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 old dog is vomiting and acting strange. Could it be bloat?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Havanese | Male | neutered | 11 years old | 21 lbs

11 yr old dog..Had ground beef added to turkey food this week. Has allergies causing chronic rhinitis. Eye drops for mucus on eyes. Had predisone 2.5 x day for skin inflammation..ate a lot of cheese that fell to floor before noticed. over eats at times taking from other pet. Vomiting today which is quieting down after bringing up a lot of phylum. Gave him alprazolam 0.12.5 to calm the stomach and relax him some at 6 pm..He has stopped the panting and pacing, is laying belly up. Bloat?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on June 30th, 2017

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

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 7th, 2019
Depending on the size and breed of your dog, these symptoms could be concerning for GDV or 'bloat'. If he seems painful and continues to attempt to vomit without producing anything I'd recommend seeing an emergency vet to rule out this life threatening condition.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 22nd, 2019
A twisted stomach/intestines is EXTREMELY painful. They often try repeatedly to throw up but nothing comes out. The often look bloated. It does not sound like this is what is going on with your dog.

( https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/bloating-in-dogs/ )
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on January 23rd, 2020
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). 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!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog is struggling to breathe and throwing up. Is it an emergency?

Labored breathing and vomiting are very concerning signs. In an older, large-breed dog like your girl, I would be worried about bloat as a possible cause of her symptoms - this can be a life-threatening emergency, so needs to be treated right away. Many other things can also cause vomiting, including pancreatitis, liver or kidney disease, exposure to something toxic, or an intestinal obstruction. Based on your description, I would recommend taking her to the emergency vet tonight - she may have a serious problem that can't wait until morning.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My senior dog's belly is bloated and she's throwing up. What's wrong?

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Since Timberblynn is an older girl, I would be worried about the possibility of some type of cancer causing her clinical signs. She may have a mass causing enlargement of one or many of her abdominal organs, such as her liver, and leading to her feeling sick and vomiting. I recommend making an appointment with your veterinarian to have her seen. Your vet can perform an exam and see if he/she can palpate any masses or organ abnormalities. Your vet may also recommend bloodwork and/or imaging to see any changes in her abdomen. In the meantime, you can try offering her a bland diet suck as boiled chicken and rice, however I feel strongly that she should see your veterinarian. I hope this is helpful!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has a bloated belly and is retching. Should I go to the vet?

As long as she is acting ok you could monitor her for additional signs. If she starts retching, seems uncomfortable, starts drooling, is painful, or the distension persists then she should be examined by a vet. Your vet can take an X-ray to evaluate her abdomen and determine the exact cause of her problem.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My senior dog is bloated, in pain, and can't walk. Is it bloat?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog is acting strange, shaking, and burping. Should I call a vet?

I can certainly understand being concerned about Niko! If he did have bloat, you would see unproductive vomiting, abdominal pain, an enlarged belly, restless, and pacing. It could be that he is feeling unwell from stomach upset causing the burping and strange behavior. The shaking could be caused by pain. I would monitor Niko for now. If he does start to show signs of bloat, or starts vomiting and becomes very lethargic, I would have him seen by an emergency vet. Otherwise, have him seen by a vet in the morning should these same symptoms continue.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog is pacing and gagging without throwing up. Is it bloat?

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog is vomiting white foam and pressing his head. What should I do?

If Bogummy is vomiting that many times a day I would be concerned that he may have gastritis, pancreatitis, or some sort of liver issue (because of the head pressing ). I would recommend taking him back to his veterinarian and pursuing other treatments such as antacids or bloodwork.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share