Dog swollen belly – when should I see a vet?
See a vet nowThis can be an emergency – contact your vet or the nearest emergency vet right now. Bloat is often caused by the life-threatening condition called GDV.
Contact a vet if you see any of this
- A swollen belly (bloat)
- Trying to be sick
What you can do now
- Contact your vet.
- Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see.
- Take a photo or short video to show the vet.
- Let your dog rest somewhere calm.
Don't
- Do not give any human medicine.
- Do not wait if it gets worse.
What it can mean
A swollen belly, also called bloat, is a medical emergency.[1] Bloat is often caused by the life-threatening condition called GDV.[1]
Possible causes
What the experts say
“Bloat (a swollen belly) is a medical emergency that is often caused by life threatening condition called GDV.”
Not sure how serious it is?
OkPaw asks a few quick questions about your pet and tells you in 30 seconds whether it can wait. Free on Google Play for Android.
OkPaw is on Android now – an iPhone version is on its way.
Common questions
What can a swollen belly mean?
It can be bloat, which is a medical emergency and is often caused by the life-threatening condition called GDV.[1]
When should I contact a vet?
Contact your vet immediately if your dog has developed bloat, especially if they are also trying to be sick.[1]
Is bloat serious?
Yes. Bloat is a medical emergency.[1]
Sources
How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages
Tear Staining
Vomiting
Bad Breath
Blindness