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's belly is swollen, not eating, and has bloody stool. Help?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 8 years and 5 months old

My dog has a swollen abdomen (pot belly) since more than a week and not eating anything at all. She's also having bloody diarrhoea like stools. Please help. We are giving her Taxim-o.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 31st, 2017

I am very sorry to hear about your dog. She definitely needs to go see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Swelling of the abdomen as you describe can be from many causes including fluid buildup in the abdomen (due to things such as heart disease, liver disease, low protein levels due to kidney loss or intestinal loss or severe intestinal parasitism), tumors in the abdomen as well as tumors that are bleeding or oozing into the abdomen. The vet will palpate your dog's belly and may recommend testing including a fecal test to check for parasites and bacteria, an x-ray to look for fluid and tumors, and bloodwork to check protein and red and white blood cell levels.

6Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 8th, 2018
If he is retching like he wants to vomit but cannot, take him to the vet IMMEDIATELY, as this could be a sign of a possible GDV (twisted stomach bloat) which is a surgical emergency.

Likewise, if he is very weak, if his gums appear pale, or his cannot rise on his own, take him IMMEDIATELY, as this would concern me for a possible hemoabdomen (bleeding into the abdomen, often caused by a ruptured tumor on the spleen; this too is life threatening and time sensitive.

Fluid buildup in the abdomen is possible as well and can occur for a number of reasons. The following are some possible causes:
-liver failure
-low proteins
-cancer
-heart failure
-fluid around the heart
-heartworm disease

Other possible causes for a distended abdomen that occur more gradully can include:
enlarged liver
weight gain
cancer

Regardless of the cause of the appearance of his abdomen, you do need to have him seen by a vet very soon. Please refer back to the first 2 paragraphs and take him to a vet ER if he falls into either of those categories.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on March 11th, 2017
Such a greatly distended abdomen should be addressed by your veterinarian as soon as possible. It may be an aggressive tumor or fluid accumulation. Either can be quite serious given the size you describe. A physical exam, abdominal xrays and blood work should all be a part of the diagnostic process.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 12th, 2017
Swelling or fluid accumulation in the legs and abdomen typically indicates a serious problem. Your dog may have heart disease or organ failure -kidney or liver-. This can also be seen with certain types of malignant cancers. Your dog should be seen right away for an exam and diagnostics which may include general bloodwork, a heartworm test, abdominal and chest X-rays and they may even recommend an ultrasound. Please have Hustler seen as soon as possible to determine what needs to be done.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Puppy has swollen belly, bloody stool. What to do if vet is out?

Oh dear! These are very concerning signs - I would be worried that Kisses may have a serious problem such as internal bleeding, heart or liver disease, or a severe infection of some kind. I'm afraid that there isn't really anything you can do at home for a problem this serious - she really needs to be seen by a vet immediately. If her regular vet is out of town, I would take her to another vet today for an exam and some diagnostic testing to find out what's wrong.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has a swollen stomach, black poop, and lethargy after vet?

Fluid in the abdomen is usually caused by either heart failure, low blood protein levels, or cancer. Blood work should be done to check protein levels. A follow up appointment with your veterinarian soon is important, and more work up should be done to identify the cause. Blood work, urinalysis, and ultrasound are the steps I would usually take is a case such as Major to find the problem and develop the best treatment options. Best of luck and I hope you find an answer soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my old dog's belly swollen, drinking lots, and bloody stools?

It could be something serious like heart disease or even cancer causing Cyrus's symptoms, but without seeing him in person, I can't say for certain. Before considering putting him down, I'd have him seen by a vet for this issue to see if it's something that may be able to be treated. I'd have him seen by a vet in the morning. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Why is my dog having bloody diarrhea and not eating for several days?

Blood in the stool, even if it seems to "go away" and come back later, is never normal. The fact that it's accompanied by diarrhea suggests colitis, or inflammation of the colon, as opposed to some type of bleeding mass in the rectum or colon. Colitis can have a number of causes, including dietary indiscretion (eating something rotten or non-food), parasites, food allergies/food sensitivities, inflammatory bowel disease, or infection. Leah may improve with a diet change, perhaps a more digestible diet specifically for gastrointestinal problems. To assume it's a "tummy issue" could be to ignore causes that are treatable, and at this point she's not only having diarrhea but she also lost her appetite. It's been three days and she's not improving, so I recommend having her seen by her vet for labwork to include parasite testing, blood work, and urinalysis for starters. If all is normal consider a bland diet (as recommended above), and a probiotic supplement. Ultimately, she may need to have biopsies taken to diagnose the exact cause.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My puppy's belly is swollen and he's not eating. What should I do?

Not eating for 3 days is serious for a puppy. They are not able to regulate blood sugar like an adult and they don't have the same reserves either. The swollen belly could be related and could indicate parasites, a blockage, an infection or a heart condition. I recommend to have your puppy examined today by the veterinarian. Bring in a stool sample to the appointment. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has black poop, vomiting, and a swollen belly. Is she sick?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Gilda. I recommend that she sees a veterinarian today. Tarry stool can indicate digested blood from the upper gastrointestinal tract. This is most commonly due to an intestinal infection from parasites or a viral infection such as the parvovirus. This can be diagnosed with with fecal testing. I hope this information helps!

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

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share