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Why is my dog bloated, not eating, lethargic, and constipated?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | 3 years and 7 months old | 85 lbs

My dog is 85 pound pitbull she has got a bloated stomach is not eating only drinking water she sleeping more than usual and she hasn't had a bowel movement in two days she got all her shots

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 8th, 2017

I am very sorry to hear about Gracey. These symptoms are certainly concerning and warrant a visit to Gracey's veterinarian for an examination. We can see constipation in dogs but we don't see it commonly and it usually wouldn't cause enlargement of the abdomen unless it was severe. It is possible she isn't have bowel movements because she hasn't had any intake of food. With a bloated appearance to the stomach we worry about fluid buildup in the belly which can be a result of heart disease, low protein levels (which an be due to kidney or intestinal disease or severe parasitism), bleeding or oozing from a tumor. We can also have enlargement of the belly due to a space occupying mass (such as a tumor). If your dog isn't spayed then another possibility would be a uterine infection (her uterus could be full of pus and causing the bloated look). I would recommend having Gracey seen as soon as possible, if she seems lethargic or has an elevated temperature (over 102.5), has pale gums, or is vomiting then she should be seen tonight at the emergency vet. Some of these conditions can be life threatening if left untreated.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi. Poor Gracey. These signs can be part of some severe conditions including bloat, foreign bodies, etc. I would get her to ER this evening for some labwork and x-rays to rule out those 2 serious conditions. Good luck.

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    Answered By Maria DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 11th, 2018

    I highly recommend taking Lil Bit to a veterinarian as soon as possible. It is a concern when you say her stomach seems bloated and she is lethargic. This may be nothing of concern or it can be something very serious. Without a physical examination (and potentially x-rays) it is hard to say what is going on with her. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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