Dog Signs of Bloating

Bloating, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is the second-leading killer of dogs across the world, but most dog owners have no idea how to access the symptoms.

Attempts to Vomit

The most obvious and consistent sign of bloating occurs when a dog attempts to vomit repetitively. If your dog is bloated, he will try to vomit every five to 30 minutes. However, vomiting will be unsuccessful---at best, increasing saliva production.

Behavior

A dog who is experiencing bloating will not act like itself. Dogs with bloating often exhibit anxiety, restlessness, whining, pacing, licking the air and drinking excessively. Your dog may also refuse to sit or lie down and may stand spread-legged in an odd manner. Be sure to check on your dog if he seems to be feeling unwell and is seeking to hide, as this can also be a sign of bloating.

Mouth

If you believe your dog is bloated, check her mouth. Dogs with bloating often gag, drool and foam at the mouth. If those signs aren't present, but you still think your dog may be bloated, touch the gums. Is she cold to the touch and pale or off-color? If so, your dog may be bloated.

Breathing

It's common for bloated dogs to have difficulty breathing. The bloating of the abdomen pushes on the diaphragm, making it harder for dogs to breathe. Watch for panting, short, quick breaths or shallow breathing for another sign of bloating.

Heart Rate

Although seemingly at odds with each other, dogs who are bloated will experience an increasingly faster heartbeat the further bloating progresses. Yet, some dogs will also have a weak pulse.

Collapse

In the final stages of bloating, dogs collapse to the ground, unable to move. The collapse is the final symptom of bloating and the point where it is often too late to get help.