Many conditions, such as infection or internal bleeding, may lead to a hard stomach.
As a pet owner, you should always be on the lookout for signs of gastrointestinal distress. You shouldn’t leave your dog in pain if it’s experiencing stomach difficulties; these problems may develop into far more severe ones if left untreated. Any time your dog exhibits gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, you should rush them to the clinic.
My dog seems to have a tougher stomach than normal; what gives? The causes of and treatments for canine stomach hardness are discussed here. What you need to know if your dog has an exceptionally hard stomach.
There Could Be 6 Causes For Your Dog’s Uncomfortable Stomach
There are a few medical issues that might cause a dog to have a hard stomach. The next section will discuss six possible causes of your dog’s hard stomach. Keeping an eye out for the symptoms that occur with these illnesses is crucial.
Volvulus of the Stomach, or Gastric Dilatation
Dogs may swiftly succumb to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), a gastrointestinal disorder. Large meals are linked to GDV because they might lead to stomach distention from gas accumulation. Problems might arise if your dog’s digestive tract becomes blocked, preventing waste and gas from being expelled. 1 Because of this, the stomach turns inward and swells. You may have noticed that your dog’s stomach seems hard to the touch. This might be a result of the increased pressure in the stomach brought on by GDV.
If your dog has a hard stomach and is obviously in a lot of discomfort as a consequence of GDV, it is an emergency situation and needs medical attention right away. If surgical treatment is delayed for more than a few hours, GDV is invariably deadly.
Peritonitis
Inflammation of the peritoneum (the abdominal cavity’s lining) is known medically as peritonitis. Peritonitis is a potentially lethal disease in dogs, thus prompt veterinary attention is essential. At the absolute least, you should contact your vet for guidance if your dog is experiencing signs of peritonitis.
Infection of the peritoneum has several potential causes. Sometimes, contamination occurs when a foreign item tears the intestine or perforates the abdominal wall. The presence of a tumor in the abdominal cavity, surgery on the abdominal region, pancreatitis, and other disorders may also cause this.
The Disease of Cushing (Cushing’s)
Increased ACTH production is a symptom of Cushing’s disease, a medical disorder that affects the pituitary gland. This increased hormone production may cause a broad variety of medical complications including kidney damage and diabetes, and it may be the reason your dog’s stomach is hard. Dogs may have a potbelly by carrying around extra fat around their internal organs.
Medical attention is essential if your dog has Cushing’s illness. With a veterinarian’s care, Cushing’s illness may be controlled.
Ascites
Belly effusion, or ascites, is the accumulation of fluid in your dog’s abdominal cavity. It seems to reason that if fluid accumulates in your dog’s stomach, it can become hard and bloated. Ascites in dogs may cause a broad variety of indicators, such as lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, weight increase, and pain when the abdomen is touched.
Ascites in dogs may be caused by a variety of conditions, thus treating the condition will depend on its underlying cause. Your dog’s stomach may be hard if it is bloated, so see your veterinarian.
Infection
Dogs may have bloated bellies from roundworm infections if the infestation is severe enough. Aside from keeping your dog away from wild animals and giving them heartworm medicine, you may also prevent roundworm in dogs by having your veterinarian provide occasional deworming therapy. Talk to your vet about preventative measures you may take for roundworm infections.
Spontaneous Internal Hemorrhaging
Internal bleeding in dogs may also cause belly swelling. The accumulation of blood and abdominal enlargement might be the result of trauma or the rupture of anything within your dog’s belly.
When Your Dog Has a Rough Stomach and What to Do About It
Knowing what to do if your dog is sick is a vital skill for every pet owner to have. There are instances when it’s best to wait it out and see whether your dog’s small gastrointestinal issues resolve on its own. However, if your dog has a hard stomach, this might be an indication of a potentially fatal gastrointestinal issue.
Take note of the signs your dog is showing, including a hard stomach, and contact your doctor if necessary. Get your dog in to see the vet as soon as possible to avoid any more health problems.
What to Do If Your Dog Has a Rough Stomach?
Should my dog have a firm tummy?
The tummy of your dog should feel smooth and silky at all times. Fat accumulation in the abdominal region is unhealthy for dogs, although their tummies shouldn’t be overly firm. A firm abdomen in your dog might be a sign of Cushing’s syndrome, gastrointestinal parasite infection (GDV), or peritonitis. As soon as you discover your dog’s stomach is firmer than usual, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
How come my dog’s stomach feels so hard?
What does it signify if your dog has a hard stomach? There might be a number of causes. Most of the time, a hard stomach is a sign of something wrong with the digestive tract. There are other medical diseases, such as severe roundworm infections or internal bleeding, that may produce the same symptoms. You should see a vet if your dog has a very hard stomach. Some gastrointestinal disorders are so severe that they endanger life itself.
Why do canines sometimes become bloated?
Some of the issues we discussed in this post are only a few of the many potential causes of canine bloat. It’s crucial to keep in mind that feeling bloated in the stomach isn’t typical. You should take your dog to the doctor if you see that his stomach is swollen, and you should also make a note of any other symptoms he may be having.
What are the other symptoms of canine gastrointestinal distress?
In addition to the obvious bloat, there are a number of additional symptoms that might indicate your dog has a digestive problem. One symptom of gastrointestinal problems in dogs is a loss of appetite, which may lead to significant weight loss. Even while vomiting and diarrhea are typical reactions to many gastrointestinal disorders, your dog may also have constipation if they are in a very dire state. When a dog has digestive problems, its owners may also notice an increase in gas.
In conclusion
In conclusion, there are a few different gastrointestinal ailments that might cause your dog to have a hard stomach, but none of them should be ignored. The symptoms of a bloated stomach in dogs should always prompt a trip to the veterinarian, since illnesses including GDV, Cushing’s disease, and ascites may be life-threatening if left untreated.