Why Is My Dog’s Stomach Hard
We have all experienced a bloated stomach from time to time.
Though a hard stomach in humans is often related to something we ate or other dietary issues, it’s not always as straightforward for our furry friends.
So what could cause a dog to have a hard and bloated stomach, especially when it’s not painful?
In this article we will discuss the most common causes of abdominal bloating in our canine friends, and help you better understand why your pup could be experiencing a hard stomach without pain.
Why Is My Dog’s Stomach Hard But Not Painful?
If your otherwise healthy dog is suddenly sporting a hard and bloated stomach, this could be a sign of a developing health complication.
Dogs can experience harmless bloating due to dietary related struggles, but there are other complicated causes on the table as well.
To help you get to the bottom of your dog’s hard stomach, let’s discuss a few of the most common causes of pain-free bloating below.
Overeating
Food bloat can easily lead to a swollen or hard stomach in our canine companions.
Most dogs will not stop eating once they are full, causing them to eat to the point of food bloat if they have access to enough food.
This often occurs when a dog gets into their bag of kibble, or even access to the pantry in some cases.
Dogs will eat until they can no longer take in any more food, causing them to experience a hard and bloated abdomen.
This can be very uncomfortable for some dogs, but they may not display obvious signs of pain.
The only visible symptom present could be a hard stomach, often followed by signs of GI upset such as diarrhea or vomiting.
Food bloat may not seem like a serious medical threat, but we do always suggest reaching out to your vet for further guidance.
They can make the best decision on whether or not your pup needs to be seen.
Intestinal Parasites
Have you ever seen a puppy with a pot belly?
This is often due to a serious case of intestinal parasites, leading to the distension of their abdomen.
While dogs with intestinal parasites will often experience GI upset, their stomach may not be painful to the touch.
Roundworms are the most common cause of abdominal swelling in dogs, but they can fall victim to an array of other intestinal parasites as well.
If you think your dog’s hard stomach could be a result of intestinal parasites, it’s best to have them seen by your veterinarian for further care.
Back Pain
Many pet owners are unaware that a stiff or tense abdomen can be a result of significant back pain in dogs.
Dogs will tighten their abdominal muscles in effort to compensate for their back pain, leading to a noticeably tight belly.
Though they may cry out or appear painful during sudden movements, their stomach itself may not be uncomfortable.
Other signs of back or neck pain in dogs include shaking, a hunched standing position, crying out, refusal to jump on furniture, shying away from activities, and even a decrease in appetite.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your canine friend, we suggest having them seen by your veterinarian.
Cushing’s Disease
Cushing’s disease is a common cause of hard or distended abdomens in older dogs.
One of the most common symptoms of Cushing’s in dogs is a pot belly appearance, and it develops as a result of the overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands.
Other symptoms of Cushing’s disease in dogs include increased thirst, increased urination, fur loss, fragile skin, skin infections, increased appetite, and lethargy.
If your dog has developed any of these symptoms, we suggest having them seen by your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Cushing’s disease can be deadly when it’s not treated promptly, so it’s important to explore this possibility with your vet.
Ascites
The term ascites refers to a build up of fluid in the abdomen in dogs.
Ascites itself is not a diagnosis, but rather a symptom that develops as a result of an underlying condition.
Ascites will often lead to a hard or swollen abdomen in dogs, typically worsening until the underlying cause is corrected.
Some of the most common causes of ascites in dogs include heart failure, liver disease, cancer, hypertension, kidney disease, and even malnutrition.
If you notice abdominal swelling in your dog along with any other decline in health, we suggest seeing your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Other Causes To Be Aware Of
It’s important to note that there are other causes of abdominal swelling in dogs, though these conditions are often accompanied by pain.
However, dogs can hide their pain exceptionally well, so we may not always be aware that our dogs are struggling.
A few other causes of a hard or swollen stomach in dogs include:
- Bloat (GDV)
- Pancreatitis
- Abdominal tumors
- Hemoabdomen
- Peritonitis
Should I Take My Dog To the Vet For A Hard Stomach?
We always suggest taking your dog to the vet if they are experiencing a hard or swollen stomach.
It’s impossible to rule out any serious causes of abdominal swelling on your own at home, making it important to have them seen by a veterinarian to be safe.
Even a mild case of abdominal swelling can be uncomfortable for your furry friend, so we suggest getting to the bottom of your dog’s symptoms as soon as possible.
What To Expect At The Vet
If you take your dog to the vet for a hard stomach without pain, you can typically expect a few things to occur once you arrive.
First, your vet will likely ask you an array of questions to better understand your dog’s medical history and current symptoms.
They may ask you about their current diet, behaviors they are displaying at home, any previous medical conditions, as well as if you are aware of any potential causes.
These questions will help your vet paint a clear picture of your dog’s current situation, as well as help them determine if they require diagnostics.
Your vet can determine the best plan of action for testing based on your dog’s current symptoms.
They may suggest abdominal x-rays, blood work, and even an ultrasound if they feel it’s needed to help your furry friend.
Every situation will vary, so we suggest following your vet’s guidance when it comes to diagnostic options.
Based on the result of your dog’s diagnostics, your vet can determine the best plan of action going forward.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, a hard or swollen stomach in dogs can range from a minor dietary issue to a serious medical condition.
It’s impossible to determine the exact cause of your dog’s symptoms at home, so we always suggest reaching out to your vet for advice in these situations.
My name is Amber. I am a dedicated animal lover that turned my passion into my career. I am a Licensed Vet Tech with 12 years of experience in veterinary medicine, but I recently took my career online to help spread accurate information on animal care. With how vast the online world is, I have a strong desire to ensure that the reader always walks away with helpful pet advice. With the experience I’ve gained from my time in this field, I have been able to travel the world, offering my services to as many animal rescues as I can find. If I am not at my laptop, or back home visiting family, you can find me somewhere in the world, cuddling every furry friend that I can find! More About Us