What helps a dog's swollen stomach?

When a beloved dog has a swollen abdomen, every owner will be extremely anxious. This is not only related to the dog's health but also tugs at the owner's heart. Below, we will deeply explore effective methods to help the dog relieve abdominal swelling and provide professional guidance for safeguarding the health of our furry friends.

A swollen abdomen in dogs, medically known as abdominal distension, is a clinical symptom that may be caused by various reasons, and the underlying diseases can often make the owner worried. Whether it is the rapid expansion of the stomach caused by acute gastric dilatation-volvulus syndrome (GDV), fluid retention caused by cardiogenic ascites, liver and kidney failure, or gas accumulation caused by intestinal obstruction, each cause can threaten the dog's life safety. In this situation, the owner's judgment and response at the first time are crucial. When an abnormal bulge in the dog's abdomen is found, especially when accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, salivation, and restlessness, the dog must be taken to a pet hospital immediately. Because within just a few minutes after the onset of GDV, the stomach may twist, blocking blood circulation and leading to the necrosis of the stomach wall. The golden rescue time is often only a few hours.

On the way to the hospital, the owner can reduce the dog's stress response by gently soothing it. Excessive tension will accelerate blood circulation and may worsen the condition. Call the dog's name in a gentle voice and gently stroke its head and back to convey a reassuring emotion. At the same time, record the changes in the dog's symptoms, such as the color and frequency of vomiting, respiratory rate, and other details. This information will help the veterinarian diagnose the condition more quickly and accurately.

After arriving at the hospital, the veterinarian will conduct a systematic examination. X-rays and ultrasound examinations are the keys to uncovering the truth about abdominal swelling. X-rays can clearly show the shape of the stomach and the distribution of gas, and ultrasound can identify the nature of the ascites and organ lesions. If GDV is diagnosed, immediate surgery is the only way to save the dog's life. During the surgery, the veterinarian will reposition the twisted stomach, remove the necrotic tissue, and perform gastropexy to prevent recurrence. Postoperative care is also important. The owner needs to strictly follow the veterinarian's instructions, control the feeding amount and frequency, and gradually transition from small, frequent feedings of liquid food to a normal diet.

For abdominal swelling that is not an emergency, such as ascites caused by chronic liver and kidney insufficiency, the treatment plan focuses on controlling the cause of the disease and relieving the symptoms. Diuretics can help eliminate excess fluid in the body and relieve the discomfort of abdominal distension. However, during the medication process, the owner should closely observe the dog's urine output and mental state, as excessive diuresis may lead to electrolyte disorders. At the same time, adjusting the diet structure is also an important part. Foods low in sodium and high in high-quality protein can reduce the burden on the liver and kidneys, such as prescription food or homemade cooked chicken breast, fish, and vegetables. These adjustments are not only for treating the disease but also for expressing love for the dog.

For abdominal swelling caused by intestinal obstruction, in addition to surgery to relieve the obstruction, postoperative rehabilitation management requires a great deal of effort from the owner. The recovery of intestinal function takes time, and the supplementation of probiotics can regulate the intestinal flora and promote digestion and absorption. The owner can mix the probiotics into warm water and slowly feed them to the dog with a syringe. Patience and carefulness are particularly important during this process. Observe the dog's defecation. From the initial small amount of dry stools to the gradual restoration of normal shape, every bit of progress is worthy of joy.

Prevention is always better than treatment. To avoid abdominal swelling in dogs, the details of daily care cannot be ignored. For large dogs and deep-chested dog breeds prone to GDV, strenuous exercise after meals should be avoided. Changing from one large meal a day to several small meals and using a slow-feeding bowl to slow down the eating speed can effectively reduce the risk of stomach dilation. Regular physical examinations can detect potential diseases in the early stage and enable timely intervention and treatment. Every trip to the hospital with the dog is like a health "security check", allowing the owner to have a clear understanding of the physical condition of their furry friend.

Treating a dog's swollen abdomen is a race against time and a testament to the deep affection between the owner and the pet. From the anxiety when an abnormality is found to the companionship during the treatment process, every link is filled with awe and care for life. As owners, we may not be able to completely prevent the occurrence of diseases, but we can build a health defense line for our dogs with professional knowledge, careful care, and endless love and protect every moment when they run joyfully.