What are the reasons for a dog's big belly?

A dog's big belly may be caused by indigestion, ascites, pregnancy, or infection with parasites. First, if a dog eats too much at once, a large amount of food entering the gastrointestinal tract can cause abdominal swelling. Secondly, if touching the dog's belly feels like there is water inside, it could be ascites, and it is necessary to go to the pet hospital to extract the fluid and treat it. Furthermore, if the dog has recently mated, pregnancy should be considered. Lastly, if the dog has a big belly but a thin body, it might be infected with parasites, and deworming is necessary.

Indigestion

Dogs usually eat fast, so if the owner gives the dog too much food, it can cause a large accumulation of food in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to a swollen belly. This is a normal phenomenon. As long as the dog doesn't show any abnormalities such as vomiting or diarrhea, there is no need to worry. The owner can give the dog some probiotics to promote digestion and feed the dog on a regular schedule.

Ascites

A dog with ascites will also have a big belly and a fluctuating sensation on palpation. Therefore, the owner can gently tap the dog's belly. If there is a fluctuating sensation or a feeling like hitting a water balloon, the owner should suspect whether the dog's abdomen is full of gas or water. In this case, it is recommended to consult a pet doctor for an abdominal ultrasound and DR examination to determine the cause of ascites and treat it.

Pregnancy

If a dog has recently mated, it will have a larger abdomen in the late stages of pregnancy, and the dog's appetite will increase. At this time, it is recommended to take the dog to the pet hospital for an ultrasound examination to determine if there are offspring in the dog's body.

Parasite infection

If a dog has a large belly but a thin body, it might be infected with parasites. Because parasites breed extensively in the gastrointestinal tract, it can cause the belly to swell. There may also be vomiting and diarrhea, and even visible worms in the vomit or feces. This indicates that the dog's parasite infection is severe and requires immediate consultation with a pet doctor. The appropriate deworming medication should be chosen to treat the dog.