- Dr. Benjamin Harries
- Jul 10
- 6 min read
An ordinary petting or belly rub session with your dog makes you notice his belly feels hard. You’ve also been noticing some other signs, like restlessness and panting. Is it time to see a vet? You bet.
A dog with a hard or swollen stomach should be regarded as a medical emergency and something you need to see a vet for ASAP, even if your pet appears to be behaving normally otherwise. Find a VEG ER for Pets near you.
A dog’s stomach should feel soft, even if your pet has gained weight. A hard, distended, or swollen stomach is often an indicator of bloat or Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening condition for your dog.
What is bloat in dogs?
Bloat or Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) in dogs occurs when gas, fluid, or food becomes trapped in the stomach (Gastric), expanding it (Dilatation) and often twisting it (Volvulus). As the stomach expands, it can put pressure on vital organs, decreasing blood flow to them.
Additionally, this distention can cause your dog’s stomach to twist or flip, which can completely obstruct the blood supply to the stomach and major organs found in the lower half of your dog’s body - a life or death emergency. This is why a hard, swollen or bloated belly in a dog should always be regarded as a veterinary emergency.
Signs and symptoms of bloat in dogs
Bloat in dogs can be life threatening, so it's crucial to get your pet prompt medical care if you notice any of these signs.
Restlessness or pacing (often an indicator of pain or distress)
Abdominal sensitivity or pain (along with abdominal hardness, pet may tense stomach muscles or pull away)
Vomiting, dry-heaving
Panting, trouble breathing (bloated stomach puts pressure on the diaphragm)
What causes bloat in dogs?
While a definitive cause of bloat or GDV has yet to be determined, there are factors that seem to be more prevalent in dogs diagnosed with GDV:
Large, deep-chested dogs seem to be at highest risk for GDV.
Susceptible breeds include St. Bernards, Great Danes, Irish Setters, Dobermans, Sheepdogs and Weimaraners, but any dog can have GDV.
Middle to older age is most common.
Recent studies have shown that anxious or “hyper” dogs may be more susceptible to GDV than calmer pups.
Illnesses that slow intestinal motility may also increase bloat risk.
Some studies have pointed to genetic predisposition for GDV. A dog whose parent or sibling experienced bloat is at higher risk.
How do vets diagnose bloat in dogs? (GDV)
Once you bring your pet in, one of our vets will perform a physical exam of your dog and ask you some general questions (“When did you notice the hard or swollen stomach?” “Did your dog eat or drink quickly right before?” etc.).
We’ll perform x-rays to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the bloat, as well as whether or not twisting (volvulus) occurred.
Our vets will do blood tests to determine your pup’s overall health as well as organ function or dehydration.
How is bloat/GDV treated?
The first step in treating a dog with bloat is stabilization. We will place an IV catheter and start IV fluids to help combat shock, and improve circulation, and proper hydration. Pain meds are almost always given.
We may insert a tube or needle into the stomach to relieve some of the built-up gas or air. This not only will help your pet feel more comfortable, but also relieve some of the pressure on surrounding organs and large veins.
Once your dog is stable, surgery is performed to reposition the stomach properly and remove any damaged stomach tissue.
A gastropexy is performed to prevent GDV from occurring again. This is where we attach the stomach to the inner wall of the abdomen to keep the stomach stable.
After surgery, your dog is monitored for any complications while receiving IV fluids and pain medication. You’ll be given instructions for follow-up care and any special additional treatment plans.
Can bloat in dogs be prevented?
While there’s no foolproof way to prevent your dog from bloat/GDV, there are steps you can take to help reduce your dog’s risk:
Avoid feeding your dog one large meal per day. Aim for several smaller meals throughout the day or at least 2 meals (morning and evening).
If you feed your dog dry kibble, include some canned food or wet food topper for easier digestibility.
Keep your dog from strenuous exercise or play right after eating.
Don’t let your dog drink large amounts of water at one time or gulp down their food. Avoid letting your dog get too thirsty or dehydrated on hikes by providing bits of water throughout your walk. Invest in slow feeder bowls if you have an over-enthusiastic eater.
Avoid elevated feeding stations for your dog, unless your vet recommends this for other medical reasons.
If you have a large breed dog, talk to your vet about preventative gastropexy.
4 top reasons why a dog has a hard, swollen stomach other than bloat
There are a number of reasons why a dog can get a swollen abdomen that doesn't involve bloat, and some are more serious than others.
Food bloat can cause dog's stomach to swell
At times, your dog may consume a large quantity of food in one setting. It could be that they got into a bag of dog food and felt like the luckiest dog as they chowed down. Or maybe after tipping over a trash can filled with the family’s last night’s dinner scraps. Doing so can result in food bloat, which can be painful and may present risks.
When eating too much, an accumulation of food, causing a hard stomach. As the stomach stretches, your dog could experience:
If your dog’s symptoms are concerning, call VEG. Food bloat may resolve as time passes but some dogs may require observation and treatment, such as electrolyte monitoring and IV fluids.
It’s best to treat food bloat as an emergency. If a dog’s distended stomach turns, the rotation can cause GDV, which requires immediate vet attention.
Cushing’s Syndrome can cause stomach swelling in dogs
A second common cause of stomach swelling in dogs is hyperadrenocorticism, or Cushing’s syndrome. If your dog has Cushing’s, he will have a pot-bellied look along with increased hunger, thirst, and urination. Some dogs will also start to lose hair or show an increase in panting. Symptoms appear over time and it’s best to consult your primary care vet with Cushing’s Syndrome concerns.
The cause of Cushing’s is either the pituitary gland or the adrenal gland overproducing a hormone. If Cushing’s disease is diagnosed, your veterinarian will talk with you about treatment options.
Ascites can show as dog's swelling of stomach
Ascites is another reason your dog’s abdomen may appear swollen and feel hard. Ascites refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, which in turn, causes the abdomen to appear distended and swollen. There are many reasons why your dog may experience ascites, including:
Intestinal diseases
Liver disease
This is an emergency; call your local VEG and speak with a vet or come right in.
4. Hemorrhage
Another cause of distended abdomen in dogs is hemorrhage into the abdominal cavity (most commonly from a ruptured splenic tumor). This may be seen as:
Distended abdomen
Lethargy
Collapse
A hemorrhage into the abdominal cavity is an emergency. Visit your local VEG emergency animal hospital immediately.
See a VEG ER vet if your dog's stomach is bloated, hard, or swollen
Because of the seriousness of the diseases and conditions mentioned above, there is no time to waste in getting your dog a proper diagnosis and immediate treatment.
Quick action can be a matter of life and death.
It’s important to regularly examine your dog to make sure that you don’t notice anything out of the ordinary. By keeping a watchful eye, you can be responsive to the conditions noted and protect your pup from further complications.
Our emergency vets are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help care for your dog in any medical crisis
At all of our VEG locations, vets experienced in emergency care will work to provide you with an accurate diagnosis of your dog’s condition and determine the best course of action to treat your pet.
