The dachshund has a swollen belly, what to do. Bloating in a dog - what to do? What usually happens to the dog. visible signs. Veterinarian advice

The stomach of dogs is an organ with fairly thick, powerful walls. Smooth muscles are able to remove gases and contents in time in the direction of the small intestine, and the mucous membrane, releasing hydrochloric acid, can digest coarse parts of the feed, which the stomach of other animal species is not capable of.

As a result of such feeding, blockages are formed in the stomach - feed masses that linger mainly in the lower part of the stomach and thereby stretch the walls of the organ, thinning and weakening them. Blockages tend to increase in volume, making the stomach heavier and larger. An increase in the organ stimulates even greater appetite in the dog, more and more food enters the stomach, and the volume of blockages increases more and more.

At some point in time, as a rule, this is observed after a sharp movement of the dog - while running, after falling, waking up, a heavy stomach with thin walls twists along its horizontal axis. Such a condition, first of all, causes severe pain in the dog, and in addition, in the organ, resembling a candy wrapped in a candy wrapper, feed masses and gases are tightly sealed.

Over the next hour, the volume of gases only increases, the stomach begins to swell more and more, its walls become thinner, which may end in their rupture. However, this is usually not the case. The huge stomach presses its mass on the diaphragm, limiting the respiratory space of the lungs, preventing the dog from breathing.

Risk factors

There are some predisposing factors that stimulate acute bloating in a dog, but they cannot be called reasons that could certainly provoke this life-threatening condition in a dog:

  • genetic predisposition. Very often, puppies obtained from dogs that have survived gastric volvulus observe a similar condition.
  • Breed anatomical features. Most often, dogs of large breeds with a wide body suffer. The stomach has more free space for twisting.
  • Shy, cautious temperament. Animals of this type often make sudden movements, leaving a state of rest.
  • Stress.
  • Poor feeding with excessive amounts of carbohydrate-rich dry foods, such as cereals, along with small amounts of water.
  • Rapid absorption of food. observed after prolonged fasting.
  • Active physical activity immediately after feeding.

Prevention

Knowing the risk factors and the general picture of bloating in dogs due to gastric volvulus, some recommendations can be made to help owners avoid this deadly condition for their pet.

The first and best way of prevention will be a preliminary visit to the veterinary clinic in order to examine the stomach for possible volvulus. Veterinary surgeons, knowing the breed characteristics of the dog and evaluating the pattern of the location of the stomach, will be able to accurately predict the possibility of volvulus.

In the case of a positive prognosis, the so-called prophylactic gastropexy in dogs is indicated. It is based on a surgical procedure in which the wall of the stomach is fixed to the inner surface of the abdominal cavity, preventing the organ from moving in any direction.

Of the conservative methods of prevention, the following can be recommended:

  • If it becomes known that the puppy's parents had a history of acute bloating, then it is better to refuse such a dog.
  • Natural foods with a predominance of protein and fatty foods, such as meat and fish, should be a priority for dogs at risk for gastric volvulus.
  • The total amount of food calculated for the day is best divided into 3-4 doses - fractional feeding.
  • Water for drinking should always be plenty.
  • Feeding should be on schedule, and the portion size should not be exceeded.
  • Within an hour after feeding, it is not recommended to allow physical activity for the dog.

Depending on the size of the dog, the length of its intestines is from 5 to 7.5 meters. In a perfectly healthy pet, the small intestine is inhabited by exceptionally friendly bacteria that help extract all the beneficial substances from the food. The large intestine is also inhabited by beneficial bacteria, but their job is to "clean up" - processing undigested food to a soft state.

The vital activity of bacteria is the process of eating carbohydrates and releasing gases that are excreted from the intestines naturally. If gases are not removed, they rise into the small intestine, which causes bloating. Intestinal flatulence in dogs, followed by accumulation of gases, occurs for a number of reasons that may be interrelated:

  • Violation of the intestinal microflora leads to the fact that there are more “cleaning bacteria”, and food, instead of being digested, rots.
  • Eating food that the animal cannot digest.
  • Swallowing air along with food is the wrong position of the feeder, “greedy grasping” of food. In parallel, belching is observed.
  • Feeding a pet food that is supersaturated with carbohydrates or foods that the dog does not absorb.
  • Pathology of the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract), weak peristalsis or its absence.

The course of the disease is divided into 4 types, which are combined:

  • Chronic or widespread.

Under the complications understand the presence of heartburn, mucous discharge from the rectum, blood in the feces, overexertion of the abdominal wall, soreness, vomiting, diarrhea. Serious, life-threatening complications are rare, but require urgent care, most often, stimulation of intestinal motility or puncture of the peritoneum.

Causes of Bloating in Dogs

Gases, which are formed as a result of digestion, are excreted from the body of the animal in a natural way. Under the influence of certain factors, they begin to accumulate and rise into the small intestine, which causes bloating.

The main causes of flatulence are:

  1. Swallowing air when eating food quickly.
  2. Unbalanced diet: food with a high concentration of fiber, soy products, spoiled, poor quality, hot food, overeating, sudden changes in food.
  3. Allergic reaction to certain types of foods.
  4. Dysfunction of the digestive system, in which food is not completely processed.
  5. Inflammatory process in the gastrointestinal tract.
  6. Dysbacteriosis.
  7. Infectious diseases.
  8. Problems with defecation.
  9. Malfunctions of the pancreas.
  10. Liver diseases.
  11. Sedentary lifestyle.
  12. The presence of worms.

As a result of the accumulation of gases in the intestine, intoxication of the animal's body occurs. Slags and toxins are assimilated, tk. they are carried throughout the body by the blood stream.

Flatulence in dogs is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, rumbling, cramps and abdominal pain.

  • Gas is always formed in the intestines as a result of digestion. But in a normal situation, they move through the intestines and are pushed out.
  • Often, excessive gas formation in the intestines occurs when swallowing air during meals, when the dog eats too quickly, swallowing the food whole.
  • The most common cause of flatulence is a deep violation of the digestive system. They cause the accumulation of a large amount of gas in the stomach, which occurs due to the decay of food debris. This happens when the intestines have difficulty digesting certain foods.
  • Also, flatulence can accompany food allergies and intestinal diseases that disrupt its normal functioning.

With any increase in the abdomen or if its shape changes, the dog should be taken to a veterinary clinic for examination.

Consumption of foods that carry "fast energy", including vegetables, provokes the fermentation process. The bacteria that cause this process feed on sugar and at the same time release gas, which, gathering in bubbles, accumulates in the intestinal cavity and stomach. If the pet is strong, then gases are released through the anus in a natural way.

How to independently help an animal that puffs constantly?

  • To reduce gas pressure, you can give Espumizan and other analogues of children's drugs;
  • To activate the intestinal microflora, we give Hilak Forte at the rate of 1 drop per 1 kg of weight;
  • To relieve irritation and swelling, we use Enterosgel and Smecta;
  • Duphalac gently cleanses the intestines.

These "human" drugs can be used when there is no alternative. It is better to use special veterinary remedies or show the animal to a doctor who, with the help of special veterinary equipment, will be able to accurately determine the diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

If the problem is solved - congratulations! Analyze the pet's diet and draw conclusions by elimination.

What to do if the symptoms only get worse:

  • the dog whines, the hind legs are tense, the stomach is even more puffed up;
  • saliva flows profusely;
  • vomiting appeared.

If vomiting starts, give the dog Regidron, which will protect against dehydration. It may happen that, after vomiting 1-2 times, the pet will feel relief. This suggests that the body coped with the problem on its own. If vomiting during the day was repeated more than 4 times, the masses are yellow, with foam and a pungent odor - immediately to the veterinarian!

Leaving an animal with bloating for more than a day without qualified medical care is dangerous. The fact is that swelling displaces the ligaments that fix the internal organs. An awkward movement, jumping off the couch can provoke a twist, and that will be a completely different story.

Bloating in a dog is a dangerous condition in which, if measures are not taken in time, the dog can die in just a couple of hours.

Most often, bloating occurs in older animals, also in dogs of large and giant sizes with a deep chest (Doberman, German Shepherd, Great Dane, Bobtail), however, dogs of any size are prone to developing such problems.

A properly functioning stomach ensures the timely release of gases from the animal's body, and if the digestion process is disturbed, this leads to their excessive formation and stagnation.

Causes of bloating

  1. Excessively abundant feeding, in particular, products prone to fermentation;
  2. Lack or lack of physical activity after feeding;
  3. Feeding several animals at the same time, when the dog, trying to eat more, swallows a large amount of air along with the food, which will stop the cause of flatulence.
  4. Stress caused by childbirth, changes of residence, changes in the dog's lifestyle.
  5. Diseases of the pancreas or hereditary predisposition.

Bloating can be of two forms - acute and chronic.

acute form

In the acute course of the disease, the symptoms of the disease develop rapidly and most often in the evening after feeding. The animal becomes restless, whines, walks with an arched back.

There is shortness of breath, unproductive gagging every half hour. Sometimes with such urges, foam can be released. The abdomen becomes enlarged, stretched and painful. The dog may try to go to the toilet, but to no avail.

But sometimes loose stools can be observed.

As a result, due to increased gas formation and, as a result, obstruction of the esophagus, such conditions end with a lock and even displacement of the stomach.

Therefore, as soon as the animal has symptoms of acute bloating, it must be urgently taken to a veterinary clinic, where the doctor will conduct an examination, take blood and stool tests, and conduct an X-ray examination to rule out other diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract.

Chronic form

In the chronic course of the disease, gas formation in the dog's digestive tract is permanent. This condition, although it manifests itself without painful and dangerous symptoms, still requires treatment.

The causes of chronic bloating can be disorders in the functioning of internal organs, such as diseases of the liver and pancreas.

In addition, the cause may be inappropriate food or a lack of enzymes in it for the proper functioning of the stomach.

Treatment

To provide qualified assistance to a sick animal, veterinarians first of all carry out manipulations to relieve stomach tension.

To relieve pain and reduce stress, the dog is given special drugs and antibiotics.

This procedure is done using sorbents, or a gas tube, which must be inserted into the dog's esophagus through the throat.

In acute and critical conditions, emergency methods can be used, such as puncturing the stomach with a hollow needle, under general anesthesia, to remove gases, or restoring and fixing its correct position (gastropexy) if volvulus has occurred.

In order to prevent re-bloating, the stomach is necessarily attached to the right wall of the abdominal cavity. Then a probe is inserted into the stomach to empty it. Sometimes, a drain or removal of the spleen may be necessary for the operation to be successful.

For the period and after treatment, the dog is shown liquid nutrition. Often, veterinarians advise to abandon dry food for a while or pre-soak it in water, because. it absorbs a large amount of moisture in the stomach, which can lead to sudden bloating.

Prevention

Prevention of bloating includes:

  1. If the dog is prone to bloating, then the owner should always have medication available for gas formation.
  2. Proper nutrition, excluding the possibility of flatulence. In order not to provoke the formation of gases by improper digestion of food, the dog should not be given water an hour before meals. The diet should include food that is easily digestible. It is recommended to feed the animal three times a day after a walk. After active physical activity, you should not give the dog to immediately drink water to prevent swallowing air.
  3. Transfer to a new diet should be done gradually. It is preferable to feed your dog a low grain diet.
  4. If the diet is natural, then at least 30% of raw meat and fiber should be included in the diet. It will also be helpful to give your dog special herbs for pets, which are sold in veterinary pharmacies.
  5. Provide adequate exercise for the dog
  6. Eliminate stressful situations when eating animals.

There are many causes of bloating in dogs. A common reason is that the pet may have eaten food that contains foods that promote the formation and accumulation of gas in the stomach. These products include brewer's yeast, soy, as well as citric acid, which often acts as a preservative.

Bloating can occur as a result of air entering the stomach if the animal absorbs food and water too quickly.

Stress, which can be caused by childbirth, exhibitions, changes in the dog's lifestyle, as well as physical activity before meals and immediately after meals, can also cause bloating in dogs.

One of the reasons may be hereditary predisposition or diseases of the pancreas.

Symptoms

Flatulence can be acute, delayed and chronic. In the chronic course of the disease, it does not particularly manifest itself, but over time, the animal has disturbances in the functioning of the liver and pancreas, which increasingly lead to improper digestion of food.

Veterinarians often blame dry soy foods for this condition.

The acute form of the disease is much more dangerous. At the same time, the dog whines and worries, its stomach is swollen and tense, diarrhea and vomiting may develop, appetite decreases, its gums become bluish or gray. An urgent appeal to the veterinarian is required, who will conduct the necessary studies to rule out a deficiency of digestive enzymes and intestinal diseases. As a rule, stool and blood tests are taken, and an X-ray is done to the dog.

Treatment for Bloating in Dogs

In severe cases, intensive therapy with peristalsis stimulators is carried out with support for the cardiovascular system.

Preventive measures for flatulence

  • In order to prevent intensive care, it is best to properly feed the animal so that it does not have flatulence. This is especially true of large breeds of dogs, which most often experience bloating of the stomach.
  • The diet of a dog prone to flatulence should consist of easily digestible food, divided into small pieces to avoid swallowing air. It is better to feed three times a day after a walk. Do not give your dog water to drink immediately after active play.
  • It is also better not to experiment with food, but to do any transition to a new food gradually.

Acute bloating in a dog is always an emergency. Therefore, it is extremely important for owners to recognize the first signs of this condition. These include:

  • The dog's belly is swollen and continues to grow in size.
  • Unsuccessful attempts to vomit.
  • Frequent belching.
  • Excited general state.
  • Severe pain in the abdomen - the dog tries to reach him, whines, does not allow to touch.
  • The dog is breathing heavily.
  • Profuse salivation, often in the form of foam.
  • Paleness and blueness of the mucous membranes of the gums and conjunctiva.
  • Weak pulse.
  • Fast heart rate (tachycardia).
  • Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia).
  • Collapse. Loss of consciousness is usually the final symptom, followed by death.

Breeds at High Risk

Great Dane, Weimaraner, St. Bernard, German Shepherd, Gordon Setter, Irish Setter, Miniature Pinscher, English Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Irish Wolfhound, Boxer, Collie.

In some cases, gastric volvulus occurs in small breed dogs such as the Bloodhound, Poodle, Chinese Shar Pei, Basset Hound, Dachshund, and Pekingese.

Typical symptoms may not necessarily be present at the same time. But even with the appearance of the first symptoms, you need to act quickly.

Characteristic symptoms are expressed in unsuccessful urge to vomit, and every 5-30 minutes, with the possible release of foam. The urge to vomit may be perceived as a frequent cough.

The animal shows anxiety, whines and cannot take a comfortable position, walks hunched over, with an arched back.

The belly of the animal increases in size, becomes stretched like a drum.

The dog has weakness, shortness of breath, palpitations. The animal may make unsuccessful attempts to defecate, as well as try to eat pebbles or other hard objects.

The main task in the treatment of flatulence is to relieve bloating of the stomach. To do this, it is necessary to wash the stomach with a mouth-esophageal probe and introduce sorbents into it. Sometimes veterinarians pierce the abdominal wall with a special needle - a trocar, to remove gases.

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, and increased pain in the abdomen.

Bloating in a dog can manifest itself in an acute or lubricated chronic form. In the first case, the disease develops instantly, causing severe pain and anxiety. The area of ​​​​the peritoneum of the pet is tense and painful, and the mucous membranes take on a grayish or bluish tint.

In parallel, loose stools and incessant vomiting can be observed, the dog has no appetite. In this case, it is important to urgently seek medical help, because bloating in a dog, treatment

To exclude other intestinal pathologies, the doctor takes tests of the animal's feces and blood, and also conducts an X-ray examination.

The chronic form of the disease proceeds sluggishly, expressed in systemic pathologies of the internal organs and the gastrointestinal tract.

Treatment

The method of treating flatulence in dogs depends on the causes of its formation. The main directions are:

  • normalization of microflora;
  • activation of the digestive tract;
  • elimination of major diseases.

Normalization of the number of intestinal microorganisms is achieved through the use of drugs with a high concentration of probiotics. They are prescribed depending on the condition of the animal, the stage of development of the disease.

To activate the work of the digestive organs, it is necessary to identify and eliminate the causes that cause their dysfunction. In this case, drug treatment is used. The action of medications is aimed at normalizing the process of enzyme production and improving digestion. After diagnosing a disease of the gastrointestinal tract, enzyme medications are prescribed.

Treatment of flatulence is to eliminate bloating. For this purpose, gastric lavage is carried out using a special probe through which sorbents are introduced. In emergency situations, the abdominal cavity of the animal is pierced with a thin needle, through which accumulated gas is removed from the body.

To reduce pressure in the abdominal cavity, carminative drugs are used. If swelling is accompanied by a strong pain syndrome, specialists conduct x-rays, as well as a study of blood and feces. These activities will help determine the causes of the disease, notice the possible combination of internal organs or the formation of tumors.

When gases are removed from the digestive system, it is populated with beneficial microflora. To do this, use probiotics, natural yogurt.

Products that envelop the walls of the stomach and create a protective barrier against the effects of negative factors will help improve the digestion process. It is recommended to use rice porridge, flax seeds, herbal decoction. Sorbent substances are capable of reducing the amount of gases and toxic substances in a dog.

A decoction of chamomile will help alleviate the condition of the dog. It has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory properties, which favorably affects the work of the digestive tract. Medicinal drink must be given to the pet on a spoon per day. If the dog refuses to drink it, it can be added to liquid food or injected with a syringe.

During the recovery period, the correct diet should be compiled for the animal. Feed your pet preferably in small portions, more than 4-6 times a day. You need to make sure that he does not swallow food quickly. Legumes, dry food, milk, sea fish, cereals, food that contains sugar should be excluded from the daily menu.

In the acute form of bloating, it is recommended to feed the dog only boiled chopped rice, boiled in water or low-fat broth. It is necessary to ensure that the dog does not take food out of the trash can or eat something spoiled during the walk.

To prevent acute bloating, the dog should be fed in a calm environment, after a walk, with high-quality habitual food.

Peritonitis, pyometra, ascites - these serious diseases of the dog can only be determined by a veterinarian. When neglected, the host is usually offered the option of euthanasia.

Gastric bloating is not uncommon for dogs. However, this is a rather dangerous condition due to the fact that stretching with gases leads to obstruction of the esophagus, and even volvulus of the stomach and its further displacement.

As a result, the work of the lungs and venous outflow is disturbed, cardiovascular insufficiency occurs, the animal experiences a rapid shock and dies literally within one to two hours. Bloating in a dog is called flatulence.

Symptoms

The acute form of the disease is much more dangerous. At the same time, the dog whines and worries, its stomach is swollen and tense, diarrhea and vomiting may develop, appetite decreases, its gums become bluish or gray.

As a rule, stool and blood tests are taken, and an X-ray is done to the dog.

Treatment methods depend on the severity of the animal's condition. The veterinarian will insert a tube (probe) into the dog's stomach through the throat to relieve the pressure and release the accumulated gases. In severe cases, a veterinarian can make a puncture in the stomach with a hollow needle for the same purpose.

A dog in shock is given special drugs, and the pain is relieved with antibiotics. The veterinary clinic may take x-rays to check the condition of other organs and the absence of gastric volvulus.

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.

It is important to remember that nothing is better for digestion than home-cooked food, which will help 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.

The method of stopping bloating depends on the clinical picture, more precisely, on whether the dog is in pain. If the discomfort is tolerable, they act with “soft” methods:

  • The source of gas formation is removed from the stomach and intestines - absorbents (Atoxil, Enterosgel, activated carbon), intestinal lavage.
  • Reduce pressure on the abdominal cavity - the so-called carminative drugs, for example, children's Espumizan from colic in the abdomen.
  • Relieve irritation of the mucous membranes - Almagel, Smecta, dissolved in warm water, decoctions of herbs that envelop the intestinal walls.
  • They populate the intestines with new beneficial bacteria - probiotics, live yogurt (subject to the absorption of lactose), veterinary Baikal.

Before “cleansing” the intestines, consider in detail the pet’s diet for the duration of treatment. The best thing to do is to contact your veterinarian, who will help you decide what to do first. Based on the experience of "experienced owners", first of all, doctors recommend excluding the following products from the diet:

  • Dry food containing legumes.
  • Milk, if lactose intolerance is suspected.
  • All cereals except rice and buckwheat.
  • Any food containing sugar, including treats.

If the dog's condition is acute, for the first 2-3 days, a "cleansing" diet is prescribed - boiled rice in water or light broth. As an additional examination, blood and stool tests are performed. With painful swelling, x-rays are performed to identify possible displacement of organs or tumors.

To provide qualified assistance to a sick animal, veterinarians first of all carry out manipulations to relieve stomach tension. To relieve pain and reduce stress, the dog is given special drugs and antibiotics. This procedure is done using sorbents, or a gas tube, which must be inserted into the dog's esophagus through the throat.

In acute and critical conditions, emergency methods can be used, such as puncturing the stomach with a hollow needle, under general anesthesia, to remove gases, or restoring and fixing its correct position (gastropexy) if volvulus has occurred. In order to prevent re-bloating, the stomach is necessarily attached to the right wall of the abdominal cavity.

You can completely abandon feed by replacing dry food with homemade healthy food. It is useful to brew chamomile and give chilled half a teaspoon a day. You can mix chamomile tea with food or pour it in with a syringe.

  1. First of all, the dog must be transferred to a meat diet.. Rather, not on a diet, but on feeding those products that are necessary for the full restoration of microflora. Meat and bones, dairy products, and eggs, this is the diet that does not lead to flatulence.
  2. The frequency of feeding the dog should be at least 2 times a day, but during the period of exacerbation, to normalize the processes in the gastrointestinal tract, it is advisable to feed 3 times in small portions.
  3. Feed should be high in calories. You can not limit yourself to bare bones and skim milk. Fats are also necessary for the body, especially for those dogs that lead an active, mobile lifestyle.
  4. As a first aid, until the cause is clarified, and the animal is not examined by a veterinarian, you can apply activated charcoal ¼ tablet 3 times a day or enterosgel ½ teaspoon one hour before or one hour after feeding the dog. Taking drugs should not be limited to 1-2 days, the course is prescribed for 5-6 days.

Consequences of digestive problems

Due to possible digestive disorders, the intestines of the animal begin to fill with a large amount of gases and significantly increase 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.

Prevention

The occurrence of flatulence in a dog can be avoided by following certain recommendations and rules for care:

  • proper, balanced nutrition;
  • do not give water to drink after physical activity;
  • food should be chopped and easily digestible;
  • the food bowl must be installed at the level of the animal's head;
  • do not make a sudden transition to another type of food.

It is desirable to feed a healthy dog ​​after a street walk, but no more than 3 times a day.

If the dog's health worsens, you should contact a veterinarian who will determine the cause of the swelling, prescribe the appropriate treatment, and make up a diet.

In the dog's first aid kit, especially knowing about the pet's predisposition to bloating, there should always be drugs against the formation of gases.

Bloating can be avoided by avoiding fast food intake. To do this, you can use labyrinth bowls and feed the daily portion not in one, but in 2-3 doses per day.

The correct feeding regimen will avoid many problems. The dog should not be allowed to drink an hour before and after a meal, so as not to dilute the gastric juice necessary for the proper digestion of food, otherwise gases are formed. Physical activity is allowed only after at least an hour before and after meals.

Transfer from one feed to another should be gradual. Choose a quality dry food that does not include fat in the first four ingredients. It is better to give preference to feeds with a low carbohydrate content, the source of which is cereals. It is known that cereals ferment in the stomach, resulting in the formation of gases.

With natural feeding, the diet must include at least 30% raw meat and a sufficient amount of fiber. Herbs for pets help reduce gas formation.

It is important to avoid stressful situations or minimize stress.

  • You should feed the dog 2-3 times a day, strictly the field of walking.
  • Do not give the dog water immediately after exercise, wait until the pet “evens out breathing”.
  • Grind food properly, look at the dog's jaw and the size of his chewing tooth - pieces of food should not be larger.
  • Place bowls of water and food on a stand so your dog doesn't have to "shove" food up his esophagus.
  • Strictly follow the diet - any unnatural food for a wild dog can provoke gas formation.
  • As a preventive measure, feed your pet shredded beef stomach - the smell is not pleasant, but it's worth it.

If you have not yet encountered a beef stomach, the instructions are as follows:

  • Buy the product washed and cut into large layers.
  • Partially freeze the pieces before chopping (a raw stomach is difficult to cut).
  • Do not boil the crushed stomach! Boil if you want to get rid of the rest of the inhabitants of the home - the smell is unforgettable! In addition, almost all beneficial bacteria die during heat treatment.
  • To protect the product, place the portioned stomach in the freezer for 4-5 days.
  • Feed the stomach 1-3 times a week and watch the pet's reaction, with dysbacteriosis, the dog greedily pounces on the treat.

If the situation is critical, invasive methods of treatment are used - a puncture of the gastric wall with a trocar to remove gases or restoring the correct position of the stomach during torsion. If help was provided to the pet in a timely manner, the prognosis of the disease is usually favorable.

Prevention includes balanced exercise, proper nutrition, and a calm environment while the animal is eating.

There are no particular worries, the dog is cheerful and playful, appetite is normal, but there is a "rumbling" in the abdominal cavity and the release of gases from the intestines. If such cases are rare, then they do not deserve attention. In the case of frequent separations of gas, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian regarding pathology in the gastrointestinal tract.

Flatulence is not a disease, it is a symptom.

As a rule, the term "flatulence" does not refer to a disease. This is a symptom. Gases are released during the work of the intestinal microflora.

However, not all feeds are processed by the microflora with the same "zeal", and not every organism reacts equally to certain ingredients of the diet. Excess gas formation may be due to:

  • alimentary (feed) reasons;
  • pathological condition.

Alimentary flatulence

The dog is a carnivore. Feeding foods rich in fiber, grains, legumes, and granular cereals containing an excess amount of cereals can affect gas formation in a bad way.

A diet rich in fiber can affect your dog's gas production.

Commercially produced feeds, no matter what is written on the label, contain cereals at their core, and only a few manufacturers add a significant part of the meat and bone, or fish meal. The animal gets used to these feeds and the intestinal microflora already “learns” to digest them faster. However, nature takes over and after a while even the usual foods cause flatulence, this indicates that the body's reserves are running out and irreversible changes are possible.

Peculiarities

Sometimes there is an increased formation of gases when certain feeds are not digestible, for example, of dairy origin, due to no secretion of a specific enzyme , which would contribute to the breakdown of lactose.

Milk promotes increased gas formation.

Treatment

To determine which food causes unpleasant phenomena, observation is necessary. After each new change of feed, observation is necessary with notes on the type of feed, manufacturer and clinical signs. After a while, the picture will become clearer, and you will be able to independently reduce non-receptive feeds in the diet, or completely eliminate them.

Flatulence after prolonged starvation of the dog is possible. This phenomenon is delayed for a short time and, as a rule, is restored after a few days of regular feeding.

After a hunger strike, the dog may have flatulence.

If there are no other signs, such as: constipation, painful defecation, vomiting and the urge to vomit, then adjusting the feeding ration will quickly solve the problem.

Pathological flatulence

Diseases in the gastrointestinal tract of the animal lead to the formation of an excess amount of gas, they can be:

A dog leads its social life regardless of the conditions of sterility and will become infected with anything and anywhere, maybe every minute, so the main efforts should be aimed at maintaining the body's immune status.

signs

Flatulence associated with pathological phenomena is accompanied by a number of other signs, so identifying them and contacting a doctor will speed up the solution to the problem.

In this situation, observation is also necessary. In doing so, attention should be paid to:

  • thermometry. Infectious processes are always accompanied by an increase in temperature. Sometimes you can not "catch" a high indicator of the thermometer, since febrile phenomena are manifested by a sharp rise and fall in temperature, so the measurement must be taken several times;
  • appetite (especially appetite distortion) amount of food eaten;
  • the quality of the fecal matter (dense, liquid, formed or not);
  • the presence of foreign inclusions, such as mucus, blood, helminths or their segments;
  • the amount of fecal matter;
  • frequency of excretion of fecal matter;

When an infection occurs, the dog's temperature rises.

Flatulence and helminths

A big problem today is the helminthological situation.

When taking soil samples in dog walking areas, a huge number of helminth eggs are found, but even if the dog does not visit common places, quarterly deworming is a prerequisite for maintaining the health of the animal.

Dogs should be dewormed quarterly.

For preventive deworming, it is necessary to select only complex preparations . A drug that only works on roundworms will not be able to kill flatworms and so on, so the selection of the drug plays a huge role.

Treatment of a dog with flatulence

Initially, it is necessary to identify the cause and eliminate it. However, this is not always possible, and the animal requires immediate treatment.

The meat introduced into the dog's diet will not lead to flatulence.

  1. First of all, the dog must be transferred to a meat diet. . Rather, not on a diet, but on feeding those products that are necessary for the full restoration of microflora. Meat and bones, dairy products, and eggs, this is the diet that does not lead to flatulence.
  2. The frequency of feeding the dog should be at least 2 times a day , but during the period of exacerbation, to normalize the processes in the gastrointestinal tract, it is advisable to feed 3 times in small portions.
  3. Feed should be high in calories . You can not limit yourself to bare bones and skim milk. Fats are also necessary for the body, especially for those dogs that lead an active, mobile lifestyle.
  4. As a first aid, until the cause is clarified, and the animal is not examined by a veterinarian, you can apply activated charcoal ¼ tablet 3 times a day or enterosgel ½ teaspoon one hour before or one hour after feeding the dog. Taking drugs should not be limited to 1-2 days, the course is prescribed for 5-6 days.

conclusions

If the flatulence is stable, you should contact your veterinarian.

With stable flatulence, the intestines should not be delayed with a visit to the doctor. Timely identification of the cause and the appointment of qualified treatment will contribute to a quick solution to the problem.

Video about worms in dogs

(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 significantly increase 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, and 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, which will help 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.

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:

  1. Adsorbents and carminative preparations will help get rid of gases and remove them from the body: Enterosgel, Activated Carbon, Smecta, Polysorb, Espumizan (Simeticone).
  2. With a lack of enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract, drugs are prescribed: Creon, Mezim, Pancreatin, Pepsin.
  3. For the treatment of dysbacteriosis, probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics are used:
  4. To improve gastrointestinal motility, drugs are prescribed: Motilium, Motilak, Cerucal.
  5. 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.

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