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 dog has a hard, bloated stomach and won't eat. Need second opinion?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Schnauzer | Female | spayed | 5 years and 1 month old | 12 lbs

My miniature schnauzer, 5 years old, has had a swollen, sometimes feels hard, bloated stomach. She won't eat much but drinks a lot. Our regular veterinarian did an x-ray and found nothing wrong. I am still very worried. If the veterinarian doesn't show any worry, should I get a second opinion? Did this happen to anyone else or has an idea of what could be wrong?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 3rd, 2017

Hello. A hard bloated stomach could be due to many causes including an obstruction, pancreatitis, gastritis, liver disease, kidney disease, and other causes. An x-ray would rule out a foreign body/obstruction, however it wouldn't show a gastritis/pancreatitis. I would recommend having bloodwork done, and if she is painful and has a bloated abdomen then an ultrasound may be required. Your vet may try some medications first for pancreatitis/gastritis without getting a definitive diagnosis, as they are both treated the same. If she is still sore and bloated, I would have her seen again. Good luck with Baby.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Susan England-Foster
Veterinarian
Published on November 23rd, 2017
I am sorry Ellie is not feeling well. I do not think her going through heat is related to her bloated abdomen. Most likely the bloated abdomen is secondary to gastric upset, foreign body ingestion, toxin or infection. IF she is eating,drinking, acting normal and defecating properly I would continue to monitor and make sure the swelling/distension goes down. However, if she is acting painful, vomiting, not eating or defecating she needs to go to a vet as soon as possible. Bloated abdomens can be a medical emergency depending on the cause. I hope she feels better soon
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 22nd, 2019
Hi Jordan! I'm concerned about Roxy, and I see she isn't spayed. Her symptoms could be due to a pyometra, which is an infection of the uterus. This is fatal without treatment, so I would say yes, take her into an ER vet now. Best of luck.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on September 3rd, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Oh no! Poor Chrissy!

I recommend taking Chrissy to an emergency hospital right away. My concern is that she is bloated which is an emergency. If she is bloated and she doesn't see a Vet it is deadly. I hope that isn't what is going on but it is serious enough that you need to have her checked. The vet can tell with one X-ray is she is bloated (gastric dilitation volvulus or GDV). Other causes could be foreign body (something is stuck), pancreatitis, or a reaction to something gross she ate.

I wish you and Chrissy the very best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog's stomach is bloated and he won't eat. What should I do?

Poor Coco! That much distension in the stomach can indicate fluid (ascites) in the abdomen or an enlarged abdominal organ like the liver. These problems can develop secondary to heart disease, liver failure, low protein levels, severe GI parasites, and cancer. I'd recommend taking Coco to see a veterinarian right away as he needs blood work and X-rays to know why this is happening. This is a true medical emergency as many of the causes of a distended stomach can be life threatening. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I am hoping Coco has an easy recovery!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has a swollen stomach and won't eat or drink. Is it serious?

Sheena should be evaluated by a veterinarian right away! If her belly is swollen she could be suffering from bloat (stomach full of air), a GDV (where the stomach bloats and turns on itself) or she could have fluid in her belly or uterus (pyometra). All of these conditions are very serious and require immediate veterinary care. I hope Sheena is doing ok! Please let us know if you have more questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my older dog's stomach swollen, hard, and she won't eat?

These symptoms are very concerning for a possible organ enlargement in the abdomen or even heart disease (causes fluid build up in the belly). I would highly recommend taking Buttons in to your vet for some testing (bloodwork and radiographs) to determine the exact cause of her illness. Once we know what is going on internally then we will know what type of treatment she needs to hopefully get better. I hope Buttons is able to turn around. Best wishes and take care.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Why does my sick dog's stomach look distended and feel hard?

Hi there. This does look a bit odd. Have your veterinarians done any x rays or bloodwork? If Sophie is not spayed and has been sick for a while I would be very concerned with a pyometra (uterine infection) with how distended that abdomen looks. If that's the case-this is an emergency and needs to be looked at right away. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's left side is bloated and hard after vet visit. Should I return?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my dog's belly hard, bloated, restless, and trying to vomit?

Hi, and thanks for your question. These signs could be compatible with an inflammation infection of the gastrointestinal system and surrounding organs (like pancreas and liver). I cannot rule out, even though not likely in Schnoodles, a possible bloat and gastric torsion. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is immediately essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics and possibly further investigations (like abdominal imaging as ultrasound or radiographs) may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog is bloated, in pain, bloodwork normal, vet has no answers.

I would certainly be worried about some type of intra-abdominal problem, and to me the next step is to take an x-ray to see if what's going on inside can be determined. Often blood work isn't abnormal when there are gastrointestinal conditions, such as a stomach or intestinal blockage, a food intolerance, or pancreatitis (serious inflammation of the pancreas). It sounds like Balto is significantly uncomfortable, and I would really want to get a look at his GI tract, either with an x-ray or an abdominal ultrasound.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share