My dog is dazed, breathing hard, stomach contracting. Is it bloat?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
my dog is dazed, heavily breathing, looks like he wants to puke, contracting stomach, can’t stand. he can’t move and can only tilt head. we are giving him water to get fluids in him.
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on November 29th, 2017
Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The symptoms you are describing sound like an emergency. The description of heavy breathing, retching, and contracting abdomen sound like the symptoms of a gastric dilatation/volvulus, or bloat. This happens when the stomach is filled with air and can even twist on itself and is more common in large breed dogs. The condition is extremely uncomfortable, and requires immediate stabilization and possibly surgery. This can be life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary care, especially if there is torsion. I recommend getting your dog to the vet as soon as possible. There are 24-hour emergency clinics in most cities that are open overnight and will be able to stabilize your dog.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on November 29th, 2017
Poor Buster. If his abdomen is rock hard and he seems painful then he should be examined by a vet to determine the cause. He could have excessive gas in his stomach, an enlarged organ, abdominal fluid, mass, constipation, etc. Your vet can take an x-ray to help diagnose and then determine the best way to treat.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 28th, 2016
If his abdomen is hard and he seems uncomfortable than he should be seen by a vet to determine the cause. Your vet can do a physical examination and take an xray, if needed, to help diagnose. He could have some gas distention, enlarged organ, constipation, etc and your vet can determine the best way to treat. Hope he feels better soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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