Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteAbdominal pain in dogs can show up as restlessness, trouble settling, unusual posture, vomiting, or a swollen belly—not just yelping when touched. A swollen abdomen with repeated unsuccessful attempts to vomit is an emergency: go to an emergency veterinary hospital immediately. Collapse, severe weakness, pale gums, or difficulty breathing also require emergency care.
How to recognize possible abdominal pain
No single behavior confirms a stomach problem, and dogs may show discomfort without crying out or guarding their belly. Watch for a change from your dog’s normal behavior, especially when several signs appear together.
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- Restlessness or distress: pacing, repeatedly changing position, whining, or being unable to settle.
- Low energy or reluctance to be handled: listlessness, lethargy, or reacting unusually when approached.
- An unusual posture: some dogs stretch their forelegs forward and lower their chest while keeping their hindquarters raised, sometimes called a “praying” posture. This can be a sign of discomfort, but it is not a diagnostic test.
- Digestive changes: vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, or repeated attempts to vomit.
- A belly that looks enlarged or painful: swelling may be especially noticeable behind the ribs or on the left side with bloat, but a visible swollen belly is not required for a serious problem.
Do not press hard on your dog’s abdomen or try to diagnose the cause by tapping or palpating it. Your observations are useful to a veterinarian, but a home check cannot establish whether the stomach has twisted or an obstruction is present. See VCA Animal Hospitals’ guide to emergencies in dogs.
When abdominal pain is an emergency
Go to an emergency veterinary hospital now
A distended abdomen together with repeated dry-heaving or unsuccessful attempts to vomit can indicate gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly called bloat. GDV is life-threatening and can progress to shock. Do not wait to see whether the signs pass. Call the emergency hospital while you are preparing to leave if practical, but do not delay transport to make the call. Read Cornell’s overview of GDV and bloat.
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Seek emergency care immediately for collapse, severe weakness, pale gums, difficulty breathing, inability to stand, or marked distress—even if you do not see abdominal swelling. These signs can accompany severe GDV or another urgent condition.
Contact a veterinarian promptly
Call your veterinarian promptly about ongoing or repeated vomiting or diarrhea, blood in vomit or stool, weakness, reduced responsiveness, or a possible swallowed object. A foreign-body obstruction can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dehydration, and lethargy. A veterinarian may need imaging, such as X-rays or ultrasound, to investigate; some obstructions require surgery. See Cornell’s guide to gastrointestinal foreign-body obstruction in dogs.
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What to do while arranging veterinary care
- Call the veterinarian or emergency hospital. Describe the signs and follow the team’s directions. For suspected GDV or severe symptoms, arrange emergency transport immediately.
- Keep your dog quiet and limit movement. Avoid unnecessary handling or activity while you arrange care.
- Share the timeline and possible exposures. Tell the veterinary team when the signs began, what changed, whether your dog may have eaten an object, unusual food, or a toxin, and whether you saw blood in vomit or stool.
- Do not give human medication unless a veterinarian specifically advises it. Do not force food or water during a suspected emergency.
For general emergency guidance, see VCA Animal Hospitals’ emergency information and Cornell’s June 2025 guide to when to go to the ER.
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Abdominal discomfort has several possible causes, and the signs alone cannot identify which one is responsible. In GDV, the stomach becomes distended and twists, trapping gas and disrupting normal emptying. The condition can compromise blood flow and lead to shock and other complications.
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Simple stomach dilation and GDV can look alike during a physical examination. A veterinarian may need X-rays or other tests to determine whether twisting has occurred. The veterinarian also uses your dog’s history, examination, and any appropriate imaging to investigate other causes, including an obstruction. There is no reliable home check that rules out GDV or confirms an obstruction. Learn more from VCA Animal Hospitals’ explanation of bloat and GDV.
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