Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My cocker spaniel has a bloated stomach and pale gums. Is it serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | English Cocker Spaniel | Male | 11 years and 8 months old | 33 lbs

my cocker spaniel has had two bouts of some sort of infection where their scabs around his eyes his nose and the bottom of his muzzle and prednisone clear that up both times but this last time he still has the bloated stomach for the last 2 weeks but today I noticed he has the gums and the pink of his eyes they aren't red like they're supposed to be there pink and he still has the bloated stomach could you please help and thank you God bless

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on February 2nd, 2020

That is odd. I recommend to have Hersey examined again by the veterinarian. Without an exam, it's impossible to know if the bloated belly is related to the skin condition or is something else.
Bloated tummies can indicate many things from mild constipation to endocrine disease to fluid in the abdomen (which is bad). He may need an x-ray to figure out what is going on.
The skin lesions could also represent a few things. Allergies or autoimmune conditions typically respond to steroids. A minor ski irritation would also respond. I recommend to ask your veterinarian what they think is going on. An endocrine disease could cause skin lesions but they may or may not clear up with steroids.
Lastly, a change in gum color could indicate a change in the blood pressure, a change in fluid status in the body or even blood loss (if they are pale).
I recommend to have Hershey examined today. The veterinarian may need some diagnostics to figure out what is and is not happening. I hope they figure it out quickly. Please feel free to post any additional questions.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My old dog has a hard, distended stomach and pale gums. What's wrong?

With chido's age and his abdomen being distended, I would be concerned about something going on in his abdomen such as a hemorrhage since his gums are pale. Many times we see this presentation and find that the spleen has multiple tumors and is actively bleeding into the abdominal cavity. There may be something else bleeding or producing fluid in the abdomen as well. I would strongly recommend having him examined by a veterinarian and having x-rays taken of his abdomen to help figure out what is going on. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 12-year-old dog has pale gums, lethargy, and diarrhea. What to do?

Hi. I am very sorry about Holly being so sick. I am very concerned about her pale gum color. She could have a true emergency going on right now - and she should be seen by a veterinarian right away. Pale gums are related to lack of perfusion or anemia (low red blood cell count). Any of the reasons that cause pale gums are a true emergency and she should be examined right away. Very best of luck to you and sweet Holly.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has pale gums, rapid breathing, swollen belly. Is it serious?

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. From the pictures, it does not appear that your dog's gums are pale. Reverse sneezing is OK and can be normal in most pets as long as it is self-limiting. Rapid breathing may indicate that she is trying to pant or cool herself off. If she seems to be exhibiting significant effort to breathe (ie, it looks like she is using her abdomen to help her breathe), this could indicate respiratory disease. I'm not sure what you mean by her stomach being swollen, but if you are worried about potentially fluid in her abdomen, this would be concerning and she should be evaluated by a veterinarian. I would continue to monitor her breathing rate and effort. If at rest she is breathing more than 40 times per minute, or if at anytime it looks like she is using her abdomen to help her breathe, she should see a veterinarian. I hope this is helpful!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has red spots on gums, belly, ear. Is it an emergency?

Oh no. Poor Sawyer. Yes this is considered to potentially be an emergency situation. These red blotchy areas are called petechiae and this could indicate a spontaneous bleeding disorder or platelet malfunction. I would recommend taking Sawyer in to an ER vet to have blood testing done and appropriate treatment depending on blood analysis findings. Hopefully this is just a platelet abnormality and can be treated with steroids and antibiotics. Here is more information for you regarding this condition. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1412 Best of luck with Sawyer.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has pale white gums and is lethargic. What could be wrong?

Oh dear! Pale or white gums can be associated with severe anemia, shock, or heart failure - this is a very concerning sign that warrants immediate veterinary attention. A warm dry nose is a pretty non-specific sign that doesn't really mean anything in particular, and a pale or thinning haircoat can be associated with any kind of long-term illness. It sounds like Bae may be seriously ill, so I would recommend taking him to an emergency clinic tonight to be seen. If this isn't possible, then I would take him to your regular veterinarian first thing in the morning. Your veterinarian can do blood work, x-rays, or other testing if needed to help diagnose the problem and see what kind of treatment is needed.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has pale gums, vomiting, and is lethargic. Is it an emergency?

Hello. Having pale gums is a sign that Hottie may need immediate attention. This is something that should not wait until Monday. I do hope you can have her seen soon. Good luck & thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has pale gums, stomach pain, and is very sick. What to do?

Poor Boomer! I'm afraid this sounds quite serious. It's hard to say what might be going on without being able to examine him in person and run some tests, but these are very concerning symptoms. Pale pink gums are generally a sign of shock or blood loss, which is a medical emergency. Abdominal pain, lethargy, and not eating or drinking could be caused by a number of different things including pancreatitis, an intestinal obstruction, a systemic illness like liver or kidney disease, a bleeding abdominal tumor, or ingestion of something toxic. This sounds like it may be a life-threatening problem, so I would recommend taking Boomer to the vet immediately for an exam. He/she can do blood work and x-rays if needed to help diagnose the problem and get him started on appropriate treatment depending on what is found.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share