Abdominal pain in dogs: Symptoms, causes, and when to seek help

Abdominal pain in dogs can indicate various underlying health issues, ranging from mild to life-threatening conditions. Recognising the signs and understanding when to seek veterinary attention are crucial for your dog’s well-being.

Symptoms of abdominal pain in dogs

Dogs experiencing abdominal pain may exhibit the following signs:

  • Vocalisation or sensitivity:
    • Whining, whimpering, or growling when the abdomen is touched
    • Attempts to bite or move away when the abdomen is handled
  • Behavioural changes:
    • Restlessness or inability to find a comfortable position
    • Lethargy or decreased activity levels
  • Physical indicators:
    • Visible swelling or bloating of the abdomen
    • Licking or focusing attention on the abdominal area
    • Audible gut sounds
    • Bruising, wounds, swelling or other signs of trauma

Additional signs may include vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, or changes in bowel movements. If your dog displays any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian promptly.

 

Common causes of abdominal pain

Abdominal pain in dogs can result from various conditions, including:

    • Gastrointestinal issues:
      • Foreign body ingestion
      • Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
      • Intestinal obstructions
    • Organ-related conditions:
      • Liver or kidney disease
      • Pancreatitis
      • Urinary tract infections or bladder stones
    • Infections and inflammations:
      • Peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining)
      • Gastroenteritis
    • Trauma:
      • Injuries to the abdominal wall or internal organs
      • Referred pain from another body part (particularly the spine)

When to seek veterinary care

  1. Animals with abdominal pain should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible, particularly where this is accompanied by other signs of illness such as vomiting, inappetence, straining to urinate or defecate, pale or yellow mucus membranes, weakness or diarrhoea.
  2. If your pet has abdominal pain and a history of trauma seek immediate veterinary attention.
  3. When lifting animals with abdominal pain or swelling for transport, place your arms around and not between the legs to avoid placing any pressure on the abdomen.

Treatment for abdominal pain in dogs

Veterinary care depends on the underlying cause. Aside from a physical examination, your veterinarian may perform blood tests, x-rays, ultrasound, and specific tests for particular conditions.

Exploratory abdominal surgery may be required to achieve a diagnosis and fix the problem (for example, removing a gastrointestinal foreign body or gall stones).

Concerned about your dog’s abdominal pain? Contact Lort Smith immediately

If your dog is experiencing abdominal discomfort, don’t delay. Our experienced and compassionate team is here to help. Our North Melbourne Accident and Emergency department is open 365 days a year, no bookings required. If possible, we recommend calling to let us know you are on the way.

You can also call or book an appointment online for our North Melbourne or Campbellfield clinics.