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Why is my unspayed dog's belly swollen? Is it bloat or pregnancy?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | unspayed | 3 years and 11 months old | 4 lbs

Doctor Melanie. What could cause bloat and what are the symptoms? Is it dangerous? I have asked mum to go to the veterinary practice to get her checked but I got told that's nothing serious and again I've been told that I'm making our dog sick and that I'm paranoid. Also she has stopped doing it now and she was playing with me fetch and now the little one is sleeping. Is it normal for her tummy where her ovaries are to be swollen since she's not fixed? You're my hero Doctor Melanie!

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 22nd, 2017

You are honestly too kind to me! Bloat is fatal without treatment, but if she is acting normally now, then she doesn't have it. You would see unproductive vomiting, restlessness, pacing, a swollen abdomen, and looking at the abdomen. It's good that she stopped the previous behavior, and it could be that she had something stuck in her throat but has now passed it. I would monitor her for now, and if she does show any concerning signs again, have her seen by a vet.

As for the swelling of her stomach, it could be possible that Bella is pregnant if she's been around intact male dogs. She could have be going into heat, as the mammary glands can swell when a dog is in heat.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 26th, 2018
I strongly suggest you take Bella to your vet for a pregnancy exam. It is very likely that Bella is pregnant if an entire male has been visiting her. Your vet can check via ultrasound or x-ray whether she is pregnant and how many puppies she will have. I doubt it is from eating too much.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 10th, 2018
Hello,

There are a few different things that can cause stomach swelling. Bloat is generally a critical emergency and pets need emergency surgery to survive it, so I am doubtful that is what is going on with Ruby.
Swelling of any organ in the abdomen can cause the swelled stomach appearance. Organs like the liver and spleen are prone to growing tumors, while the uterus is very prone to infection. I see that she is intact- if her last heat cycle was irregular or she has any vaginal discharge, those may be suggestive of a uterine infection, called pyometra, which requires a hysterectomy for treatment.
Fluid accumulations in the abdomen can also create a swollen stomach. Fluid accumulation can happen from an abdominal infection or organ failure, such as liver or heart failure.
I would recommend having Ruby seen to find out what exactly is causing her tummy to swell because the treatments are very different depending on the cause and waiting may make a problem much worse.

I hope this is helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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