A dog's stomach should feel soft and not swollen. If your dog's stomach is hard, that could be a sign of bloat and requires immediate veterinary attention.
How can you tell if your dog has a bloated stomach?
Commonly referred to as "bloat," GDV occurs when a dog's stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid and subsequently twists.1restlessness.2pacing.3swollen or distended abdomen.4painful abdomen.5overall look of distress.6retching or attempts to vomit with no success.7excessive drooling.8panting or rapid breathing.Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat) - Veterinary Medical Center of CNY
Why does my dog's belly feel hard?
Why Does My Dog's Belly Feel Hard? The most common reasons that your dog's belly feels hard are gastric dilation volvulus, peritonitis, Cushing's syndrome, and ascites. Eating too fast may also cause bloating.
Is my dog just fat or bloated?
The answer is usually 'no'. Overweight dogs are so common that they look normal to most people. Therefore, trust your instincts: if the stomach looks odd, it's almost certainly not just fat. For example, the pictured dog isn't fat anywhere else, and the belly hangs down more than it should.
How do I know if something is wrong with my dogs stomach?
Vomiting and diarrhea are common signs of an inflamed, irritated stomach and intestines, or gastrointestinal upset in dogs and puppies. Other signs that your dog has an upset stomach could include, licking lips or licking the air (sign of nausea), gulping (as a way to combat acid reflux), loss of appetite and lethargy.
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