My dog has a bloated belly and is retching. Should I go to the vet?

These signs may be compatible with a bloat and gastric torsion, even though now there are none showing (they can restart again). I would recommend an immediate check up as this disease represents an emergency and can lead to fatal consequences.

Hi, if the retching has ceased after those 10 seconds and after Piper brought up that little bit of bile I would not worry about a possible Bloat/GDV. With bloat and gastric torsion, normally they are unable to settle, pacing around distressed and on and off retching unproductively. They are salivating, and looking very distressed. As time goes by, the tummy becomes swollen but this is not always visible until things have progressed quite a bit. Hope this helps ! I would wait and keep an eye on her, if she vomits/ retches again within the next hour, have her checked over so she could have some medications to help her and make her feel better ! If she should look distressed, panting, and pacing I would have her checked over right away.

If the signs are not persistent and are gradually resolving, there is no need for a veterinary consultation at this stage. Continue with the same diet in small portions for the next 48 hours. I would definitively recommend a veterinary check up if the signs persist or you notice diarrhoea, vomiting, lethargy or inappetence.

If there is any abdominal enlargement or pain he needs to be assessed by a vet as an emergency - non-productive/white foamy vomit is very concerning in a dog which is eating as it can indicate an obstruction. A pancreatitis blood test may also be required depending on the results of the physical exam

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The symptoms you are describing sound like an emergency. The description of heavy breathing, retching, and contracting abdomen sound like the symptoms of a gastric dilatation/volvulus, or bloat. This happens when the stomach is filled with air and can even twist on itself and is more common in large breed dogs. The condition is extremely uncomfortable, and requires immediate stabilization and possibly surgery. This can be life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary care, especially if there is torsion. I recommend getting your dog to the vet as soon as possible. There are 24-hour emergency clinics in most cities that are open overnight and will be able to stabilize your dog.

I personally would return for an x-ray and/or ultrasound. Bloating like that is not normal. I'm glad it is not a GDV but there could be an abdominal mass or an enlarged organ (spleen, liver) that may be pushing the side of the abdomen out. They are often not overly ill with an abdominal mass unless it gets to the point of pushing on the stomach or colon causing discomfort and pain. It is better to be safe than sorry. If this was just gas it should have subsided by now on it's own. If you don't want to take him back that is completely up to you. All you can do then is just monitor him for any worsening signs.

The jerky could certainly have upset her stomach. Generally, it's ok to wait for 24 hours before going in, so if she's resting normally, moving around, and eating/drinking I think it's ok to wait until tomorrow and then go to the vet for an x-ray, maybe bloodwork, and supportive care.