Bloating or gastric torsion is a serious, life threatening disease that can occur mostly in giant and large breed dogs with deep chest. It occurs sometimes after the dog has eaten and then gone out for a run. Bloat is common but is also a serious, often fatal problem. Bloat will kill your dog if he is not treated. Being able to recognize symptoms of abdominal bloating in your pet will save his life.
Instructions
Watch your dog for repeated attempts at vomit with no relief. Repeated attempts to vomit are a clear sign of trouble. Because the stomach is twisted, the opening to the esophagus is closed off. Dogs will try repeatedly to empty the stomach to release undigested foods which are causing a build up of gas. However, these vomit attempts will fail because the opening is closed off. You might see foam or mucus come up sometimes in the unsuccessful attempts to vomit. If you see this in your dog, bring her to your veterinarian immediately for treatment or surgery. Your vet may be able to insert a tube to release the gas, or surgery may be required.
Look for a change in your dog's behavior. Change in behavior is another early warning sign that tells you your dog might be experiencing bloat. For example, your dog never wants to go outside after dinner but suddenly begs you to. You should especially watch your dog if he is one of the breeds at higher risk for this. These breeds include medium-to-large breeds with deep chest cavity. But those are not the only dogs. Any dog can suffer from bloat.
Feel your dog's stomach. Bloat will cause his stomach to be hard and unyielding. You will see swelling around his abdominal area. This is caused by the build-up of gas in his stomach. This is an extremely painful condition and you need to take any of these signs seriously, day or night. A hard, round stomach, along with the other signs and symptoms is a sure sign of bloat.
Observe your dog for signs of pain. Your dog may pace, be unwilling to lie down, salivate, ask to go outside but then come back in again and seem anxious. When bloat is in advanced stages, he cannot even stand up properly. At this stage, stop whatever you are doing and get him to dog emergency as soon as possible.