What's the cause of a dog's hard belly?

A dog's hard belly may be due to constipation, indigestion, eating foreign objects, gas, ascites, or tumors. As there are many causes for a dog's hard belly, it is recommended that owners consult a pet doctor first to identify the cause and then treat the symptom accordingly. However, if the dog's hard belly is accompanied by symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy, and difficulty breathing, it is likely due to ascites or tumors, and the dog should be taken to a pet hospital for inspection and treatment immediately to avoid worsening the condition.

1. Constipation

When a dog is constipated, feces accumulate in the intestines, making the belly hard. At this time, owners should encourage the dog to drink more water or use enemas to help with elimination, preventing liver and kidney damage.

1. Indigestion

Dogs don't know when they're full, so they'll keep eating even after they're full, especially if they're eating their favorite foods. Eating too much can lead to indigestion, causing a buildup of food in the stomach and making the belly hard. In this case, owners should help the dog exercise more or feed probiotics to regulate the gut. Additionally, feed the dog on a regular schedule to avoid overeating.

1. Eating foreign objects

If a dog accidentally eats foreign objects, such as plastic, stones, or toys, it can lead to a hard belly. Owners should take the dog to a pet hospital for an X-ray to check the size of the object. If the object is not too large, give the dog medication to promote elimination, which should help it pass the object along with stool. If the object is large, surgery may be necessary to remove it.

1. Gas

When a dog's intestines twist, become blocked, or eat foods that are easy to produce gas, gas accumulates in the gut and stomach. This can cause the dog to bloat, making its belly hard. To address this, owners should first restrict the dog's diet, feed probiotics or digestive enzymes, and gently massage the dog's abdomen to help it expel gas. Additionally, avoid feeding the dog foods that are prone to causing gas, such as beans and snacks, and maintain a regular feeding schedule. After meals, take the dog for appropriate exercise.

1. Ascites or tumors

A dog with a hard belly may have a serious condition such as ascites or tumors. However, a dog's belly will not become hard all at once but will gradually become larger and harder. If this is the cause of the dog's hard belly, take it to a pet hospital for treatment promptly to prevent the condition from worsening.