A dog's swollen belly is concerning and warrants immediate veterinary attention. In this article, I, Ivana Crnec, DVM, will explain the possible causes of belly swelling in our canine friends.
Content:
- Why Is My Dog's Stomach Swollen
- Dog Belly Swollen and Hard
- Dog Stomach Swollen on One Side
- Conclusion
Why Is My Dog's Stomach Swollen
Your dog’s stomach is swollen due to several possible reasons, including:
- Bloat: Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) or bloat is when the dog’s stomach bloats and twists. “Bloat is critical and you must get your dog to the vet ASAP,” warns a Reddit user.
- Ascites: Ascites is the medical term for fluid build-up in the abdomen. Liver, kidney, and heart problems, as well as tumors, are common causes of ascites in dogs.
- Peritonitis: “Peritonitis is an inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity,” explain studies. It can be associated with abdominal trauma, diseases of abdominal organs, or abdominal surgeries.
- Parasites: Intestinal parasites, especially in puppies, and if heavily present, may cause the stomach to swell, giving it a characteristic appearance.
- Dietary Indiscrections: Eating too much or too fast can cause temporary bloating and swelling of the dog’s stomach. It is more common in zealous eaters, such as Labrador Retrievers.
- Pyometra or Pseudopregnancy: In females, pyometra (inflammation of the uterus) and false pregnancy can result in belly swelling. Both conditions are dangerous.
- Cushing’s Syndrome: Swelling of the stomach, described as pot-bellied, is a telltale sign of Cushing’s syndrome - an endocrine disease in which the adrenal glands produce excess cortisol.
- Organ Masses: Tumors of the liver, kidney, or spleen can cause swelling of the stomach that is more prominent on one side.
- Intestinal Obstructions: Intestinal obstructions manifest with stomach swelling. Studies suggest that “Intestinal foreign bodies are some of the most common causes of intestinal obstruction in dogs.”
Install the Petcube Pet Camera and keep a watchful eye on your dog even when you are not at home. The sooner you notice something is wrong, the better the outcome.
Dog Belly Swollen and Hard
A swollen and hard belly in dogs is always concerning and warrants a veterinary visit. “A dog’s stomach should feel soft, even if your pet has gained weight,” advises Benjamin Harries, DVM, in an article for Veterinary Emergency Group.
Gastric dilation and volvulus is the first thing that comes to mind when a dog’s belly is swollen and hard. However, peritonitis, Cushing’s syndrome, and ascites are also possible culprits.
Dog Stomach Swollen on One Side
A dog's stomach swollen on one side can mean a lot of things, from pseudopregnancy or GDV to splenic mass or kidney enlargement.
Swelling on the side of the stomach requires veterinary attention, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, such as retching, vomiting, trouble breathing, loss of appetite, and lethargy.
Treating a dog with a swollen belly is expensive. This is where the Petcube Emergency Fund is helpful. It covers $3,000 for emergency vet bills and offers 24/7 access to online vets. Get a 27% discount on the emergency fund by using this link.
Conclusion
A swollen belly in a dog is a serious situation that can be triggered by different conditions - some potentially life-threatening.
Call the vet immediately or visit the nearest emergency vet clinic if your dog’s belly is suddenly swollen.
Was this article helpful?
Help us make our articles even better
