Why Is My Dog’s Stomach Hard Like a Rock But No Pain?
As a dog owner, you have to be vigilant to notice when something wrong with your pet—bloating is not an abnormal thing in dogs because, just like us, dogs produce gas during digestion. A bloated stomach bulges, but there are other indications why your dog’s tummy is hard to the touch.
A hard tummy is an indication of a bigger problem, specifically in elderly or adult dogs. It is not only restricted to older dogs but puppies who live in unsanitary conditions in the streets or the shelter. When a dog’s tummy is hard but not bloated, these might be the scenarios behind it:
The Dog’s Stomach Is Swollen, Hard, and Inflamed Followed by Trembling
For an adult dog, a swollen gut may conceal more significant diseases, and that is why you need to be keen. When the dog’s tummy swells, it means that the dog has problems releasing gas or liquids in the stomach. Due to the buildup in the stomach with no expulsion, the gas presses against the stomach walls, which makes the surface hard to touch.
The pressure in the stomach causes the dog pain, especially if you press in the stomach. You may notice your dog wincing or whimpering in pain, so be gentle. If the gas continues to build up, the pressure will damage the dog’s stomach tissues.
Solution
A swollen gut will make the dog suffer; hence, it is best you contact the vet who may recommend some medication to ease the issue.
They say that prevention is better than cure; therefore, it is vital to regulate the dog’s lifestyle. Avoid overfeeding the dog or giving them food that promotes gas like beans, soy, peas, and cabbage, among others. Make sure that they take enough water but not too much to cause water intoxication.
Let the dog relax after a meal before taking him for a walk. This way, digestion can take place comfortably and reduce the gas produced. If your dog is eating a well-balanced meal devoid of gas triggering foods, there will be fewer incidents of gas building up.
The Dog Is Retching, and the Stomach Is Hard
A swollen hard gut can look simple at first. Still, without a solution, the swelling will cause damage to the nearby organs, instigate peritonitis and eventually cause internal bleeding, which is fatal. You do not want to lose your beloved pet just because you underestimated the illness. As stated above, it is important to put in place preventative measures by regulating the dog’s diet and water intake.
Stomach torsion is another issue that may cause the stomach to swell and contort within itself. The contortion makes the expulsion of gas and liquid difficult. If left unchecked, stomach torsion will leave your dog in a world of pain. If the dog’s stomach is hard and vomiting ensues, going to the vet is the only solution to its problems.
The Pooch’s Potbelly Hurts
This condition is most prevalent in puppies because their owners did not deworm them. You may have rescued a stray dog and notice that they keep whimpering when you touch their tummy. The parasites in the dog’s stomach are responsible for the distended stomach that hurts. These parasites get to the puppy through the unvaccinated/ untreated mother’s milk or in the womb.
Tips To Help a Bloated Dog
- Seek The Vet
As much as some home remedies work, you cannot tell how sick the dog really is unless you take it to the vet. You don’t want to try and treat something you don’t understand and end up causing damage to the dog. Take the dog to the vet as soon as you can because bloating can be deadly.
- Control The Diet
We cannot stress enough that you need to keep tabs on what the dog eats. A regular balanced diet that features dry and wet food helps prevent unnecessary stomach issues. Ensure that the dog is eating from the ground rather than in an elevated place to reduce air swallowing. Ask the vet for more information on which gas-causing foods to avoid for the specific breed you have.
- Slow Down The Pace
Dogs are rarely elegant eaters because they wolf down their food in a matter of minutes. You don’t want to encourage fast eating because they swallow air which increases the chance of bloating. Buy eating utensils that force the dog to eat slower; typically, such utensils have a small opening or limited surface area with food at a go. Luckily, these utensils are not expensive, so you can keep changing them until you find one that considerably lowers your dog’s eating speed.
Conclusion
Bloating is not uncommon, but it does not mean that you can disregard it. It would be best if you were wary of any conditions that cause bloating in dogs because it will only take a few minutes for the dog to kick the bucket. Do not hesitate, act fast and save your four-legged best friend from such pain.
