Bloat (GDV) in Dogs: Signs and What to Do
Swollen belly, retching with nothing coming up, restless or collapsing? Phone your own vet or the nearest emergency vet now and say you suspect bloat. Do not wait to see if it settles. Find an emergency vet
Quick answer
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), often called bloat, is when a dog's stomach fills with food and gas and can twist on itself. The American College of Veterinary Surgeons calls it rapidly progressive and life-threatening, needing immediate veterinary attention. Early signs include an anxious look, drooling, a swelling belly and retching without bringing anything up.
From the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Not veterinary or financial advice. Worried about your pet now?
On this page (8 sections)
What GDV is
The ACVS describes gastric dilatation-volvulus as a condition in which the stomach fills with food and gas and can then rotate. That can cut off blood flow to the stomach and spleen, lead to the stomach wall rupturing, and cause breathing and heart problems. Source: American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Gastric dilatation-volvulus.
Signs
- Early: belly discomfort, such as an anxious look, stretching or drooling; a swelling belly; retching without producing anything.
- Later: panting, a bloated belly, weakness and collapse.
Source: American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Gastric dilatation-volvulus.
What to do now
The ACVS says affected dogs should be seen by a vet immediately, and that stabilisation and surgery work best early in the disease. Phone ahead so the clinic can prepare, and go. There is nothing to try at home. Source: American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Gastric dilatation-volvulus.
Which dogs are at risk
The ACVS lists a deep chest, older age, a family history of GDV, eating one large meal a day and eating quickly as risk factors. Large and giant breeds, stress, earlier spleen removal and raised food bowls have been suggested but not confirmed. Breeds commonly affected include Great Danes, Weimaraners, St Bernards, Irish setters and Gordon setters. PDSA also lists GDV among the health problems of the Great Dane, Dobermann and Bernese Mountain Dog. Source: American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Gastric dilatation-volvulus.
What happens at the vet, and the outlook
The ACVS describes stabilisation with fluids and oxygen, emptying the stomach with a tube, then surgery to untwist the stomach, check the organs and attach the stomach to the body wall (gastropexy) so it is less likely to twist again. It reports a death rate of about 15%, higher when signs have lasted more than 6 hours or part of the stomach or the spleen has to be removed. Source: American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Gastric dilatation-volvulus.
Prevention
The ACVS suggests feeding 2 to 3 smaller meals a day rather than one large meal. Many surgeons recommend a preventive gastropexy for at-risk breeds or dogs with affected relatives, which can be done at the same time as neutering; it does not stop the stomach swelling, but aims to prevent the twist. Ask your vet whether it suits your dog. Source: American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Gastric dilatation-volvulus.
Questions people ask
What are the first signs of bloat in a dog?
The American College of Veterinary Surgeons lists belly discomfort (an anxious look, stretching, drooling), a swelling belly and retching without bringing anything up. Later signs are panting, weakness and collapse.
How quickly does bloat need treatment?
Immediately. The ACVS calls GDV rapidly progressive and life-threatening and says stabilisation and surgery work best early. Phone a vet and go now.
Which dogs get bloat?
The ACVS lists deep-chested, older dogs, dogs with a family history, and dogs that eat one large meal a day or eat quickly. Commonly affected breeds include Great Danes, Weimaraners, St Bernards and Irish and Gordon setters.
Can bloat be prevented?
The ACVS suggests 2 to 3 smaller meals a day instead of one large meal, and says many surgeons recommend a preventive gastropexy for at-risk dogs. Ask your vet.
Sources
- American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Gastric dilatation-volvulus, read 7 November 2026.
Related pages
Pet emergency: what to do right now, find an emergency vet, normal heart and breathing rates and breed guides.