How to know if a dog has bloat?

For every dog ​​owner, the health of the dog is the most important thing in their heart. Among the many health crises that dogs may encounter, there is a situation that is extremely dangerous but easily overlooked, that is, dog bloating, which is professionally called Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus Syndrome (GDV). Knowing how to tell if a dog has bloat is a key skill that every dog ​​owner must master, because it may save the dog's life at a critical moment. ​

When a dog has bloating, the most intuitive manifestation is often reflected in the abdomen. The originally smooth and soft abdomen may quickly expand and become bulging, and even feel noticeably tight when touched, just like a balloon filled with air. This change in the abdomen is sometimes very rapid and may become very obvious in just a few hours. You may notice that the outline of the dog's abdomen is much larger than usual, especially on the sides, and it may even affect their normal posture. The dog may appear a little awkward when walking and is no longer as flexible and free as usual. ​

In addition to changes in the appearance of the abdomen, the dog's behavior will also show a series of abnormalities. They may show extreme restlessness, pacing constantly, unable to rest or lie down quietly. A docile dog may become irritable and irritable, and not respond normally to the owner's calls and comfort. Some dogs will frequently try to vomit, but they can't vomit anything substantial, just retching, because the expansion and twisting of the stomach affect the normal emptying function. They may also lick their lips frequently, which is a sign of physical discomfort, trying to relieve the uncomfortable feeling in the stomach in this way. ​

The dog's appetite will also change significantly. They may completely lose interest in their favorite food, and even lose their previous excitement reaction to the smell of food. Even if you put food to their mouths, they will just sniff it and turn their heads away. This sudden loss of appetite is not picky or willful, but a signal from the body that you are seriously uncomfortable. At the same time, the dog may have symptoms of difficulty breathing, breathing becomes rapid and heavy, and you can even see their abdomen rise and fall violently with breathing. This is because the swollen stomach presses the diaphragm upward, affecting the normal expansion of the lungs and resulting in insufficient oxygen intake.​

When judging whether a dog has bloating, you also need to pay attention to some details that are not easy to detect. For example, the color of the dog's oral mucosa will change. The oral mucosa of a healthy dog ​​should be pink and moist, but when the dog has bloating, the oral mucosa may become pale, or dark red or even cyanotic, which is a sign of affected blood circulation. You can gently open the dog's lips and observe the color of the gums to judge. In addition, feel the dog's pulse. Under normal circumstances, the dog's pulse should be stable and strong, but when the abdomen is bloated, the pulse may become fast and weak, indicating that the dog's body is on the verge of shock and the situation is very critical. ​

If you find that your dog has the above suspicious symptoms, you must not take it lightly and must take it to the veterinarian immediately. When veterinarians diagnose whether a dog has bloating, they will use a series of professional methods. First, a detailed physical examination will be performed, and the shape and texture of the stomach will be felt by palpating the abdomen to determine whether there is abnormal expansion and torsion. At the same time, the abdomen will be auscultated. Under normal circumstances, there will be peristaltic sounds in the intestines, but abnormal sounds may be heard when the abdomen is bloated, such as tympanic sounds caused by gas accumulation in the stomach. To confirm the diagnosis, your veterinarian may recommend an X-ray, which can clearly show the position and shape of the stomach and whether there is a large amount of gas accumulation. In some cases, an ultrasound may also be needed to get a more complete picture of the condition of the abdominal organs. ​

Dog bloating is an extremely dangerous disease. If not treated in time, the dog's life will be seriously threatened. Because the torsion of the stomach can block the blood supply, cause necrosis of the stomach wall tissue, and may also cause systemic infection and shock. Therefore, as a dog owner, you should always pay attention to the dog's physical condition and behavioral changes, and be familiar with the symptoms of bloating. A little more care and vigilance may win precious treatment time for the dog.