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Why does my dog scream when her tummy is touched? Is it serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | unspayed | 3 years and 5 months old | 4 lbs

I'm really scared right now. What is wrong with her tummy? This happened twice. Every time someone touches her tummy, she screams and runs to me. Help

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 1st, 2016

Poor Bella. If she is that painful in her tummy than she needs to be seen by a vet to determine the cause. Your vet can do a physical exam, run lab-work, and take x-rays to help determine the source of the pain. She could have pancreatitis, an infection, kidney problem, back problem. etc. Please call your vet and have her seen so your vet can prescribe medications to help with any pain.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    This could be due to a gastrointestinal infection, foreign body in the intestines, pancreatitis or a uterine infection (very common in unspayed females). I would recommend taking Bella to the vet right away as such an acute pain could be a sign of a very serious condition.

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