Causes and treatment of swelling of your dog’s stomach

Stomach swelling in dogs can be a life-threatening emergency, or it can be as simple as your dog eating too much.{{more}}

To keep your canine companion in good health, it helps to know the signs of dog stomach problems and what you can do when they happen.

Because stomach swelling in dogs can be dangerous, never try and diagnose the cause of your dog’s stomach trouble yourself. If your dog’s abdomen looks bloated or unusual, get your pet to a veterinarian immediately, as timing can be critical.

Some causes of stomach swelling in dogs include:

Bloat/Gastric Dilation Volvulus

Called “the mother of all emergencies,” untreated bloat can be fatal to a dog within hours. Also called gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), bloat happens when gas or food stretches a dog’s stomach, then the distended stomach rotates, trapping the gas inside, and blocking off the stomach’s blood supply.

•  A family history of bloat

•  Feeding your dog a dry food with a high cereal content

•  Eating too quickly

•  Being older; dogs 7-12 years old are at highest risk

Treating bloat requires immediate emergency care and may include decompressing the stomach, managing shock, and stabilizing the heart, often followed by surgery, once stable. If your dog’s abdomen looks swollen or distended, or if your dog seems uncomfortable, don’t wait; rush your pet to a veterinarian immediately.