My dog was so skinny with a bloated belly. This gave me so much concern. As a pet owner, you always worry about your furry friend’s health and well-being.

 

One issue that dogs often experience is a bloated belly. A bloated belly in dogs is not just about looks; it can signal serious health issues.

Several factors can cause a bloated belly in dogs, so it’s important to recognize the symptoms and take action to find the underlying problem.

 

 In this article, we will discuss the reasons for a bloated belly in dogs, the symptoms to watch for, and how you can help your furry friend.

 

BLOATED BELLY IN DOGS?

One major reason why a dog’s belly might swell up is because of a problem called ascites, which means there is too much fluid in the dog’s belly.

 

Normally, there should only be a small amount of fluid in a dog’s belly to help their organs move smoothly. In a healthy dog, there shouldn’t be enough fluid to show up on an x-ray.

 

If there is free fluid seen in imaging, it means there is a serious health issue. Ascites can be a sign of different conditions like liver and heart disease, particularly congestive heart failure (CHF).

Humans Verses Dogs

In this section, we provided a comparative analysis between a man and a dog.

 

When someone has congestive heart failure, their heart is not able to pump enough blood, leading to fluid buildup in tissues in the lungs and abdomen. The dog’s outlook will vary depending on what is causing the swelling or ascites.

 

Abdominal distension can also be caused by blood pooling in the abdomen. This may happen if there is a rupture of a splenic tumor, a coagulation problem, or a trauma.

 

A condition known as rapid-pooling gas, or “bloat,” can lead to a swollen abdomen in dogs. Unlike feeling full after eating, bloat in dogs causes the abdomen to become extremely swollen and tight.

 

 The abdomen may appear uneven, with one part sticking out more than the others. If you notice your dog looking bloated, it is crucial to seek veterinary care right away as this is a serious situation.

 

There are other reasons why a dog may have a swollen belly, such as being pregnant. You can tell if a dog is pregnant by looking for swollen mammary glands and teats. Another reason could be obesity. If a dog is obese, their stomach will feel soft, and you will see fat in other parts of the body, not just in the belly.

Cushing Disease

 

Certain medical conditions, like Cushing’s disease, can lead to abdominal swelling by weakening the abdominal muscles and enlarging the liver.

 

Tumours growing in the abdomen will inevitably result in some visible swelling once they reach a certain size.

 

Puppies that are bloated are commonly infested with parasites (intestinal worms).

 

In canines, a distended abdomen may signify a disease or dysfunction related to a major organ such as the heart, or another condition such as pregnancy or obesity.

 

Symptoms of Distended Abdomen in Dogs

Clinical signs associated with bloated abdomen in dogs include:

• Visibly distended abdomen

• Lethargy

• Weakness

• Signs of discomfort when touched

• Difficulty breathing

• Coughing

• Lack of appetite

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Urinary changes

• Exercise intolerance

• Panting

• Pale gums

 

Causes of Bloated Abdomen in Dogs

• Bloat – A very serious condition in which gas rapidly fills the stomach

• Bleeding -An emergent condition in which blood is pooling in the abdomen

• Free fluid (also called abdominal effusion or ascites) – A serious condition when fluid builds in the abdomen, may signify disease or failure of major organs

• Pregnancy – The female usually presents with a swollen abdomen by 6 weeks of expectancy, and will also have swollen mammary glands

• Obesity – The abdomen should be soft and weight should be distributed around the body

• Growths/tumors – Benign or may signify a disease such as cancer

• Liver disease

• Heart disease

• Uterine infection (Pyometra)

• Hormonal condition i.e. Cushing’s Disease

• Peritonitis – Inflammation of the peritoneum, the tissue that lines the abdominal wall and covers most of the abdominal organs

 

Treatment of Distended Abdomen in Dogs

• Obesity – The veterinarian will advise on a healthy weight loss and maintenance program

• Growths – A tumor may need to be removed

• Bloat – Surgery may be necessary in order to reverse volvulus (twisting of the stomach)

• Fluid – Draining will be required and the underlying cause must be addressed e.g. diuretics can prevent the fluid build up associated with heart disease

If you would like to have more information on these different types of treatment, click here

 

How To Care For Your Skinny Dog With Bloated Belly

• Feed your dog smaller meals multiple times throughout the day

• Check that your dog is eating a well-balanced diet and isn’t ingesting any harmful things.

•  Avoid giving your dog table scraps, especially foods that are high in fat.

• Teach or encourage your dog to drink more water to aid in getting rid of any toxins from their body.

• Avoid giving your dog foods that are known to cause bloating e.g; beans, broccoli, cabbage, and onions.

• Slow down eating; some dogs eat to fast. you can use a special bowl designed to make eating more challenging or you can spread their food out on a flat surface.

• Exercise your dog regularly to help them maintain a healthy weight.

• If your dog has an intestinal obstruction, they may require surgery to remove the blockage. This will help relieve the bloating and other symptoms.

• If your dog has parasites, they will need to be treated with medication. Your vet can prescribe appropriate medication to help get rid of the parasites and reduce the bloating.

 

Final Thoughts

Few days after visiting the vet, my sick dog gradually got better. Today, she runs around playing with her four cute puppies. Apart from routine  check-ups we encourage you to get a pet insurance. Click here to get the list of some amazing pet insurance company