Sometimes we can worry when we observe that our dog has a swollen and hard belly Generally, the causes of this distention vary depending on whether we are dealing with a puppy or if, on the contrary, it is an adult dog. In any case, knowing what can cause this inflammation will help us determine when it is urgent to consult our veterinarian. In this article on our site we will review the most common reasons for canine abdominal swelling
My puppy has a swollen and hard belly
If we adopt a puppy from a shelter, it is most likely that we will receive it suitably dewormed and vaccinated, with more than eight weeks of age and its corresponding veterinary passport in order. On the other hand, if our puppy arrives through other routes, it is not uncommon for us to observe an abnormally large, swollen and hard belly. The most common cause is an infestation by intestinal parasites Puppies can contract parasites in utero, through parasitized milk or by ingesting the eggs. For this reason, it is essential to deworm from the puppy's fifteen days of life. In this sense, establishing a deworming schedule is essential to avoid future infestations.
How to eliminate intestinal parasites in puppies
It is normal for puppies to be parasitized by nematodes, but the presence of other parasites cannot be ruled out, so it is advisable to follow the recommendations and guidelines of the veterinarian. In general, the internal deworming, in syrup, paste or pills, is usually repeated every fifteen days until the first vaccines are finished, at which point it is administered every 3-4 months throughout the life of the animal, even if our dog does not have a swollen and hard belly.
Although deworming is administered routinely, it is important to observe the state of the puppy before giving him any product, since it can be counterproductive to deworm a sick puppy, stressed or with diarrhea whose origin is not the parasite itself. In these cases, it is a priority to restore the dog's well-being first. Parasites seem to be a common and mild condition, but serious Untreated infestations are life-threatening
Swollen and hard belly in the adult dog due to stomach torsion/dilation
In an adult dog, on the other hand, the abdominal swelling will have a different origin, since it may indicate the presence of a serious pathology known as torsion/dilation of the stomach This condition is life-threatening and requires prompt veterinary intervention. It is an emergency. It comprises two different processes:
- The first is the dilation of the stomach due to the presence of gas and liquid.
- The second is torsion or volvulus, a process in which the stomach, previously distended, rotates on its axis. The spleen, attached to the stomach, also ruptures.
If our dog has a swollen and hard stomach, it is very likely that we are dealing with stomach torsion or dilation. In this situation, neither gas nor liquid can leave the stomach. The dog, therefore, will not be able to burp or vomit, and this accumulation of gases and liquids is what distends the stomach. Blood circulation is also affected, so that necrosis (death) of the stomach wall can occur. This condition can be aggravated by gastric perforation, peritonitis, circulatory shock, etc., which is what ends up causing the death of the animal, hence the importance of a early veterinary intervention if we observe that our dog has a swollen and hard belly.
Who is affected by torsion/dilation in dogs and how?
This pathology occurs more frequently in middle-aged and geriatric dogs, generally of breeds large with a broad chest, as they have a greater anatomical propensity. They are breeds as well known as the German Shepherd, the Boxer or the Labrador.
It is a condition that comes on suddenly and is usually related to eating a large meal, vigorous exercise done just before or just after eating, or drinking a large amount of water immediately after a meal. Typical symptoms would be:
- Restlessness, nervousness, upset.
- Nausea, with unsuccessful attempts to vomit.
- Distention of the abdomen, that is, a swollen and hard belly.
- There may also be pain when touching the belly.
It is essential to go to the vet now if the dog has a swollen and hard abdomen. He will be the one who determines if our dog's swollen belly corresponds to a dilation or torsion has already occurred. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment is proceeded. The torsion will require surgery once the dog is stabilized. Your prognosis and the type of intervention will depend on what is affected when you open.
How to prevent stomach torsion/dilation in dogs?
Torsion/dilation can be a recurring process, that is, it can happen to the dog several times, so it is important to follow a series of measures:
- Divide the daily food ration into portions.
- Restrict access to water a few hours before and after meals.
- Prevent ingestion followed by large amounts of water.
- Do not exercise vigorously on a full stomach.
And, above all, go to the veterinary clinic at the slightest suspicion of torsion/dilation.
My dog has a swollen belly and is listless - Other causes
Although the torsion/dilation of the stomach is the most frequent cause that explains why a dog has a swollen belly, the truth is that it is not the only one that can produce this enlargement of the abdominal area. Thus, we distinguish the following problems as the most common in adult dogs:
Your dog's belly is swollen and hard due to gas
Yes, dogs can also suffer from gas, with the main symptom being a swollen and hard belly. There are several reasons for this problem, being poor quality food, sudden change of diet, swallowing food very quickly or without chewing or a poor digestion the most common. However, diseases, parasites and the aforementioned torsion/dilation of the stomach can also cause gas, so a visit to the vet is more than recommended.
Why does your dog have a swollen belly and vomit?
That a dog has a swollen belly and vomits is synonymous that something is wrong. These symptoms are often associated with the presence of intestinal parasites, such as tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, or whipworms. Despite being more common in puppies, adult dogs can also suffer from these infestations, especially if they are not dewormed.
These parasites, in addition to the symptoms mentioned, can cause the dog to have a swollen belly and diarrhoea, blood in the stool, general weakness, anemia and/or weight loss.
Why does your dog have a swollen and soft belly?
Another cause that can explain why a dog has a swollen belly is intestinal obstruction, which can develop for multiple reasons. reasons. Among the most common, the following stand out:
- Tumors.
- Hernias.
- Strange bodies.
- Stenosis.
This is a serious situation and therefore a veterinary emergency. The obstruction can be partial or total, and only a specialist can diagnose and treat it.
What to do if your dog has a swollen belly?
Because most of the causes are serious, it is necessary to go to the vet as soon as possible, since if not If the problem that is causing this abdominal enlargement is treated, the animal could even die.
Depending on the cause, the treatment for your dog's hard and swollen belly will vary, since treating a torsion of the stomach is not the same as treating a gas problem due to poor nutrition. In this sense, in addition to visiting the vet, it is important to review the diet that the animal follows to ensure that it is the most appropriate. If the feed we give our dog is of low quality, for example, it is possible that this is the reason for the bloating, which would be solved by adapting the diet. Likewise, check if it has been dewormed is another measure we must take. However, we insist, due to the severity of the options, going to a specialist is the most recommended.
