Bloating in a dog: what could be the cause and how to fix it at home?

The main causes of bloating in dogs

The digestive system of carnivores, including domestic dogs, is not genetically adapted to consume large amounts of carbohydrate food. In this regard, violation of the principle of rational nutrition of a pet is the main reason for increased gas formation. If household members pamper the dog with sweets and foods related to the so-called “fast” carbohydrates, then sooner or later bloating occurs.

Carbohydrate foods cause the body to spend more time digesting them than breaking down protein ingredients. This disorder is accompanied by the accumulation of bacteria, the main food of which is monosaccharides. This leads to the formation of large amounts of gas in the stomach and intestinal tube.

Foods that cause bloating and increased gas formation include, first of all, sweets, flour and bakery products, as well as vegetables such as cabbage and legumes. Dairy products, especially whole milk, can also cause fermentation in the intestines. When feeding your pet fresh fruits, you should also be aware that many of them (apples, pears, grapes, peaches) cause bloating.

A sudden transition from one food to another can also provoke a problem. The body does not have time to adapt; a failure in the production of digestive enzymes leads to increased gas formation.

Experienced dog breeders and breeders note that the disease can manifest itself in a four-legged pet if the owner carries out active training immediately after feeding. Exercising after eating can lead to increased gas production due to impaired digestive function.

Unplanned pregnancy

A bitch's swollen, tight belly, when the sides extend beyond its limits, may indicate pregnancy. If fertilization after mating with a male dog is an expected event for the dog owner, then an unplanned conception comes as a complete surprise. A pet can become pregnant during a walk, if the owner leaves her unattended for a long time or she has free access to the street, or during sexual contact with a mature male living with her in the same territory.

A large belly in a bitch is a sign of pregnancy if there are other symptoms associated with this condition:

• decreased appetite;
• behavior change;
• redness and swelling of the nipples;
• nausea or vomiting.

Pregnancy in a dog does not require any measures to be taken at home. To make sure that gestation proceeds without complications, it is recommended to show your pet to a veterinarian.

Accumulation of gases (flatulence)

If your dog has a bloated stomach and frequent passing of gas, he most likely suffers from flatulence. There can be many reasons for increased gas formation - from poor diet to intestinal blockage. Often the animal has signs of concomitant diseases: vomiting, diarrhea, refusal to eat, increased body temperature, etc.

If there is excessive formation of gases, it is necessary to find out what exactly led to this condition. Increasing the load, such as active jogging, will help remove them from the intestines at home. However, this method is used only if the dog has no other symptoms. It is also recommended to give your pet a medicine that absorbs gases and reduces their formation:

• Activated carbon;
• Simethicone, Espumisan;
• magnesia;
• Smecta et al.

These measures will only eliminate the external manifestations of the problem. Finding out the root cause of flatulence should be entrusted to a veterinarian.

Fluid accumulation

Bloating in your dog's abdomen may be evidence of fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity. This phenomenon, which in veterinary medicine is called ascites, is dangerous to the pet’s health and requires immediate action. Sometimes the dog’s life depends on how quickly the dog’s owner reacts to a situation. Fluid can accumulate due to problems with the liver and heart, as well as injuries.

If, in addition to an enlarged abdomen, the dog breathes heavily, drinks a lot and goes to the toilet often, moves little, eats poorly, vomits, and the mucous membranes turn blue, most likely we are talking about ascites. It is not recommended to try to treat this disease on your own. It is better, without wasting time, to take your pet to the veterinary clinic.

Worm infestation

If your animal has a bloated belly, this may be due to the presence of parasites in its intestines. A helminthic infestation can be recognized by the following signs:

• loss of appetite and weight loss;
• deterioration of coat condition;
• shortness of breath, cough;
• constipation alternating with diarrhea;
• vomit;
• skin rashes.

If these symptoms are present, the dog needs to be treated for worms. Subsequently, deworming should be carried out every 3 months.

Disease of the gastrointestinal tract

Flatulence occurs as a result of disruption of the digestive system. The dog may experience intestinal blockage and its peristalsis may be disrupted. A lack of enzymes and an excess of harmful bacteria over beneficial ones also lead to increased formation of gases.

If there are diseases that require drug treatment, the dog has no appetite, becomes lethargic, and practically does not move. The temperature often rises to 39 degrees.

What to do if your dog’s stomach is swollen and alarming symptoms appear, the veterinarian will tell you. The doctor will need to examine the animal and take tests if necessary.

Side effects of drugs

Let us emphasize once again that treatment will be effective only if you have been able to establish the cause of the phenomenon. Otherwise, the problem will repeat itself and again you will have to think about what to do. Flatulence in a dog may be normal; in this case, nothing can be done. After a few hours the problem will resolve itself.

When taking these medications, there are usually no side effects. This also applies to puppies, pregnant and lactating bitches. But allergic reactions of the animal’s body to excipients are possible. Hypersensitivity is extremely rare, but if you notice itching, it is better to stop taking the drug and consult a specialist.

None of the listed remedies are contraindicated for puppies. Overdose is unlikely due to the inertness of the drugs. It should be borne in mind that if you have a large Great Dane or Caucasian Shepherd, the medicine may not have any effect on them. In this case, the doctor may prescribe the drug in a higher dosage or select an analogue.

Severe bloating and gas formation

In addition to problems with feeding, more serious reasons can lead to an increase in abdominal volume in four-legged pets. Thus, according to veterinary specialists, acute bloating in the abdominal cavity can be caused by ascites, in which pathological accumulation of fluid occurs in the peritoneum. Dropsy is not an independent disease, but indicates poor circulation, cardiac disease, kidney problems, etc.

Such a severe pathology as peritonitis also leads to sudden bloating. As a result of purulent inflammation of the peritoneum, it is filled with exudate, blood, and lymph. The condition is life-threatening for the animal and requires immediate qualified assistance.

One of the reasons that an owner observes a sudden enlargement of a dog's abdominal cavity is pyometra. Purulent inflammation of the uterus is accompanied by the release of an increased amount of gases. Clinically, the owner observes a sharp bloating of the dog’s abdomen with this dangerous disease.

Numerous helminthiases can lead to acute expansion of the stomach and intestines. Parasites disrupt the production of digestive enzymes, leading to a failure of the absorption capacity of the small intestine, which is accompanied by increased gas formation.

One of the life-threatening causes of a sudden increase in the size of the abdomen is a volvulus of the stomach or a rupture of the wall of the organ. This condition is most often diagnosed by veterinarians in representatives of large breeds. As a result of the rapid filling of the hollow organ with gases, its strong expansion occurs. The enlarged stomach puts pressure through the diaphragm on the heart muscle, which in some cases leads to sudden death in giant breeds.

Considering the seriousness of the reasons leading to bloating, the owner must be able to recognize in which situation it is all about increased gas formation due to foods, and in which condition it can threaten the health and life of a four-legged friend.

Signs of the disorder

The following symptoms indicate the development of this pathology:

• A sharp increase in abdominal volume. In the acute form of the disease, the dog will experience problems with movement. This is often observed in representatives of breeds with short legs, for example, dachshunds.
• Rapid breathing and weakness, sometimes increased anxiety. Some animals may experience stupor caused by acute pain, as well as toxin poisoning.
• Fermentation, flatulence. Some pets experience stomach rumbling.
• Vomiting, as well as diarrhea. Can be repeated in an animal every 30 minutes. Vomiting may be accompanied by eruption of contents or may occur without this symptom.
• Frequent urination in small portions. Often accompanied by constipation.
• Increased salivation. In some cases, owners of sick pets may feel like their dog is foaming at the mouth.
• Pain in the peritoneal area. With it, the sick animal will try to cover its stomach and will not allow a person to touch it.

In the acute form of the disease, the symptoms presented will be pronounced; in the chronic form, they are almost invisible. At later stages of development of the pathology, they may be joined by the following manifestations of bloating:

1. Labored breathing. A dog in this condition will suffer from shortness of breath and constantly stick out its tongue.
2. Anxiety. The dog will constantly change its position: stand up, sit down, try to lie down. Acute pain in the peritoneal area will not allow him to stay in one position.
3. Frequent heartbeat.
4. Blueness of the skin.

If your pet does not receive medical attention at this stage, he may develop hypovolemic shock. This condition is characterized by a decrease in the volume of blood circulating throughout the body. It worsens the symptoms of bloating and many other pathologies that previously could have been asymptomatic in the pet. Ignoring this condition by the owner can lead to severe complications and death. Death in the presented case can be caused by shock to vital organs and systems, damage to the heart and brain.

The main symptoms of bloat in a dog

The pathological condition begins suddenly, causing pain to the dog, or proceeds unnoticed by it and the owner. Depending on the symptoms accompanying bloating, acute and chronic stages are distinguished.

Chronic form

Most veterinarians agree that pets’ digestion is disrupted when dry food is incorrectly selected or the dog eats from the common table. It is because of an unbalanced diet that chronic bloating develops. The animal is practically not worried and behaves as usual. But if measures are not taken, such a condition is fraught with malfunctions of the pancreas and liver.

Acute form

There are times when a dog’s health deteriorates sharply. Suddenly her stomach swells, she begins to whine, and becomes overly anxious. The pet can tuck its back paw if it really hurts.

Other symptoms observed:

• The dog is bothered by belching and hiccups.
• Vomiting begins with foam and an unpleasant odor.
• Diarrhea appears. In any case, the number of bowel movements increases and mucus and sometimes blood are noticeable in the stool.
• Appetite decreases or disappears completely.
• The mucous membranes acquire a bluish tint.
• Breathing changes, sometimes shortness of breath occurs.

If a dog's stomach is swollen, then its limbs may fail and its eyes may bulge. Don't wait until all the warning signs appear. If you observe at least one additional sign, if the stomach begins to swell, you need to go to the veterinary clinic. This condition can cause gastric volvulus. In rare cases, its wall ruptures. If you do not provide help to your pet in a timely manner, it may die.

The dog will be accurately diagnosed after examination. You will need to take an x-ray of the abdominal cavity, take stool and blood for analysis.

Diagnostics

How to understand why a dog's stomach is swollen? If the owner regularly carries out deworming, the animal is sterilized or is regularly taken for mating, then at least 2 reasons can be excluded. Symptoms of normal bloating during flatulence are as follows:

• swollen belly, taut like a drum;
• the dog whines, moans, is restless, does not find a place;
• the urge to vomit after 5-30 minutes, sometimes looking like a frequent cough;
• weakness, shortness of breath;
• cardiopalmus;
• frequent attempts to defecate, but without success;
• attempts to eat pebbles and hard objects.

The listed external signs can be symptoms of many diseases. The swelling may go away naturally, but if the situation does not improve, you should urgently take the dog to the doctor. The stomach, stretching, displaces the ligaments that attach the internal organs. With sudden movements: jumping from the sofa, running, a displacement of the intestines and stomach can occur, which is fraught with serious consequences. Pyometra can also be diagnosed by examining the genitals. It is not possible to independently determine ascites and peritonitis at home. If the animal looks depressed, lies around a lot, loses interest in food, vomits, and at the same time has an enlarged peritoneum, you should immediately take it to a veterinary clinic for examination to reduce the risk of death.

When should you take it to the vet?

If the symptoms listed above worsen, you should immediately go to the doctor. At the same time, the dog may whine, the belly will be large, and saliva will flow out profusely. If the urge to vomit appears and the paws are tense, try giving the animal Rehydron to drink or just let it vomit several times. It happens that the pet becomes noticeably better. If vomiting appears frequently during the day, and the vomit is greenish or yellow in color, with a pungent odor, run to the vet!

It is strictly forbidden to neglect the problem and leave your pet with a bloated belly for more than a day. The swelling can displace the ligaments that secure the internal organs, and one careless movement is enough for a bloat to occur.

Treatments for bloating

There is no universal way to treat bloating; any veterinarian prescribes a series of tests for the animal before starting to act. The only thing that precedes a dog's examination is surgery to clean out the abdominal cavity.

Passing the operation

In general terms, a surgical intervention to cleanse a dog’s stomach of excess fluid includes several main steps:

• the animal is given intravenous anesthesia;
• the surgeon opens the abdominal cavity and inserts a special probe to pump out the exudate;
• after removing excess fluid, the surgeon performs gastropexy, that is, attaches the stomach to the peritoneal wall or to the diaphragm to avoid relapses;
• Next, the abdominal cavity is sutured, and the animal is given a drip so that it recovers faster after the operation.

The operation allows you to remove fluid from the abdominal cavity and secure the stomach to avoid relapses

Dog's diet after surgery

After the operation, the pet is prescribed a special diet designed to prevent possible deterioration of the condition:

• Feeding only ground food is allowed. In the first days, the dog eats mostly boiled rice, gradually adding small amounts of ground meat;
• Portions must be strictly dosed. At one time, the dog should consume no more than 120 milliliters of these products, and the animal should be fed every hour;
• any fermented milk or dairy products, despite their lightness and usefulness, should be completely excluded from the diet during recovery.

Cooked rice is the best food for a dog recovering from surgery.

Treatment of helminthic infestation

The treatment for this disease, as you might guess, consists of undergoing deworming, which the dog owner forgot about before. However, before giving your pet a certain anthelmintic drug, you need to consult a veterinarian, since not every medication may be suitable for your pet.

There are different types of worms, and therefore different types of treatment. If you choose the wrong remedy, you risk only aggravating the animal’s condition. To avoid such negative consequences, the veterinarian must prescribe a stool test for the dog.

Drugs that have shown their effectiveness on adults are listed in the table below.

Table. Anthelmintic drugs for dogs

Drug Dosage

The release form of anthelmintics is different. There are preparations in the form of suspensions (often intended for puppies), in the form of tablets, drops that are applied to the dog’s withers, and so on. All anthelmintics require an individual dose calculation based on the animal’s body weight.

Treatment of pyometra

Treatment methods for pyometra again depend on its form. Closed pyometra involves surgery to remove the uterus and ovaries. This method is considered radical, but the only one that allows you to save the dog’s life. Treatment of the open form of pyometra is carried out conservatively and includes the use of antibiotics, hormonal drugs and other medications that the veterinarian will prescribe after a detailed examination of the animal.

To prevent this serious disease, owners are advised to periodically check the hormone levels of their pets (especially if we are talking about mature animals). When elevated progesterone levels are already known, the veterinarian prescribes special medications to reduce it.

Treatment of peritonitis

Regardless of what causes the peritonitis, the first thing the veterinarian does is remove excess fluid from the peritoneum and put the dog on a starvation diet so as not to provoke a relapse. If peritonitis was preceded by perforation of the intestine or stomach, then the pet must undergo a laparotomy.

After surgery, dogs are prescribed a course of antibiotics.

Does postoperative treatment include the use of antibiotics to prevent the occurrence of foci of infection in a weakened body? and painkillers, allowing the dog to recover from attacks of pain. In addition to these drugs? drugs that improve heart function and other general health-improving medications are often prescribed.

Treatment of ascites

Since abdominal dropsy is a consequence of other serious disorders in the animal’s body, any treatment must begin with a thorough diagnosis. Of course, even before the examination begins, it is necessary to remove all excess fluid from the pet’s abdominal cavity to give him the opportunity to recover. It should be noted that a single removal of liquid in itself is completely useless. In the absence of comprehensive treatment, previous pathologies will again make themselves felt and again lead to ascites, which will be even more difficult to experience.

In most cases, one of the following drugs is prescribed for ascites:

• "Veroshpiron";
• "Furosemide";
• "Temisal";
• "Eufillin."

All of the medications listed are diuretics and promote the rapid removal of excess fluid from the body. It is necessary to give your dog such medications strictly in the prescribed doses, otherwise the animal’s electrolyte balance may be disrupted, as a result of which the pet will lose a large amount of useful substances.

Prevention

If your pet is prone to bloating and other stomach problems, you need to provide him with the right lifestyle. Adhere to the following rules:

1. Walk your dog at least once a day.
2. If you have already had problems with bloating, purchase medications for gas formation and those medications prescribed by your veterinarian. Always have them on hand.
3. Do not overfeed your dog, even if it begs for it. An adult dog needs 3 meals a day, a puppy – 4-5.
4. Feed your dog after a walk.
5. To prevent air from entering the stomach, do not give the animal water immediately after a walk. The dog should also not consume liquid before eating.
6. Include about 30% meat and other foods containing fiber in your natural diet.
7. Purchase special herbs intended for dogs at a pet store.
8. Choose food that contains a minimum amount of grains and carbohydrates.
9. If you are switching your dog from one food to another, do it gradually.
10. Allow the animal to eat food slowly and calmly.
11. Keep your pet away from all situations that may cause stress.

Digestive problems

Pancreatic insufficiency leads to problems with the production of important enzymes that help digest incoming food. This particularly affects the digestion of proteins and the synthesis of enzymes that break down carbohydrates. As a result of such deficiency, digestion does not occur fully. Such disorders are typical for inflammation of the pancreas, diabetes mellitus and other lesions.

Difficulties with the functioning of the liver lead to changes in the amount of bile and its constituent components. As a result, the stomach suffers and the absorption of components worsens. The substances remaining in the intestines begin to ferment and produce gas.

Dysbacteriosis is described by a violation of the composition of microorganisms in the intestines. This impairs the digestion of fiber and carbohydrates by microorganisms. With dysbacteriosis, a large amount of toxins and gases accumulate in the body.

Intestinal disease is characterized by dysbiosis and problems with the absorption of components. Against the background of digestive disorders, the process of carbohydrate absorption also worsens.

How to properly feed a dog after bloating?

During the first 12 hours after fixing a dangerous condition, you should not give your pet food. After this, you can switch him to a light diet food. The pet owner should adhere to the following general rules:

1. Completely exclude fermented milk products from the menu until the animal fully recovers. The fact is that they can easily provoke repeated bloating, which will not be easy to eliminate. Such food is especially dangerous for animals that have recently undergone surgery.
2. Strictly follow the recommended serving size for your pet. You need to feed him every hour. As you recover, the intervals between meals can be increased. This issue should be supervised by a veterinarian.
3. Give your pet finely chopped food. In the first days of treatment, the basis of the diet can be boiled rice with a small addition of meat. Gradually, other products can be introduced into the menu. This diet is suitable for pets who have recently undergone surgery.
4. If possible, it is better to switch your dog to ready-made premium food that does not contain prohibited products and still contains many nutrients. After your pet has fully recovered, you can easily switch him to a regular formula or natural food.

Since bloating can be associated with various dangerous pathologies, it is recommended that a veterinarian select food for a sick pet. He must do this taking into account the characteristics of the breed, existing diseases, age and weight of the dog. In this case, the doctor’s recommendations must be strictly followed.

Breeds at high risk

The kitten has a big belly: causes of bloating and what to do

More often, increased accumulation of gases is diagnosed in large and medium-sized dogs with a wide chest. Flatulence is typical for breeds:

• Great Dane.
• Poodle.
• German Shepherd.
• Doberman.
• Saint Bernard
• Bobtail.

Note! Digestive disorders are common in older dogs. This is due to exacerbation of chronic diseases, weakened immunity and a sedentary lifestyle.