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

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Hello, my cocker spaniel is having trouble walking. Also her stomach feels very tough like a rock. Also she is very bloated looking and it's making it hard for her to walk to a point where she just sits and drags herself across the floor. It's clear to see she's in pain, even when laying down she cries and whines from pain. She's about 10 years old.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on January 4th, 2017

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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on January 16th, 2020
Hi, and thanks for your question.
These signs could be compatible with abdominal pain/discomfort but an inflammation of the gastrointestinal system and surrounding organs (like pancreas and liver). At this stage I would just recommend to monitor her and have her checked in case the signs persist or you notice any vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, inappetence.
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
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on March 24th, 2019
Kira’s belly does look bloated. I recommend to have her examined today. Abdominal bloating can indicate many things and some of them are very serious such as ascites from heart failure or liver failure or even cancer. Sometimes the abdomen can become distended from protein loss or endocrine disease. All of these conditions require treatment and just like humans, treating conditions earlier can result in a better prognosis. I hope she starts feeling better quickly and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Why can't my senior dog walk, has weak hind legs, and is bloated?

I am so sorry to hear about Fiona. If she is dragging her back legs and/or cannot support weight on her hind limbs this is most likely from a spinal cord problem. When this happens to a dog it is very painful and their abdomen can become very tense, creating a bloated appearance. The other possibility is that Fiona's abdomen is truly distended with fluid or a dilated stomach (bloat - but very unlikely in a Corgi) and she is so weak that her hind limbs do not seem to be working. There could easily be too different scenarios happening here and it is very hard to say based on your description. Both are very painful and are a true emergency. Both of these circumstances can happen acutely without a particular injury or traumatic event. If there is an emergency doctor in your area, and you can get Fiona there tonight, that would be best. If not, try to keep her comfortable, avoid her walking or moving around at all, and have her seen first thing in the morning. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's bloated, painful, can't lie down. Is it an emergency?

She is probably suffering from a severe bloat, you MUST take her to the emergencies URGENTLY as GDV is one of the main options and it is a condition that will kill your dog within 2-4 hours if it is left untreated.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My old dog is bloated, not eating, and very weak. Is she dying?

With Molly not eating well for a while and now and with a bloated abdomen this does not sound like just constipation. Not wanting to move and abdominal bloating in a senior dog may be due to heart disease or she may have a mass in her abdomen. I recommend taking her in for an exam and X-rays to see if it's fluid, constipation or a mass causing the bloating. Your veterinarian may recommend a blood panel also to check her organ function and whether she is anemic. Heart conditions often can be treated with a good response. It's important to know what is causing her bloating in order to treat her successfully. If your veterinarian feels like her body is shutting down and she has a poor prognosis they can help you decide what is best for Molly. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help answer your veterinary questions about Molly.

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

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

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My senior dog is bloated and sick. What to do if vets are closed?

If Abbey is bloated, that is a medical emergency because it will kill her without treatment. She has to see a vet immediately. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My senior Shih Tzu has a bloated belly. Is it constipation or GDV?

It's probably not GDV, small breeds like Shih Tzus very rarely develop this condition (i have never seen one). nevertheless she is probably suffering from a serious condition, it might not be as urgent as GDV but it is still pretty urgent and you need to get it treated. try a dog charity in your area of living, they might be able to point you to a free clinic.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share