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My dog ate too much food, now bloated. Should I call the vet?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 9 months old | 64 lbs
Hi, I have 3 german shepherds (2 are 4 months, and 1 about 16 months) i woke up today found their food bag opened on the floor and they have ate too much, they have been sleeping most of the day which isn't normal, bloated abdomen and they refused 2 of their regularly timed meals and they ate the third meal, should i be concerned?
1 Answer
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Rosemary Barber, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 24th, 2017
Hello! This is what we call "food bloat" which happens when dogs manage to eat a massive amount of food! Their stomachs stretch with the huge amount of food, causing the bloated bellies.
When people bring these pets to me, we usually recommend putting them on IV fluids until the bloating resolves, and not feeding at all. Their stomachs could potentially rupture, when the kibbles swell, and mix with water.
So, at this point, I wouldn't suggest feeding them.
Ideally they should be checked by their vet, to see if they are okay recovering at home, or whether they need treatment at the clinic.
When people bring these pets to me, we usually recommend putting them on IV fluids until the bloating resolves, and not feeding at all. Their stomachs could potentially rupture, when the kibbles swell, and mix with water.
So, at this point, I wouldn't suggest feeding them.
Ideally they should be checked by their vet, to see if they are okay recovering at home, or whether they need treatment at the clinic.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful