Dog's stomach is bloated, retching but not coming out. It might be GDV. What should I do?

Last checked 2026-07-17

Do this first.

I retched or tried to vomit but nothing came out. Bloated or tight stomach Restlessness, excessive saliva, stomach pain, pale gums, weakness or falling, suspected GDV.
GDV is a life-threatening condition. You must call and go to an emergency animal hospital immediately. Every minute is important.
Do not wait and see. Do not give food, water, gas relievers, or attempt to evacuate your stomach.
Deep-chested dogs are at higher risk, but GDV can occur in all breeds of dogs.

Signs of GDV

A prominent sign is repeated attempts to vomit or retching but nothing comes out. An enlarged or tight stomach Restlessness, moving around, drooling, panting, looking at or biting your stomach, stomach pain, pale gums, fast heartbeat, weakness, or falling.

Your stomach may not be clearly bloated yet. Especially in the first period Therefore, you should not wait to see all symptoms.

What must be done immediately?

Called the emergency veterinary hospital, reported suspected GDV and left immediately. Cornell determined that GDV required urgent medical and surgical treatment to relieve the pressure, correct the twist, and assess the damage.

Do not give food, water, medicine to humans, medicine to reduce gas, or exercise. And do not insert a catheter or pierce your own stomach.

Risk and prevention

Large, deep-chested dogs that are older, have direct relatives who have had it, eat quickly, eat large meals, or are stressed are at greater risk. But every breed of dog can get it.

Owners of at-risk dogs should talk to their veterinarian about portioning meals, reducing fast eating, and performing preventive gastric bypass surgery. Especially when sterilizing There is no substitute for going to emergency when symptoms appear.

Frequently asked questions

The dog retches but doesn't come out. We have to wait and see if the stomach is bloated.

You shouldn't wait. Repeated retching can be the first sign of GDV. Call emergency and get out.

Can I give medicine to reduce gas or take me for a walk?

Do not use it as a substitute for treatment and do not delay it. GDV must be relieved of pressure and often requires surgery by a veterinarian.

Are there only large breed dogs that have it?

Larger and deeper-chested breeds are more at risk. But all breeds of dogs can develop GDV, so symptoms must be looked at first.

You can check which trees in your house are dangerous atTool for checking poisonous plants and find hospitals that are open now atList of 24-hour animal clinics

Reference source: www.vet.cornell.edu · www.vet.cornell.edu

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