Why Does My Dog Have a Hard, Swollen Stomach? Bloat and Other Causes Explained
- Dr. Benjamin Harries
- Apr 5
- 6 min read
An ordinary petting or belly rub session with your pup makes you notice his belly feels hard. He ate and pooped normally, so he’s probably fine, right? Unfortunately, no.
A hard stomach should be regarded as a medical emergency and something you need to see a vet for ASAP, even if your pet appears to be behaving normally otherwise. A dog’s stomach should feel soft, even if your pet has gained weight. A hard, distended, or swollen stomach is often an indicator of bloat or Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening condition for your pup.
What is Bloat or GDV?
Bloat or Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) occurs when gas, fluid, or food becomes trapped in the stomach (Gastric), expanding it (Dilation) and often twisting it (Volvulus). As the stomach expands, it can put pressure on vital organs, decreasing blood flow to them.
Additionally, this distention can cause the stomach to twist or flip, which can completely obstruct the blood supply to the stomach and major organs found in the lower half of your dog’s body - a life or death emergency. This is why a hard or swollen belly should always be regarded as a veterinary emergency.
Other symptoms that can occur with GDV include:
Restlessness or pacing (often an indicator of pain or distress)
Abdominal sensitivity (along with abdominal hardness, pet may tense stomach muscles or pull away)
Vomiting, dry-heaving
Drooling
Panting, trouble breathing (bloated stomach puts pressure on the diaphragm)
Weakness, collapse
How Do Vets Diagnose Bloat? (GDV)
Once you bring your pet in, one of our vets will perform a physical exam of your dog and ask you some general questions (“When did you notice the hard or swollen stomach?” “Did your dog eat or drink quickly right before?” etc.).
We’ll perform x-rays to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the bloat, as well as whether or not twisting (volvulus) occurred.
Our vets will do blood tests to determine your pup’s overall health as well as organ function or dehydration.
How is Bloat/GDV Treated?
The first step in treating a dog with bloat is stabilization. We’ll administer an IV to help combat shock, and improve circulation, and proper hydration. Pain meds may be given if needed.
We may insert a tube or needle into the stomach to relieve some of the built-up gas or air. This not only will help your pet feel more comfortable, but also relieve some of the pressure on surrounding organs and large veins.
Once your dog is stable, surgery is performed to reposition the stomach properly and remove any damaged stomach tissue.
A gastropexy is performed to prevent GDV from occurring again. This is where we attach the stomach to the inner wall of the abdomen to keep the stomach stable.
After surgery, your dog is monitored for any complications while receiving IV fluids, pain meds and antibiotics. You’ll be given instructions for follow-up care and any special additional treatment plans.
What Causes Bloat/GDV?
While a definitive cause of bloat or GDV has yet to be determined, there are factors that seem to be more prevalent in dogs diagnosed with GDV:
Large (over 99 lbs.), deep-chested male dogs seem to be at highest risk for GDV, but female dogs are not exempt from this condition.
Susceptible breeds include St. Bernards, Great Danes, Irish Setters, Dobermans, Sheepdogs and Weimaraners, but any dog can have GDV.
Middle age seems to be a more common time for large dogs to get bloat, while old age is more common for smaller dogs. The ages between 7-12 are when dogs are at greatest risk.
Recent studies have shown that anxious or “hyper” dogs may be more susceptible to GDV than calmer pups.
Illnesses that slow intestinal motility may also increase bloat risk. (Diabetes, thyroid disease, and even some medications).
Some studies have pointed to genetic predisposition for GDV. A dog whose parent or sibling experienced bloat is at higher risk.
Can Bloat Be Prevented?
While there’s no foolproof way to prevent bloat/GDV, there are steps you can take to help reduce your dog’s risk:
Avoid feeding one large meal per day. Aim for several smaller meals throughout the day or at least 2 meals (morning and evening).
If you feed your dog dry kibble, include some canned food or wet food topper for easier digestibility.
Keep your dog from strenuous exercise or play right after eating.
Don’t let your dog drink large amounts of water at one time or gulp down their food. Avoid letting your dog get too thirsty on hikes by providing bits of water throughout your walk. Invest in slow feeder bowls if you have an over-enthusiastic eater.
Avoid elevated feeding stations for your dog, unless your vet recommends this for other medical reasons.
If you have a large breed dog, talk to your vet about preventative gastropexy. It’s estimated that about 20% of dogs over 100 lbs. experience bloat, so it’s something to consider.
3 Top Reasons Why Dogs Get Hard, Swollen Stomachs Other Than Bloat
There are a number of reasons why a dog can get a swollen abdomen, and some are more serious than others.
Peritonitis Can Cause Dog's Stomach to Swell
Another condition that can cause your dog’s stomach to feel hard to the touch and swell is peritonitis. It’s quite serious because it occurs when the dog’s stomach or intestines have ruptured.
Usually this happens because of ulcers, tumors, or bone splinters. Urinary bladder or gallbladder ruptures can also cause peritonitis. This condition is extremely painful for your pet so along with a hard, distended belly, you may see your pet pant or shake or notice your dog may be unwilling to move.
It’s very easy for your dog to go into shock with peritonitis, so make sure to get him straight to a vet for treatment. The vet will need to repair the puncture, remove infected fluids, and flush out the abdomen. IV fluids and antibiotics may be administered as well. The sooner he is taken to the vet, the better.
Cushing’s Syndrome Can Cause Stomach Swelling in Dogs
A second common cause of stomach swelling in dogs is hyperadrenocorticism, or Cushing’s syndrome. If your dog has Cushing’s, he will have a pot-bellied look along with increased hunger, thirst, and urination. Some dogs will also start to lose hair or show an increase in panting.
The cause of Cushing’s is usually the pituitary gland overproducing a hormone, but it can also be due to a tumor in an adrenal gland. If the reason is a tumor, it can be removed via surgery. There is also medication that can be taken to treat Cushing’s.
Ascites Can Show as Dog's Swelling of Stomach
Ascites is another reason your dog’s stomach may appear swollen and feel hard. Ascites refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, which in turn, causes swelling. There are many reasons why your dog may experience ascites, including:
heart failure
liver disease
kidney disease
intestinal diseases
New pup to your home? New dog, new learnings: puppies can get ascites from various infectious diseases.
See a VEG ER Vet Immediately if Your Dog's Stomach is Hard or Swollen
Because of the seriousness of the diseases and conditions mentioned above, there is no time to waste in getting your dog a proper diagnosis and immediate treatment.
Quick action can be a matter of life and death. It’s important to regularly examine your dog to make sure that you don’t notice anything out of the ordinary. By keeping a watchful eye, you can be responsive to the conditions noted and protect your pup from further complications.
Our Emergency Veterinarians are Available 7 Days a Week to Help Care for Your Dog in Any Medical Crisis.
At all of our VEG locations, vets experienced in emergency care will work to provide you with an accurate diagnosis of your dog’s condition and determine the best course of action to treat your pet.
