Simple causes of abdominal enlargement: Intestinal parasites (“worms”): Large numbers of worms in the intestine can cause distension of the abdomen, giving a pet a “pot-bellied” appearance. This is typically seen in puppies since they are more likely to have worms than older dogs.
Why do puppies bellies swell with worms?
Most often, bloat develops from the air that rapidly accumulates in the stomach until the puppy's tummy twists. Then, stomach contents are trapped and can't be expelled through vomit or burps.
Do dogs get fat when they have worms?
Poor Coat Appearance: Since the worms are getting some of your dog's nutrition, their coat will not be as smooth and shiny as it should be. Pot Bellied Appearance: These worms will make your dog look fat and have a potbellied appearance.
What does a dogs belly look like when they have worms?
Puppies with a heavy worm burden may be sick and this may contain roundworms. In severe cases they may have a pot belly due to the sheer number of worms. Worms are sometimes seen in faeces or around the dog's bottom – tapeworms resemble flat grains of rice and can sometimes be seen moving around this area.
Why is my dog's belly so big and hard?
For the condition to truly be bloat and not weight gain, your dog's stomach will be swollen and hard or have an unusual shape. If you notice this, call your veterinarian immediately. If it's after hours, you should take him to the emergency vet. Bloat generally occurs when food or gas stretches the dog's stomach.
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
What does it mean when a dog has an enlarged stomach?How do dogs get worms in their stomach?
