What should I do if my dog's stomach is very big and swollen?

A dog's big and swollen stomach may be caused by excessive food intake, ascites, gastric torsion, indigestion, or parasite infection. If your dog is recently fed and in a state of satiety, its stomach is usually enlarged and swollen. This is a normal situation and the dog will usually show a satisfied state. However, if this has affected your dog's appetite and spirit, it's time to take it to the pet hospital for a checkup to determine the exact cause of the problem and treat it accordingly.

1. Excessive food intake

If a dog eats too much food, its gastrointestinal tract will not be able to digest and move the food, causing it to accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby leading to a big and swollen stomach. In this case, it is recommended to let the dog engage in moderate exercise and give it probiotics to regulate its gastrointestinal tract.

1. Ascites

A dog with ascites will also have a big and swollen stomach, and pressing on the abdomen will produce a wave-like sensation or a feeling like hitting a balloon. To determine if it is a gas-filled expansion or a fluid-filled swelling, consult a veterinarian and send the dog to a pet hospital for examination and treatment.

1. Gastric torsion

When a dog has gastric torsion, it will accumulate a large amount of gas in the stomach, causing it to swell. It will also show symptoms such as shortness of breath, lethargy, and weakness. For example, breeds like Labradors or Bulldogs may experience gastric torsion after eating a large meal and engaging in extensive exercise. Gastric torsion is a serious condition that requires immediate surgical treatment. If the dog is not sent to the hospital in time, it may die due to inability to withstand the pain.

1. Indigestion

If a dog eats a lot of foods that are prone to bloating, such as beans or pastries, it will cause gas to accumulate in its abdomen and gastrointestinal tract, leading to a big and swollen stomach. In this case, the owner needs to adjust the dog's diet and feed it with pet-specific probiotics to promote digestion. Gradually, the dog's stomach will return to normal.

1. Parasite infection

Parasites can also cause a dog's stomach to become big and swollen. If the owner has not given the dog a deworming treatment for a long time, they should suspect parasite infection. If the dog is indeed infected with parasites, it needs to be dewormed.