Abdominal pain in dogs can be a source of worry for owners until the cause is discovered. However, it is also very common. The most important thing is to recognize the signs and symptoms. Typical symptoms include shallow breathing, loss of energy, and loss of appetite. If you want to learn more about the signs and symptoms of abdominal pain in dogs, read on!

What is Abdominal Pain in Dogs?

A variety of conditions can cause abdominal pain. In medical terms, recurring abdominal pain is called “acute abdomen pain”. In general, acute abdominal pain can be infectious or non-infectious, and within these groups, there are different types of abdominal pain, including:

• Digestion
• Metabolic
• Musculoskeletal
• Peritoneal cavity
• Reproductive System
• Urinary tract

Every dog owner should be aware that acute abdominal pain is most often secondary to an underlying disease that needs to be treated.

What Should You Do if Your Dog Is in Pain?

Abdominal pain in dogs can be difficult to detect, but you should pay close attention to any changes in your pet’s behavior. If, for any reason, your dog starts to act differently, take him to the vet immediately.

An underlying medical condition often causes abdominal pain, and prompt treatment is necessary if there is a blockage or tumor.

Symptoms of Abdominal Pain in Dogs

If you observe your dog daily, you should be able to notice changes in its behavioral patterns. Some of the possible signs include

• Swelling and tenderness in the abdomen
• Vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Whining.
• Breathlessness or abnormal breathing.
• Postural changes: hips up, shoulders close to the floor.
• Difficulty getting up or lying down restlessly, indicating an inability to assume a comfortable position.
• Diarrhea, blood or mucus in stools, dehydration.
• Depression and lack of energy.
• Fever.
  

Causes of Abdominal Pain in Dogs

There are many reasons why a dog may have sharp abdominal pain. As mentioned earlier, there are two categories: infectious and non-infectious. Within these two categories, there are many more causes:

-Metabolic diseases such as kidney failure, liver disease, malabsorption, ischemia (insufficient blood supply to an organ or part of the body), and cancer.

-Abdominal such as trauma to the urinary tract, urethral obstruction, cystitis, peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal wall).

-Digestive system, such as gastric torsion, pancreatitis, gastritis, gastrointestinal ulcers, enteritis, constipation, and gastrointestinal obstruction.

-Reproductive, such as inflammation of the prostate.

-Musculoskeletal which affects the abdominal muscles.

-Neurological.

-Bacterial, parasitic, and viral infections, such as leptospirosis and canine parvovirus.

Vet Appointments

When you visit the vet, it is essential to tell them everything you have observed. Have there been any recent changes in his diet or eating habits? You should also say if you have been to any new places recently and if your pet has been exposed to any harmful chemicals or poisons. Also, don’t forget to mention possible injuries or trauma.

Next, the vet will decide if blood or urine samples will be taken. They will also physically examine your dog and look for signs of trauma such as bruises or scratches. The condition of the lungs and heart will also be checked.

If necessary, they may choose to perform X-rays, fluoroscopy, or pap tests to diagnose possible causes further. You will then be advised on the appropriate treatment plan.

Most of the above diseases are treatable and it is important to treat them quickly, especially after the symptoms appear. If you are worried that your dog might be sick, take him to the vet as soon as you can.