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My dog has a bloated belly, coughs, and heavy breathing. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Male | neutered | 14 years and 8 months old | 20 lbs

A bout 3weeks ago my dog got a blotted belly was coughing then sounding like he was going to spew at night time then stop that around a week ago yet he still looks bloted i dont feed him much but hes just not happy i can see it in his eyes his breathing is abit deeper than usual i just went to put him on his bean bag bed he looks like hed rather lay on the ground

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on July 30th, 2017

I am very sorry to hear that you are having these concerning issues with Mambo. From the clinical signs you are describing; distended abodmen, coughing, changes to breathing patterns and lethargy I would be concerned about a potential heart condition. Heart disease can cause the heart to stop pumping blood around the body effectively. This then causes fluids to accumulate in the tissues such as the lungs and the abdomen. This could explain the bloated abdomen and the coughing.

I would advise taking Mambo into the veterinarian as soon as you can. Fluid on the lungs can be a life threatening emergency. A veterinarian would be able to listen to Mambo's heart and lunch sounds during an examination and tell you if there is fluid build-up or a heart problem.

I hope that is a helpful answer and that Mambo receives the medical care he needs soon. Sending my absolute best wishes to you both.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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