My dog is gulping, pacing, and sick after tug of war. Is it bloat?

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.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Stomach distension from eating too much food can be dangerous. As long as Harley is comfortable and does not show signs of weakness, panting, discomfort you can monitor him at home. However, if his abdomen becomes very bloated and your puppy becomes weak and subdued, you should take him to your local vets as an emergency. Dogs which are fed large meals once daily are at higher risk of developing GDV, so it will be better if Harley gets fed smaller meals twice a day.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Wrigley. I recommend that you seek emergency veterinary care for him immediately. Non-productive retching (ie. trying to vomit without bringing anything up) can be a sign of a life threatening emergency. This can occur in cases of GDV (where the stomach enlarges and twists). In this case, his belly may be large or firm to your touch. Pacing tends to indicate pain and anxiety. His breed is prone to this condition. While there could be other causes of his symptoms, this is my concern. I hope this information helps. Good luck!

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! A light walk probably won't hurt but yes you are right about Bloat. It's very serious and any exercise after eating can be a problem. But it's usually vigorous activity like running, playing, fetching. Light walks should not be a problem and I don't see that as a big risk factor. Lots of owners do the same thing that you did. Also don't let her drink a big bowl of water around the time of vigorous activity. Small sips are ok but not huge gulps of water. So it's good to be careful and vigilant. The signs of Bloat include dry heaves (trying to vomit but nothing comes up), restlessness, not able to get comfortable, crying or moaning in discomfort, pacing, not wanting to lay down. I think you did the right thing walking her and I like the fact that you are aware of Bloat. Good job educating yourself on this important topic.

She may have had a bit of a gassed up stomach, which resolved by itself. She would likely not have slept through the night and would have been pacing. She would also not have felt happy enough to play ball today. I would watch her closely, and if you see her abdomen swell (sounds like a drum!) or if she starts panting and pacing, then she needs to be taken to a PetER right away as this would be an emergency.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am suspicious that this could be something other than gastrointestinal issues from that. It is hard to know what exactly is going on however he is displaying some signs of potentially being sick such as labored breathing, lethargy and vomiting. I highly recommend that you have Harley evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to perform a physical examination and start there depending on what they think could be wrong. For example, if his lung sounds appear abnormal, they may proceed with chest X-rays. They can then treat accordingly. Good luck and have a good night!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Alfie. Poor boy. It's good that he's acting normally, so it doesn't sound like he has bloat. I'd without food for tonight, and keep a close eye on him. If you see pacing, anxiety, restlessness, trying to vomit but can't, and excessive drooling, take him into an ER vet right away. Otherwise, feed him his normal breakfast in the morning. I hope this helps!