What Does A Normal Puppy Belly Look Like?

What does a normal puppy belly look like? A puppy’s belly is soft and smooth. The belly is usually loose, and you will find it moving if you touch it. Read on to know more about the puppy’s belly.

When we talk about a puppy’s belly, you will find it is usually soft and smooth. If your puppy’s belly has an odd shape, you may be wondering, what does a normal puppy belly look like? Usually, you will find a puppy belly loose and moving if you touch it. But if you find it hard, there may be some problem. 

If your puppy has eaten his food or anything you gave him, then their belly may swell up or bloat. It will get back to normal on its own after some time. If it does not go, then there may be some problem. Let us look at the causes in detail.

In this article, let us further look at

• Is it normal for puppies to have big tummies?
• How can you prevent your puppy from bloating?
• What should you do if you find the puppy’s belly hard?
• What should your furry friend’s belly feel like?
• Understanding a bloated stomach on a puppy?
• What happens if you overfeed your puppy?

Is It Normal For Puppies To Have Big Tummies?

It is pretty normal for puppies to have big tummies if they have had their food. If you have fed your puppy, their tummy will look big and swollen. If your puppy is active and playing, then you don’t need to worry. 

However, if the puppy’s stomach looks hard and does not go flat after some time, there may be some issues. Let’s look at a few causes.

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Internal Parasites

The most common paradise found in puppies is roundworms and tapeworms. Sometimes if your puppy’s belly looks big, they may have some worms present in their belly.

But how do you know if your puppy has roundworms present inside? They will show certain signs and symptoms, including diarrhea, coughing, or vomiting. You need to get it checked by a vet if you find any of such symptoms in your puppy. It is a good idea to get your dog checked and dewormed every few weeks.

Hernia

Usually, the umbilical hernia makes the belly look big and swollen. In puppies, it is generally caused due to genetics. However, this type of hernia does not harm your dog and will get clear with time.

You will notice hernia symptoms in puppies if you find them vomiting, in pain, or eating less than usual. They may even show some signs like fever, lethargy, and swelling. 

Ascites

You may find some swelling in your puppy’s belly. Your puppy’s belly may look bigger if the fluid builds up in their stomach. Your puppy may show signs like vomiting, lethargy, stomach discomfort, breathing problems, or other intestinal problems.

A vet will diagnose the cause well and may undergo a few tests to know the actual reason and give the treatment accordingly.

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Cushing’s Syndrome

Another cause your puppy’s belly may look bigger is due to Cushing’s syndrome, which is caused by either cortisol (hormone) production or may even have an adrenal gland tumor. Middle-aged dogs are more prone to this disease. You will find your puppy’s belly getting hard and swollen.

He may show other symptoms like being lethargic, hair loss, overeating, or drinking too much. To treat this kind of syndrome, your vet may start with some medications or do some surgery if required.

If the cause is left untreated, your dog will become weak and sluggish. It may lead to some infections as well.

Bloating

Sometimes if you overfeed your dog, his stomach may look bloated and may cause bloating or GDV. Sometimes, bloating also causes the stomach to look swollen or bigger.

He may show symptoms like restlessness, pale gums, vomiting, or whining due to pain. Even if he eats from a raised bowl, his stomach may bloat.

If your puppy’s belly is bloated, you need to take him to the vet and treat him immediately. 

Other Causes

Other causes that make the puppy’s belly look hard and swollen may include internal bleeding, a stomach blockage, or tumors. You need to treat your dog as the cause and consult your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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How Can You Prevent Your Puppy From Bloating?

Let’s look at a few tips that will help prevent bloating.

Feed Two Or More Meals

Try feeding your dog twice instead of feeding him one large meal at a time.

Train Your Puppy To Eat Slowly

If your puppy eats his meal too fast, you will have to train him to eat slowly. You can have a slow feeder bowl that will let him eat slowly.

Don’t Let Him Drink Too Much Water.

It would help if you did not allow your dog to drink a lot of water all at once. To prevent this, you can remove his water bowl to limit his intake. 

Avoid Exercise

Please don’t allow your dog to exercise when you are going to feed him and even after that for some time.

What Should You Do If You Find The Puppy’s Belly Hard?

If you find your puppy’s belly hard and swollen, and if it’s not due to having their meal too fast, you need to take him to the vet. Get all the tests and examinations done and start the treatment.

Usually, a vet will diagnose the problem well and take a complete physical exam to know the actual cause. It is a good idea to take your puppy for regular checkups and prevent them from any health issues.

Answers To Frequently Asked Questions

What Should Your Furry Friend’s Belly Feel Like?

A puppy’s belly is smooth, soft, and will not look swollen. If you find your dog’s belly hard or swollen, it may have some problems or maybe bloated. If you find your dog is not active as usual, you should take him to the vet and get it checked.

How To Understand What A Bloated Stomach Looks Like On A Puppy?

If your puppy’s stomach is bloated, he may show signs like vomiting, restlessness, difficulty breathing, fast pulse rate, or may find his belly hard. It is better to take your puppy to a vet and get all the tests and treatment done as soon as possible.

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What Happens If You Overfeed Your Puppy?

Puppies usually don’t know when your tummy is full and end up overeating. They will eat their meal even if they are not hungry. Thus leading to obesity, bloating, or GDV and can even cause skeleton issues in some dogs.

To avoid letting your dog overeat, every pet owner should be aware of the eating habits of their dogs and follow the food guidelines that are there in the packages. You can talk with your vet and know the proper diet plan for your dog.

So What Does A Normal Puppy Belly Look Like?  

A normal puppy belly looks soft and smooth. Usually, it does not look big unless you have fed him. Make sure your puppy has small meals at a time and takes rest after having their meals.

But if you find your puppy’s belly hard or swollen, then this is a cause of concern. 

Take him to a vet regularly for a checkup and treat him if you find any problems immediately. Make sure your puppy is healthy and active.