Swollen tummy in dogs

Dogs can have a swollen tummy due to many different illnesses. A twisted stomach, also called bloat or GDV, is a veterinary emergency that needs attention immediately.

If your dog has suddenly developed a swollen stomach this can be an emergency, especially if they are also lethargic, dry retching or their breathing is abnormal. Other causes of tummy swelling may also be serious but develop over time. A mild tummy upset may sometimes cause tummy swelling, but if your dog has any other symptoms it’s best to discuss with a vet as soon as possible.

What to do

What to do if your dog has a bloated tummy

Seek help from a vet in practice immediately if your dog:

Has a bloated tummy that developed quickly, especially if within 2-3h from the last meal
Is restless
Is salivating too much
Is trying to be sick without bringing anything up
Is very flat and not interested in interacting with you
Has pale or grey gums

Joii can help if:

Your dog’s bloated tummy has come on gradually and is associated with:
- Diarrhoea
- Flatulence (wind)
- Vomiting
You are worried about a puppy with a wormy tummy
Your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t
Your dog is passing less poo than normal
Your dog is drinking and urinating too much
You need to discuss your dog’s diet
You would like to talk about worming your dog
You would like advice on your dog’s behaviour

Causes

Common causes of a swollen tummy in dogs

Gastric dilation volvulus, or GDV, referred to as ‘bloat’ or ‘twisted stomach’.
Fluid inside the tummy: can happen for several reasons and types of fluid, such as blood, clear liquid, pus or urine. Heart disease, traumatic injuries and foreign objects perforating the gut are examples
Digestion problems:
- Eating too much: the stomach is extremely full of food and digestion slows down
- Eating something they shouldn’t have or a sudden change in food will disturb the bacteria that live in the gut and make them produce gas
- Being constipated and not passing as much poo as normal
Worms: especially in puppies, if they have a high burden of roundworms, they can have large bellies
Cushing’s disease: changes the metabolism of the body giving the dog a pot-belly look
Pregnancy or infection in the uterus.
Tumours

When to worry

When to worry about a swollen tummy in dogs

A twisted stomach is a life-threatening veterinary emergency. Dogs need to be seen by a vet in practice as soon as possible if a twisted stomach is a possibility
A swollen tummy can potentially put pressure on the chest and interfere with breathing. Speak to a vet straight away if breathing is laboured or faster than normal.
If your dog has suffered a fall, accident, bite or other major injury and develops a swollen stomach, this could be due to internal rupture or infection. See a vet immediately if they are also lethargic or weak.
If you have an entire female dog, it is important to remember when her last season was. An infection inside the uterus, or pyometra, can be very serious and does not always show a vaginal discharge

Prevention

Tips to prevent your dog from having a swollen tummy

Don’t exercise or play with your dog within 1-2h after a meal
Feed smaller meals 2-3 times a day rather than one large meal
Feed breed-size appropriate kibble
Make sure your dog doesn’t eat too quickly
Worm your puppy regularly as advised by a veterinary surgeon
Monitor your female dog and note when each season happens
Feed your dog an appropriate diet in quality and amount to prevent obesity

Diagnosis

How your vet will know what’s causing your dog’s swollen tummy

It might not be easy to understand if your dog has a swollen tummy.

If your dog suddenly develops a swollen stomach, is looking tired, has pale gums, or is gagging or drooling excessively, take them to see a vet immediately.

If their tummy has been gradually getting bigger, they will need to be seen by a vet in order to find out why.

Your vet will:

Examine your dog and ask you questions about their behaviour and lifestyle
Discuss blood, poo and urine tests
Recommend x-rays or a tummy scan
Discuss surgery or a CT for further investigation if a cause isn’t clear

Home treatment

Home treatment for a swollen tummy in dogs

Bloating that develops quickly after a meal, associated with tiredness and gagging or with breathing changes is an emergency and home treatment should not be attempted.

Many other causes of swollen stomach will require treatment prescribed by vets. It’s safest to check with a vet straight away if your dog is also showing other symptoms.

If your dog has a long-term condition and is on treatment, please give all medication as advised by your vet.

Vet treatment

How the vet will treat your dog with a swollen tummy

The treatment for a bloated tummy will depend on the cause.

Emergency surgery for a twisted stomach (GDV), foreign body obstructions/perforations, internal injuries and pyometra.
Laxatives for constipation
Antibiotics, painkillers, motility agents or stomach protectants
Probiotics for bacterial fermentation issues
Wormers

Some problems, like overeating, swallowing air and pregnancy will hopefully resolve on their own.

Risk

Are some dogs more at risk of a swollen tummy than others?

Deep-chested, large breeds of dogs are at higher risk of bloat, particularly:
- Great Dane
- St Bernard
- Irish and Gordon Setters
- Wolfhound
- Borzoi
- Weimaraner
- Bloodhound
- Dachshund
- German Shepherd
- Labrador
Older dogs and those with a first-degree relative that had bloat are also more likely to develop it
Dogs that eat bones or play with sticks are at higher risk of developing an intestinal perforation
Dogs that walk off lead, especially around roads, are at higher risk of serious traumatic injury
Young puppies are at much higher risk of developing serious worm infestations
Dogs that travel to some areas in the south of Europe are at risk of catching heartworm