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Petz Park Blog Bloating in Dogs: When is it an Emergency? | Petz Park

Bloating: When is it an Emergency?

Written by Vet Nurse

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Posted on October 01 2025

Last updated on May 07 2026

dog at the vets
The feeling that you have when you’re full to the brim after consuming far too much food and we commonly refer to as the food baby. We can usually sleep it off and feel much better in the morning but dogs may not be so lucky.

 

You may be asking, what is bloating in dogs? Typically speaking, bloating is when a dog’s abdomen is enlarged or swollen. The problem we have with dogs is that it can develop further and become an extremely distressing life or death situation for them.

 

 

German shepherd dogs with probiotic food supplement

 


How Do You Know When Bloat in Dogs Occurs?

Bloat in dogs occurs when the dog's stomach becomes distended with gas, liquid, or food, leading to a distended stomach. This swelling can cause the stomach to twist (stomach torsion or twisted stomach), a condition known as gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV). When dogs bloat, the swollen stomach puts pressure on internal organs, disrupts blood flow, and can quickly progress to a serious condition requiring urgent veterinary treatment. If left untreated, this can result in systemic shock and damage to vital internal organs.

Apart from the obvious swollen or distended abdomen that you can see, there may be other signs that your dog is experiencing discomfort.

The early stages of bloating may include, but aren’t limited to, symptoms such as:

  • Restlessness
  • Pacing
  • Painful abdomen
  • Retching
  • Rapid breathing
  • Collapsing
  • Overall distress

Other signs of bloat in dogs can include abdominal swelling, sudden anxiety, pacing, an inability to get comfortable, and positioning the body in a downward-facing pose.

Bloating in dogs is life threatening if it develops further into Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) so it is important to know which signs and symptoms to look out for.

 GDV in dogs is when their stomach has swollen so much that it flips or twists, trapping the gas inside. This twisted stomach puts pressure onto the surrounding internal organs and cuts off the blood supply back to the heart, leading to systemic shock and potentially fatal complications.

It is not entirely understood why it flips, despite many studies, only that it can be fatal within one hour if it does.

Some dogs are more prone to bloating than others due to factors such as being deep-chested and/or history of bloating in the family. 

Those that eat too quickly, use elevated bowls or exercise after a heavy meal are also prone to experiencing bloat.

Breeds most prone to dog bloat are (but not limited to); 

Akita, Bernese, Bloodhound, Boxer, Bull Mastiff, Collies, Dobermann, Longhaired Pointer, German Shepherd, Great Dane, Greyhound, Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, Napoleon Mastiff, Ridgeback, Saint Bernard, Poodle and Weimaraner. 

 

Understanding the Risk Factors

Understanding the risk factors for gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is essential for every pet owner, especially those with breeds more likely to develop bloat. Dogs with deep chests, such as Great Danes, Basset Hounds, and other giant breeds, are particularly vulnerable. Their unique anatomy means the stomach fills more easily with gas, food, or fluid, which can cause it to expand rapidly. When the stomach expands, it puts pressure on the surrounding organs and can impact blood flow to the stomach wall, increasing the risk of a potentially life-threatening condition if the stomach twists.

Male dogs are statistically more likely to experience bloat, and certain breeds are at higher risk due to genetic predisposition. Eating a large meal in one sitting or drinking excessive amounts of water can also contribute to a dog developing bloat. Raised food bowls, once thought to help, have actually been linked to an increased risk of gastric dilatation, as they may cause dogs to swallow more air while eating. Recognising these risk factors and making small changes—like feeding smaller, more frequent meals and keeping food bowls at ground level—can help reduce the chances of your dog developing this life-threatening condition.

 

What to do if your dog has a swollen stomach

If you notice any signs or symptoms or have any reason to believe that your dog is experiencing Gastric Dilation Volvulus, immediately take them to see your closest emergency vet. Contact your local vet as soon as possible, as bloat in dogs is a life-threatening emergency that must be treated immediately to prevent severe complications or death.

Call ahead so they can be well prepared for your arrival. Timing is crucial when dealing with bloat in dogs. The quicker your dog is seen, the higher their chances are of surviving.

Do not try to treat dog bloat at home. There are no safe medications, supplements or home remedies to give a dog that is suffering from bloat/GDV.

If your dog is not suffering from bloat, your mind will be rested and your dog will be in the hands of a professional who can best find the real problem. During diagnosis, your vet may perform blood tests in addition to physical examination and imaging to assess your dog's overall health. If bloat is diagnosed early, it is often curable, but treatment depends on the severity of the condition.

 

 

dalmatian prone to bloating

 


Diagnosing the Condition

Diagnosing gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) requires immediate veterinary attention, as time is critical to your dog’s survival. When you arrive at the clinic, your vet will perform a thorough physical examination, looking for signs such as a distended abdomen and signs of pain. Abdominal X-rays are essential to confirm whether the stomach is simply bloated or if it has twisted, a key distinction in gastric dilatation volvulus. Blood tests are also performed to assess your dog’s overall health and to check for complications that may affect blood flow or organ function.

To relieve pressure and stabilise your dog, the vet may insert a stomach tube through the dog’s mouth into the stomach. This can help decompress the stomach if it hasn’t twisted completely. In cases where the stomach has rotated, a surgical procedure is necessary to untwist it and restore normal blood flow to the affected area. Deep-chested dogs and other high-risk breeds should always be monitored closely for early signs of bloat, and preventative measures such as avoiding raised food bowls and feeding smaller meals should be part of your routine care. Prompt veterinary attention is the best way to ensure a positive outcome if gastric dilatation volvulus GDV occurs.

 

How can you treat bloating in dogs?

Treating bloat in dogs depends on whether it is simple bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). To treat bloat, the approach varies: dogs with simple bloat (distended stomach without twisting) are typically hospitalised for intravenous (IV) fluids, medications for pain or nausea, and frequent walks to stimulate gastrointestinal movement. In these cases, the stomach may be decompressed using a stomach pump to relieve pressure, and surgery is not always necessary.

However, if volvulus (twisting) is present, immediate emergency surgery is required to untwist the stomach and restore it to its normal position. Treatment for GDV includes administering IV fluids to treat shock, pain medications, and antibiotics, followed by surgery to correct the condition and assess any damage to the stomach or surrounding organs. During surgery, if the stomach wall is damaged, the affected tissue is removed. The stomach is then attached to the body wall through a procedure called gastropexy, which secures the stomach in its normal position and helps prevent recurrence. If twisting has occurred and there is too little live tissue left due to extensive tissue death, euthanasia may be the only alternative to prevent suffering.

 

How can you prevent bloating in dogs?

There are of course measures that can be taken to prevent bloat from occurring in your dog. 

Feeding your dog small meals several times a day instead of one or two large meals can help reduce the risk of bloat. Ensure that they rest after eating every meal, and avoid anything that may count as strenuous exercise for at least one hour after eating or after drinking a large amount of water. If they must exercise, ensure it is a casual stroll.

If you know that your dog is a fast eater, prepare their meals into smaller portions and have them eat more frequently throughout the day. You can also use special bowls or puzzle mats to slow down their eating as well as stimulating their mind. 

Keep their chosen bowl or mat low down or on the floor as elevated bowls may contribute to the causes.

Some even opt for a procedure called gastropexy. This is a surgical procedure that involves attaching the stomach to the abdominal wall so it is unable to twist in the event that bloating occurs. Discussing preventative surgery, such as gastropexy, with your veterinarian is especially important for high-risk breeds, compromised pets, or already compromised pets. 

Dogs weighing over 100 pounds have approximately a 20% risk of developing bloat during their lifetime, with GDV being more common in large, deep-chested breeds such as Great Danes and Doberman Pinschers.

It doesn’t entirely prevent bloat but it does prevent the fatal turning of the stomach, the worry that it will occur in future and the vet bill! Immediate veterinary attention is crucial for GDV, as untreated cases can lead to death within hours; however, with prompt treatment, survival rates can be as high as 80%.

Using a probiotic for dogs that are already prone to bloat is a great way to regulate their gut and keep the risk to a minimum.

They aid digestion and the breakdown of food as it is consumed. They also help to provide a balance between bacteria, creating a healthy environment in the gut.

 

 

Petz Park Probiotics for Dogs features a blend of prebiotics and probiotics to relieve problems such as gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion, and stomach discomfort.

It is a fantastic addition to a dog’s diet and allows you to have peace of mind that your dog’s gut is optimal and looked after.

Any age or breed of dog can enjoy this Australian-made probiotic supplement by sprinkling it over the top of wet or dry food. If they’d prefer it mixed in, that’s perfect too!

 

Recovery and Outcome

The recovery and outcome for a dog affected by gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) depend largely on how quickly the condition is recognised and treated. If the dog receives immediate veterinary attention and undergoes the necessary surgical procedure to untwist the stomach and restore blood flow, the prognosis is generally positive. Pain medications and intravenous fluids are often administered to stabilise the affected dog and support recovery. However, if treatment is delayed, complications such as tissue death or cardiac arrhythmias can occur, making the condition even more serious and potentially fatal.

Preventative measures are key, especially for high-risk breeds and deep-chested dogs. Veterinary medicine recommends feeding smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding exercise immediately after eating, and considering preventive surgery, such as gastropexy, for dogs at high risk. Nearly all breeds can develop bloat, but deep-chested breeds are especially vulnerable. By taking these steps and seeking prompt treatment at the first sign of trouble, pet owners can help prevent bloat and avoid the need for expensive emergency surgery. With proper care and vigilance, most dogs can recover from gastric dilatation volvulus GDV and return to a healthy, active life.

Proactive Digestive & Mobility Care