterinarian for suggestions about what is right for your dog.
Heart problems can be prevented by visiting your veterinarian on a regular basis.
Infections that can cause bloat include those that are bacterial, anaerobic, and fungal. You can prevent these infections by keeping your dog away from areas where there are known to be outbreaks and keeping your dog up-to-date on his vaccinations.
Parasites such as roundworms and heartworms can be prevented by seeing the veterinarian every three months. You should also give your dog dewormer and follow up with the veterinarian as needed.
Poisoning can be avoided by keeping toxic chemicals, food, and other dangerous items away from your dog.
Cost of Bloated
The cost of bloating in dogs can range from $150 to $200 for a veterinary visit and some medicine for worms, to $7500 for intestinal cancer which is a more serious condition. The cost for treating a case of poisoning will vary depending on the toxic substance and the exposure to it; chocolate poisoning, for example, may present a cost of $2500.
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Bloated Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
mix
Four Months
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
He vomited yellow is bloated
Dec. 20, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
1 Recommendations
I'm sorry to hear you puppy is unwell.
Vomiting and bloating can have many causes including parasites, an obstruction of the gut, dietary indiscretion (eating rich food, for example), toxicity etc.
If concerned, it would be best to have your little one examined by a vet.
Do ensure they are on a good quality puppy food and are up to date with an effective wormer.
Dec. 20, 2020
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Shihpoo
Fancy
12 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Increased Appetite
Extreme Weight Loss
Bloated Belly
My dog has lost a lot of weight in a short amount of time. Her doctor has prescribed her liver medication as well with liver care food. She has an increased appetite and is drinking more water. She doesn't seem like she's in any pain, but her weight loss is very concerning. Do you have an idea of what it might be?
Sept. 5, 2018
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Golden Retriever
Chloe
6 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Weight Loss
Loss Of Appetite
Lethergy
Chloe had just had a litter of puppies 7 weeks ago. She’s since been weened at 5.5 weeks and has stopped producing milk. However she’s not eating her food and is even reluctant to any food and some times. She’s drinking normally and urinating. She is lethargic and the energetic and then back to lethargy. She is pooping and has been solid but she’s had a “ballooned” stomach for almost a week now. Now she’s restless at points and doesn’t want us to leave her side and then the next she’s out doing her own thing. It’s very scary and confusing as to what she wants and needs.
July 12, 2018
0 Recommendations
There are a lot of hormonal changes which occur in a dog after whelping and then after weaning, it may be that Chloe is having a bit of a hormonal roller coaster making her lethargic; however without examining her I cannot determine if there is another underlying cause or not. Try to encourage eating even if you’re slowly syringe feeding her, but if there is no improvement by the weekend visit your Veterinarian for an examination. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 12, 2018
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Buddy
7 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
Hi, I am struggling to figure out my dogs condition. Last August my family had to put my older golden retriever down, ever since then my other dog hasn't been the same. After she passed he began to gain a lot of weight and went to being the all happy spaz that he was to bring very depressed and inactive. For a while we have beielve that he was just obese and his system shut down because he was sad. But now I am more worried that it's more severe, I've noticed lately how he is only fat around his stomach and how stretched his skin. His legs shoulders hips and face have not seemed to increase in size but his belly has overly so. I know it brings his much discomfort, his breathing is more sparatic and he occasionally snorts, I also discovered recently that he might be constipated and his gas reeks worse that it used to. He also struggles to get around especially up and down the stairs because of his oversized gut, a few weeks ago he even fell down the stairs. I cannot currently afford to take him to the vet so like most people I am seeking advice from the internet. Please help.
June 15, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without examining Buddy it is hard to determine the cause of the abdominal distention which may be due to gas, fluid or fat. Gas may be caused by diet, infections, parasites, obstruction etc…; fluid may be caused by liver failure, kidney failure, low blood protein, heart failure among other causes; fat accumulation may be caused by hormonal conditions (like Cushing’s). As you can see it isn’t easy to narrow down a specific cause and without an underlying cause I cannot recommend treatment. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 15, 2018
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Basset Hound
Sadie
1 Month
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Bloating
I have a 1 month and 3 week old female basset hound. I noticed today she her stool has been different than usual and is coming out a little liquidity than usual. I also noticed that her stomach is a little bigger however not hard. I noticed she has red eyes and she feels warm than usual. She pees on a regular basis and drinks water. Should I be concerned? Would I be able to get some advise. Or if need to take her to a vet or hospital. Thank you.
April 18, 2018
0 Recommendations
There are a few different causes of bloating in puppies which may include worms, infections, dietary intolerance among other issues; you should make sure that Sadie is kept hydrated and up to date on worm prevention, but if it feels like she is running a fever you should visit a Veterinarian for an examination. While you’re at the Veterinarian you can discuss vaccination if you haven’t started already. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
April 18, 2018
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