Why is my 8-year-old dog's stomach bloated, panting, and whiny?

Your dog should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. It sounds like he may have a heart condition that is causing fluid buildup in his abdomen. This compresses the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Your dog may need to be on a diuretic to help him clear that fluid and ease his breathing. But get him in to be seen right away. Your vet will do an exam, blood work and x-rays to determine the cause and suggest an effective treatment plan.

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

Poor Bentley! Given his age, I would be concerned there could be something seriously wrong causing the symptoms such as heart disease. Heart disease can be common in senior dogs. I would take him into a vet today for a health check. If he does have heart disease, it cannot be cured but the symptoms can be medically managed. Best of luck.

Hello. I am sorry for your concerns about Sumo. I am concerned that he may be in quite a bit of pain. Panting is a strong sign of this. The accumulation of gas in the intestines from either infection or inflammation may be the source of this pain as well as the tense abdomen. Sumo needs to see a veterinarian soon. If this is a volvulus or stomach twist, his life may be in danger, but regardless of the cause, he needs to seen tonight. I hope all is well soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I see that Tyga is an older dog. I'm concerned this belly swelling could be due to something serious like heart disease. Certainly heart disease could affect his breathing causing panting, and this disease can be common in older dogs. I'd have him seen by a vet in the morning for this. I hope this helps!

It does not sound like GDV to me. I'm concerned it has to do with Yezler's heart failure. Fluid back up from heart failure can lead to an enlarged stomach due to fluid collecting in that area. I would take him into a vet now to get this checked out. I recommend an echocardiogram and a discussion about medication for his heart disease. Please take him into a vet immediately. Best of luck.

Poor pup! From your description, it sounds like something is seriously wrong. Trouble walking could be caused by arthritis, a neurologic problem like a stroke or herniated disc in the spine, or generalized weakness due to a severe illness of some kind. A bloated abdomen can be caused by GDV (gastric dilatation volvulus, or "bloat"), which is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with air and twists on itself; other possible causes would include congestive heart failure, an abdominal tumor, liver failure, or internal bleeding. These signs are indicative of a severe, possibly life-threatening problem that needs immediate veterinary care, so I would recommend taking your dog to an emergency vet right away. He/she can do blood work and x-rays if needed to help diagnose the problem and see what can be done to help her.