---
title: "Bloat (GDV) in Dogs: Signs, Which Dogs Are at Risk, What to Do"
url: https://pawmultiverse.com/bloat-gdv-in-dogs/
description: "Bloat with a twisted stomach (GDV) is a fast, life-threatening emergency. The American College of Veterinary Surgeons lists the signs, the dogs most at risk, and why a vet must see the dog immediately."
source: Paw Multiverse (https://pawmultiverse.com), free to cite with a link
---

# Bloat (GDV) in Dogs: Signs and What to Do

Published by Paw Multiverse (A.I.T. Multiverse Consulting Ltd) · Last updated 7 November 2026

**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](https://pawmultiverse.com/find-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?](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/)

## 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](https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/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](https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/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](https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/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](https://pawmultiverse.com/great-dane-breed/), [Dobermann](https://pawmultiverse.com/doberman-breed/) and [Bernese Mountain Dog](https://pawmultiverse.com/bernese-mountain-dog-breed/). Source: [American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Gastric dilatation-volvulus](https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/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](https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/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](https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/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](https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/gastric-dilatation-volvulus/), read 7 November 2026.

## Related pages

[Pet emergency: what to do right now](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/), [find an emergency vet](https://pawmultiverse.com/find-emergency-vet/), [normal heart and breathing rates](https://pawmultiverse.com/normal-temperature-heart-rate-and-breathing-in-dogs-and-cats/) and [breed guides](https://pawmultiverse.com/dog-and-cat-breeds/).

**Dog being sick?** The red flags and when to call: [dog vomiting: when to worry](https://pawmultiverse.com/dog-vomiting-when-to-worry/)

**Is your pet's food on a recall list?** Check the barcode on the bag against five official registers in the US, UK, Canada and France. [Check your bag](https://pawmultiverse.com/check-your-bag/) · [Recalls this week](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-food-recalls/this-week/)