Reviewed by: Dr. Robert Menardi, DVM
As dog parents, we don’t like to think about what can go wrong with our pets. Most of us would prefer to focus on the good times, like belly rubs or cuddles on the sofa.
But part of being the best pet parent you can be is recognizing potential red flags that may indicate your dog is experiencing a health-related issue. Bloat is one of those conditions that should be at the top of your list, especially in large or giant breed dogs like German Shepherds or Great Danes, which are at higher risk.
Stomach bloat in dogs, or gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV), occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow. It’s a life-threatening emergency that can cause shock and organ damage if untreated, which means prompt veterinary care is critical for survival.
To help you more quickly identify stomach bloat in dogs, we’ve compiled the essential information you need to know to keep your pet as healthy and safe as possible from this potentially fatal problem.
What Is Stomach Bloat (GDV) in Dogs?
GDV involves two health issues that occur back-to-back, though veterinarians are unsure which occurs first. One-half of GDV is gastric dilation, where a buildup of gas in the stomach leads to enlargement. While some gas from eating is natural, too much gas can cause distension (swelling) that blocks blood flow to the stomach. In some cases, this can cause the stomach to rupture or become so large that it impacts the dog’s ability to breathe normally.
This gastric dilation often is accompanied by sudden twisting of the stomach, referred to as volvulus. As the stomach flips, it traps gas inside it and causes it to expand. Volvulus can have life-threatening consequences, including significantly reduced blood supply throughout the body, leading to tissue damage or death and hypovolemic shock.
Stomach bloating can be a serious emergency, so it is essential to recognize the signs early and act quickly if it occurs. Other than traumatic injuries, GDV is one of the most serious health emergencies that can happen to your dog.
Common Causes and Risk Factors of Bloat in Dogs
There is no exact cause of stomach bloat, but several risk factors have been identified that may increase the likelihood of the condition.
One of the most frequent triggers of GDV is exercising too soon after eating a large meal or drinking a large amount of water. This risk is commonly seen in dogs fed a single large meal daily and most often occurs with dry-food-only diets.
However, not every potential cause of stomach bloat in dogs can be reduced with lifestyle changes. The risk of bloat is naturally higher in large-breed, deep-chested dogs, especially those experiencing more frequent stress.
Older dogs also have a higher risk of GDV, and genetics may also play a role (dogs with a first-degree relative — mother, father, littermates, or puppies — are also at increased risk of developing GDV).
It should also be noted that any dog can develop bloat, including small breed dogs like Chihuahuas and Dachshunds. Just because you don’t have a big dog doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be aware of the signs of bloat.
Signs of Stomach Bloat
Recognizing the signs of this condition is crucial. The earlier you can catch this potentially fatal condition, the quicker you can get your dog to the vet for life-saving measures. Dogs with GDV tend to go downhill fairly quickly, so don’t hesitate if you think your dog may be showing the signs.
Swollen Belly
One of the easiest-to-spot signs of bloat is a swollen abdomen. In many cases, the bloated stomach is also “tympanic,” which sounds like a hollow drum when tapped.
As their condition progresses without treatment, dogs may try to relieve their discomfort or abdominal pressure by standing or stretching. A common position a dog with bloat will take is the “praying position” — stretching with their rear end in the air and their chest on the ground, with their feet straight out in front of them
If you notice that your dog is unusually positioning themself and their stomach is larger than normal, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Restlessness
In addition to a bloated stomach and odd positioning, many dogs with bloat also exhibit restlessness. The physical symptoms of bloat are uncomfortable, and because dogs can’t tell us when they’re not feeling well, pet parents also need to watch for behavioral changes.
Restlessness in dogs with GDV may include pacing, not being able to lie down comfortably, or looking at their stomach. Any out-of-the-ordinary behavior that dogs may show, especially when combined with physical symptoms, should also be taken seriously.
Drooling and Rapid Breathing
Drooling and rapid breathing in dogs may be a cause for concern. Dogs normally breathe between 15 and 30 times a minute, so anything higher than that (especially if the breaths are shallow) should trigger a trip to your veterinarian. Changes to your dog’s vital signs can indicate that they are starting to go into hypovolemic shock, a crisis all on its own.
Attempting To Vomit
One other tell-tale sign of stomach bloat in dogs is nonproductive retching. Because the stomach is so distended and potentially twisted, dogs with this life-threatening condition will feel the urge to vomit but be unable to do so.
How Is Bloat Treated?
Diagnosis of GDV is made based on history and clinical signs, as well as x-rays to verify the stomach’s position and condition. Once a diagnosis of GDV has been established, surgery is almost always required to reduce the distention, de-rotate the stomach, and verify that there is no dead or dying tissue in the stomach wall.
Depending on the dog’s status, they may require stabilization before surgery. Stabilization often involves rapid IV fluid replacement to help with shock, flow-by oxygen, and gastric decompression via a stomach tube.
If a stomach tube cannot be passed (which may be the case if the stomach is completely flipped), the veterinarian may need to insert a needle or catheter into the stomach from the outside to release air before proceeding. Although time is an issue, taking an unstable dog into surgery poses an even greater risk.
After the dog has stabilized, the next step is emergency surgery. The surgeon will manually decompress the stomach, releasing any trapped air, before untwisting it and returning it to its normal anatomical position. After the GDV has been corrected, they will also evaluate the stomach and spleen, looking for and removing any areas of dead or dying tissue.
Finally, the surgeon will empty the stomach and likely perform a gastropexy. With gastropexy, the surgeon will permanently affix the stomach to the abdominal wall. This surgery helps to prevent the recurrence of GDV, which has more than a 70 percent likelihood of happening again (and a much higher mortality rate with subsequent occurrences).
Once your dog has completed surgery and is discharged home, you will likely need to make a few lifestyle changes to further reduce the risk of recurrence. These changes may include feeding your dog multiple smaller meals more frequently (instead of one large meal), exercise restriction (especially just before and after eating), and stress reduction at mealtime.
How to Help Prevent Bloat in Dogs
Although there is no way to prevent stomach bloat in our pups completely, there are some preventive measures you can take as a pet parent to reduce their risk.
For instance, establishing precautionary measures, like purchasing pet insurance and developing a relationship with your pet’s veterinarian, can be helpful if GDV does occur. You don’t want to worry about how you’ll pay for a life-saving surgery or struggle to find a veterinary clinic when an emergency does occur (not just GDV, but any emergent situation).
Taking these steps in advance of a crisis can give you some breathing room so you can focus on what’s happening with your pet. In addition, pet parents of large-breed dogs may want to discuss preventive gastropexy with their veterinarian. This surgery is often performed at the same time as the dog’s spay or neuter procedure and is the same technique veterinarians use during an emergency.
FAQs
Can a dog survive bloat without treatment?
No. GDV is always an emergency. Without veterinary intervention, it can quickly become fatal due to restricted blood flow and shock.
How long does it take for bloat to become fatal for a dog?
In severe cases, a dog’s condition can worsen within hours. Immediate care is essential for survival.
Can small dogs get bloat?
Yes. While large, deep-chested breeds are more at risk, any dog can develop GDV, so it’s important for all pet owners to recognize the signs.
The Bottom Line
If you notice any signs of bloat, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away. Acting quickly can make a critical difference in your dog’s outcome. While gastric dilation-volvulus can be frightening, understanding the signs and maintaining regular veterinary care can help you feel more prepared if it ever occurs.
At ElleVet Sciences, our mission is to support pet parents with trusted, science-backed information about their animal’s health and comfort. If you have questions about your dog’s well-being or ways to help them feel their best, always consult your veterinarian for guidance specific to their needs.
Sources:
Gastric Dilation and Volvulus in Small Animals – Digestive System | Merck Veterinary Manual
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus | ACVS
Key gastrointestinal surgeries: Incisional gastropexy | dvm360
Any health or medical information in ElleVet blogs is from a variety of public and reputable sources. This information is intended as an educational resource only and is not a substitute for expert professional care.