A swollen belly in a puppy causes. Bloating in dogs. How to identify painful bloating

Increased gas formation in the gastrointestinal tract of a pet indicates problems with digestion. What are the causes of flatulence? How to deal with excess gas in a dog?

There are several causes of flatulence in dogs.

The formation of gases in the intestines is a natural process for any organism. If any foods are not digested in the pet's stomach, or there is a lack of enzymes, flatulence occurs.

The reasons for its development include:

the presence in the diet of foods that are poorly digested (any legumes, fresh white cabbage, potatoes, etc.);
lack of enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract;
obstruction (blockage) caused by a tumor or foreign body;
swallowing a large volume of air while eating food;
lack of movement
fermentation of food due to malabsorption;
dysbacteriosis;
helminth infection ();
gastrointestinal motility disorder.

Important. Flatulence is just a symptom that indicates a malfunction of the pet's gastrointestinal tract. Usually this phenomenon does not bother the dog, but if there is a lot of gas, the animal experiences abdominal pain, worries and may refuse to eat.

Flatulence in a dog - what to do

If you notice that your dog is suffering from excess gas, contact your veterinarian. In the clinic, a specialist will examine the pet and find out the cause of flatulence.

If an obstruction is suspected, an x-ray with contrast should be taken. Fecal analysis will help detect enzyme deficiency and dysbacteriosis.

Gas can occur due to food, it is necessary to reconsider the diet for the dog.

Treatment is aimed at eliminating the underlying cause. If an excess of gases arose due to any product, it is necessary, and then the problem will be solved without treatment.

In other cases, you can follow the following scheme:

Adsorbents and carminative preparations will help get rid of gases and remove them from the body: Enterosgel, Activated Carbon, Smecta, Polysorb, Espumizan (Simeticone).
With a lack of enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract, drugs are prescribed: Creon, Mezim, Pancreatin, Pepsin.
For the treatment of dysbacteriosis, probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics are used:
To improve gastrointestinal motility, drugs are prescribed: Motilium, Motilak, Cerucal.
If increased gas formation is caused by a large number of helminths, it is necessary to rid the dog of them with the help of anthelmintic drugs: Kanikvantel, Drontal, Milbemax, etc.

If flatulence is caused by a blockage, surgery may be required to remove the foreign object from the bowel.

Advice. If gas production is increased due to the dog swallowing a large amount of air during meals, it is recommended to feed the pet in small portions, and raise the bowl to the level of the animal's chest.

Prevention of bloating

Prevention of flatulence is as follows:

exclude legumes, cabbage and other foods that your pet does not digest well from the diet;
put the dog bowl higher;
dry food can be soaked in water 15-20 minutes before meals;
make sure that the animal moves enough (this contributes to a better exit of gases from the intestines);
Deworm your pet regularly.

Flatulence does not threaten health, but indicates a problem in the dog's gastrointestinal tract. If your pet passes gas frequently, contact your veterinarian. It will help to identify the root cause and eliminate it.

Rapid abdominal enlargement in dogs, especially if it occurs within a short time (from 2-3 hours to 2 days), is a very alarming symptom. In such cases, urgent help from a veterinarian is needed, because delay in examination can kill the animal.

What causes painful abdominal enlargement

Painful and dangerous for the health of the dog, bloating appears for a number of reasons:

Violation of the rules of feeding, including the presence in the diet of voluminous easily fermenting feed (bread, rolls, etc.), improper diet, making sudden movements by animals during meals. All this can lead to volvulus.
Lack of regular walks.
Accumulation of fluid as a result of liver disease, heart failure, trauma (bleeding, bladder overflow). This can be verified. Take the animal in your arms and try to lightly press on one side of the abdomen with your palm. The hand attached to the other side will feel the flow of fluid.
Accumulation of gases in peritonitis.
Inflammation of the uterus in females.

How to identify painful bloating

Among the symptoms that accompany a painful increase in the abdomen, there are:

restless condition of the dog;
vomiting with mucous secretions;
rapid heavy breathing;
inflation of the sides of the dog in a short period of time.

What will the veterinarian do

In the most severe cases, no more than 10 hours pass from the appearance of the first signs of bloating to a possible death, so you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. In the clinic, the dog is examined, a study is carried out (radiography, ultrasound, etc.) and a diagnosis is made, after which treatment is prescribed depending on the complexity of the situation.

So:

In the case of ascites (liver dysfunction, heart failure), diuretics are used, vitamins and special medications are given to the animal. The fluid is removed by puncture of the abdominal wall.
When the intestines are twisted, immediate (within 4-6 hours) surgical intervention is performed.
Surgery is also required in case of endometritis.

Help from professionals

In our clinic, your pets will receive appropriate veterinary care as quickly as possible. You can bring the dog to us or call a doctor at home. We guarantee an attentive attitude to the four-legged patient, effective treatment in accordance with a precisely established diagnosis, constant monitoring of the condition of the recovering four-legged patient. We will do our best to make your dog active, cheerful and cheerful again.

(in other words, flatulence) is a lesion that causes a lot of problems to both the owner and the pet itself. In most cases, the dog's stomach swells due to malnutrition. If this happens, then it becomes dangerous for her, since in the future it can lead to obstruction of the esophagus, and in some cases to volvulus of the stomach and its further displacement from its usual position.

Reasons for trouble

Flatulence can be caused by many factors. If the dog has a swollen stomach, the reasons may be:

improperly selected food and food for the dog;
poor care;
pancreatic insufficiency;
problems with the functioning of the liver;
dysbacteriosis;
bowel disease.

Improper feeding of a pet can be concluded in excessive amounts of carbohydrates, cereals and legumes. The dog's digestive system can cope well with meat products, some cottage cheese, well-boiled porridge and vegetables. Most cheap pet food mixes replace some of the meat with soy. In carnivores, such a product is poorly absorbed and provokes strong gas formation.

In any animal, flatulence can occur due to the constant use of too hot or cold food, a sharp change in the usual diet. In addition, in dogs, mixing canned and dry food from different manufacturers can lead to the accumulation of gases in the intestines.

Wrong content

It implies a restriction of the activity of the pet. In the normal state, with active movement, the dog's abdominal muscles press on the intestines. This process significantly speeds up the activity of the intestines, which is responsible for pushing food out, which helps to achieve normal emptying, including getting rid of accumulated gases.

With low mobility, such a mechanism does not work, which is why gases accumulate in the intestines.

Digestive problems

Pancreatic insufficiency leads to problems with the production of important enzymes that help digest incoming food. This especially affects the digestion of proteins and the synthesis of enzymes that break down carbohydrates. As a result of such insufficiency, digestion does not occur in full. Such disorders are characteristic of inflammation of the pancreas, diabetes mellitus and other lesions.

Difficulties with the functioning of the liver lead to a change in the amount of bile and its constituent components. As a result, the stomach suffers and the absorption of the components worsens. The substances remaining in the intestines begin to ferment and release gas.

Dysbacteriosis is described as a violation of the composition of microorganisms in the intestine. This impairs the digestion of fiber and carbohydrates by microorganisms. With dysbacteriosis, a large amount of toxins and gases accumulate in the body.

Intestinal disease is characterized by dysbacteriosis and problems with the absorption of components. Against the background of indigestion, the process of assimilation of carbohydrates also worsens.

Consequences of digestive problems

Due to possible digestive disorders, the intestines of the animal begin to fill with a large amount of gases and increase significantly in size. As a result, the dog's stomach swells, pain occurs. Gases begin to be slowly absorbed and lead to intoxication. The negative load on the liver increases significantly.

The expansion of the intestine leads to its enhanced work, which speeds up the movement of digested food. The dog has diarrhea. At the same time, a large amount of gases continues to remain in the intestine, moving closer to the sphincter of the rectum and accumulating in this place. After the accumulation of a certain amount of gases, emission with an unpleasant odor begins.

The mere emission of excess gases through the anus is not enough to empty the intestines. Its walls continue to expand, and pain only increases. In this case, there is a danger that the dog will develop stomach diseases, increased flatulence and impaired liver function.

Main symptoms

Bloating can be acute as well as chronic. If it is of a chronic type, then it can proceed hidden. But over time, the animal will begin to have difficulties with the pancreas and liver. It is important to remember that, together with the disruption of the described organs, the state of the digestive system and all the processes occurring in it are significantly deteriorating.

As with other diseases, the acute form brings the greatest threat. With such a violation, the pet begins to get very nervous and whine. The dog's belly swells, the muscles tense up. Side effects of bloating include indigestion, nausea, complete or partial denial of nutrition, blue gums, difficulty breathing, increased pain in the abdomen.

Problem Identification

If the dog's abdomen is very swollen after eating food, then the abdominal region can be measured using a centimeter tape. It is recommended to take measurements in the widest part of the belly. Such a simple procedure will help track the progression of the disease and accurately understand whether there is a threat to the condition of the animal.

If the symptoms are quite serious, then it is important to immediately go to a consultation with a veterinarian. In the clinic, doctors will be able to conduct all the necessary examinations, including analysis of feces, blood and x-rays. The main goal of the doctor is to exclude a disease with similar symptoms, for example, intestinal disease or a lack of enzymes in the body.

Selection of treatment

What to do if the dog's stomach is swollen? For the most part, therapeutic measures will be related to the nutrition of the pet. To begin with, it is important to provide the animal with proper nutrition in a calm environment. It is not necessary to distract the dog during feeding, and it is also forbidden to allow children to do this. This behavior can end badly, as dogs become especially sensitive when eating food.

The place for feeding should also be separate, as dogs are used to swallowing food in whole pieces without chewing (this is especially true in homes where there are other animals). Eating food too quickly can lead to a buildup of large amounts of gas, which will only make things worse.

If your dog has a bloated belly, it is important to buy liquid food for him. Veterinarians recommend giving a pet that is often bloated from simple food, liquid or almost liquid food. Dry food in this case is prohibited, as it absorbs a large amount of liquid in the stomach itself, leading to bloating. If the owner does not have time to prepare food for the animal, then he can make dry food much softer by adding liquid to it. This method will help absorb water before it enters the stomach.

It is important to remember that nothing is better for digestion than home-cooked food to avoid any dog stomach problems. Experts were able to prove that dogs that eat homemade food get better much faster than animals that continue to be given store food.

herbal tincture

What should I do if my dog has a bloated belly? Another effective way is chamomile tincture. Such a plant is a good helper in the fight against various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Chamomile helps not only to get rid of stomach problems, but also to avoid possible bloating.

Small breeds of dogs, whose weight is less than 15 kilograms, are allowed to give half a teaspoon of decoction every day. Large breeds can take a tablespoon of the remedy daily. If the animal is stubborn and does not want to use the prepared decoction, then it can be mixed with food or poured into the pet's mouth using a simple syringe.

Dog owners know that feeding animals off their table is not healthy. The food we eat is unnatural for dogs, especially carbohydrates. But rarely can anyone resist the begging eyes and treat their pets with something tasty in the hope that they will carry it. This is usually what happens. But sweets and pastries, getting into the stomach, cause fermentation there. In animals with good muscle tone and peristalsis, gases pass naturally. And in the unhealthy, lazy, old, they accumulate, causing bloating and discomfort.

If the dog's stomach is swollen, first of all, you need to look for the cause in malnutrition. But if the condition of the animal is deteriorating rapidly, you should think about serious diseases and immediately seek qualified help.

Symptoms of the disease

The course of the disease and the features of treatment depend on the causes that cause it. Sometimes you can understand that a dog has a stomach ache by its behavior: the pet becomes less agile, remains motionless for a long time and, as it were, listens to something. The change in the shape and size of the abdomen becomes noticeable on the 2nd or 3rd day.

In another case, intestinal swelling occurs quickly, the animal's condition deteriorates sharply. This option is more dangerous to the life of the dog and requires immediate assistance.

Common symptoms of the pathological condition are:

Great enlargement and soreness of the abdomen.
Aversion to food, refusal of water.
Rapid breathing.
Belching, nausea, profuse salivation,.

The dog moves with difficulty, mostly lies on its side.

Causes of the pathological condition

The formation of gases always accompanies the process of digestion. But in a healthy animal, the intestine pushes them imperceptibly. If the dog's stomach is very swollen, it means that there are disturbances in the digestive system. You can deal with the problem yourself when the causes of these violations are as follows:

rapid ingestion of food with the capture of air;
allergic reactions to the proposed products;
stale food;
dysbacteriosis after taking medications;
hair accumulated in the intestines.

Consultation with a specialist will be useful, but there is no danger to life.

Without delay, you should consult a doctor in cases where bloating is accompanied by severe pain and has arisen due to life-threatening factors. These include:

It will not be possible to solve these problems on your own, urgent veterinary care is needed. Unfortunately, in especially severe cases, it is impossible to save the dog.

First aid

Regardless of the severity of the disease, the owner should try to alleviate the condition of the animal.

Having noticed the changed figure and downcast look of your pet, first determine what caused the dog's stomach to swell. There can be two reasons:

The dog swallowed something while playing (for example, a rubber ball);
It is difficult to pass gases for physiological reasons.

A strong accumulation of gases is easily determined by the characteristic sound that occurs when tapping on the swollen belly of the dog with your fingers.

Try to restore the natural discharge of gases and reduce their pressure on the internal organs. Try doing this:

Stroke the dog's belly with light pressure in a clockwise direction for 3 to 5 minutes. Usually this action is enough to deflate the intestines. Next, if there is a suspicion of toxins, put a few tablets of activated charcoal in her mouth, grab her muzzle with both hands and hold until she swallows. To restore the intestinal microflora after a while, start giving probiotics.
If the first method does not work, carefully insert the gas outlet tube into the anus to a depth of 2 - 3 cm (depending on the size of the animal). This procedure will relieve some stress until the doctor arrives.

Therapeutic measures

Treating a dog at home is advisable only when the stomach is swollen due to malnutrition. After the removal of gases, veterinary sorbents and drugs that improve metabolism are used. Then you need to gently clean the intestines. The main condition for getting rid of pathology is to adhere to the rules of nutrition.

Other situations require examination and treatment in a specialized veterinary clinic. After establishing an accurate diagnosis, if surgery is not needed, the dog will be prescribed medication. Staying at home is dangerous, delay can cost your pet life.

Prevention

Any disease is easier to prevent than to cure and get rid of its complications. Therefore, if you want to see your four-legged friend healthy and cheerful, do not forget about the following preventive measures:

Follow the rules of feeding (the quality of food should be high, the dishes should be clean, the quantity should be sufficient to saturate, but do not allow overeating).
Timely (at least 2 times a year) carry out the prevention of helminthiasis.
Teach your dog not to take food from other people's hands, not to pick up anything from the ground.
For walks, try to choose places where the dog can be well driven over uneven terrain. This will improve intestinal motility and protect against constipation and gas accumulation.
Choose a good doctor for your pet and seek help immediately if problems arise.

Veterinarians advise against accustoming dogs to the food that we eat. In practice, unfortunately, this is not always the case. That's why:

make sure that spoiled food does not appear in the bowl, do not feed the dog expired foods that are a pity to throw away;
do not forget that of all breeds, only German Shepherds can partially digest bones. Make sure that tubular bones do not get into food, because they are poorly excreted, injure the mucous membrane, clog the intestines, causing obstruction.

And then bloating your dog does not threaten.

Acute bloating in dogs is a fatal condition due to two causes: gastric volvulus or, more rarely, rupture of the stomach wall. Dogs of large and giant breeds suffer. Most owners say that they took the dog for a walk after feeding, suddenly her legs gave out, her stomach began to swell, there were repeated urges to vomit. The condition worsened so quickly that after an hour or two the dog could not move independently and soon died.

The death of the animal in such cases occurs due to cardiac arrest (from the strong pressure of the abdomen swollen with gases on the diaphragm). Shortness of breath, bulging eyes, pallor of the gums, and a slowdown in the rate of capillary filling to 2-4 seconds also indicate a violation of blood circulation.

Puppies of large and giant breeds after weaning them from their mother, as a rule, are fed coarse, hard-to-digest food that is not characteristic of this type of animal, food containing a lot of fiber (cereals, vegetables), as well as liquid, voluminous food, as opposed to the physiological need of dogs for a concentrated type of nutrition. . As a result, there is a daily overfilling of the stomach and stretching of its walls. In addition, along with the increasing volume of the stomach, appetite increases. The walls of the stomach become weak, and their contractions become sluggish. The stomach can no longer correct its position in the abdominal cavity. The weak suspensory ligamentous apparatus of the stomach of the dog is also important.

As the animal ages, the walls of the stomach become very thin, the mucous membrane atrophies, and the secretion of gastric juice decreases. The food lump does not move along the stomach, but, as it were, falls to its bottom and its walls protrude. In the body, the metabolism of mineral substances is disturbed, abnormal losses of salt and water are noted. Such animals are usually worried about itchy skin. Inversion or rupture of the stomach wall itself provokes (but only provokes) an unsuccessful abrupt movement of the animal and fermentation of food in the stomach.

The only thing that can save an animal in this state is an operation and a drip of drugs into a vein. But how to support the dog so that it does not die before the moment when it will be possible to perform an operation in the clinic? The most decisive, in our opinion, could be an attempt to remove gas from the stomach by probing to facilitate the work of the heart and restore disturbed blood circulation.

As a probe, you can use a rubber tube with a diameter of 2 cm and a length of 1 - 1.5 m (it is desirable that the owners of Great Danes, St. Bernards, Newfoundlands, Shepherds have a gastric tube in their first-aid kit). The introduction of the probe into the stomach begins with the fact that a wooden spacer is installed between the fangs and the dog's muzzle, and the spacer is tightly pulled together with twine (Fig. 23).

They estimate the length to which the probe must be inserted: by the distance from the nose to the last rib. The rounded end of the probe is lubricated with vaseline or sunflower oil and injected into the dog's mouth. At the same time, the animal resists a little, but does not experience pain; makes swallowing movements and the probe passes into the esophagus, since only this path is open. For most of the length of the esophagus, the probe passes freely and meets resistance at the entrance to the stomach. With light pressure, the probe is pushed into the stomach, as evidenced by the rumbling and release of gas with an unpleasant odor from the outer opening of the probe. The probe is advanced along the stomach for better discharge of gas and fixed with adhesive tape to the upper jaw. The belly of the dog at the same time decreases in volume, falls off. A dog with a probe in the stomach can be transported to the clinic for a long time (up to a day), nothing threatens its life, but the operation is still necessary, since the stomach itself will not straighten out.

If you failed to cope with such a manipulation, you should try to alleviate the animal's condition with the help of medications: support cardiac activity by injecting 2 ampoules of Korglucon intramuscularly, relax the cardiac sphincter of the stomach to release gas by introducing 4 ampoules of atropine. Pour 10 tablespoons of vaseline or sunflower oil into the dog's mouth. The effectiveness of such treatment is promised by regurgitation of gas and a decrease in the volume of the abdomen, which allows you to win several hours from the disease.

It is impossible not to say about the measures for the prevention of acute gastric dilatation in dogs. In fact, they all boil down to recommendations for the normalization of animal nutrition: large dogs should be fed several times a day in small portions, cool food. In the diet, the amount of cereals should be reduced and the content of protein products and fats should be increased. Dogs with pruritus should be given plenty of water, lightly salted if possible (see Appendix Table 4).