Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 35 lbs
My dog has been dry heaving. He does it a few times a day and I'm unsure if it could be GDV. He eats and drinks just fine, he's playful, doesn't seem to be in any pain, and he doesn't appear to be bloated. I pay on his stomach and he shows no sign of discomfort
1 Answer
Published on December 20th, 2018
Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This is definitely not GDV. GDV dogs are in extreme pain, laterally recumbent (won’t move out of lateral position) in most situations, actually vomiting up all water and food. If he is attempting to vomit but nothing is coming out then he likely has an upset stomach or could even have a hairball (possible in dogs that overgroom). Another possible thing this could be is a reverse sneeze. Look this up on YouTube to ensure this isn’t what you are mistaking for a dry heave. It’s best to take a video of the “dry heaving” to show your vet so that we can propely identify what this is so that we can treat him properly. Otherwise, he sounds stable for now and may get over this spell on his own. Best wishes with your pet Loki moving forward. Take care.
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