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My dog has a bloated stomach after eating. Is it gastric torsion?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Male | unneutered | 5 years old | 9.36 lbs

Hi, right now my dog's stomach is quite bloated. He ate his dry food almost 4 hours ago. If I put my dog like in the photo (old photo, not the dog right now) and press the bottom left of his stomach is soft, his bottom right is a bit more hard. It looks like the dog may have some pain, but not too much. He is not nervous, he wants to sleep because it's 3 AM here. Not trying to vomit. Could it be a gastric torsion? Can a gastric torsion happen without some typical symptoms/4 hours after?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on July 11th, 2017

Hi, this is Dr. Johnson. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The signs of gastric torsion (GDV) is non productive retching (trying to vomit but not bringing up anything), pacing, panting, uncomfortable, nauseous, a hard painful abdomen, high heart rate. They do not want to eat or sleep. They are very uncomfortable. Niko is eating and a GDV is unlikely to occur in a toy breed. I think you are very worried about his belly and think you should have a Vet examine him tomorrow. Best wishes!

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    Answered By Jeffrey Milner

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi, sorry to hear Niko is not feeling well. Gastric torsion mostly occurs in large breed dogs like Great Danes or dogs with deep chests. In smaller dogs, it is more common to have bloat without torsion. I would monitor him tonight until your vet open and if it is not any better take him to the vet. If he wakes up in the night by whining or acting uncomfortable, this is also a reason to take him to a vet. I would let him rest for a few hours to see if it resolves and is just gas. Gas relief can also be purchased at a pharmacy and it is called simethicone. Good luck, I hope this help!

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