First aid

Bloat (twisted stomach, GDV): dog first aid

Use this when your dog keeps trying to vomit but brings up nothing, has a swollen belly, or is restless and drooling.

Get your dog to a vet as soon as you can

Find an emergency vet

Key facts

Verdict: First aid · Emergency: get help now
Signs: Retching or trying to vomit without bringing anything up, swollen or tight belly, restlessness, pacing or panting, heavy drooling and trouble breathing. All 7
First step: Go to an emergency vet now. All steps
Sources: PDSA, VCA Animal Hospitals, AVMA. Reviewed 9 October 2026.

What to do

Go to an emergency vet now.
Call ahead so the team is ready when you arrive.

Don't

Don't wait to see if the signs get better.

Signs

Retching or trying to vomit without bringing anything up
Swollen or tight belly
Restlessness, pacing or panting
Heavy drooling
Trouble breathing
Pale gums
Collapse

Why

In bloat, the stomach fills with gas and can twist. It gets worse fast, and a dog needs a vet within minutes to a few hours to survive. Large, deep-chested dogs are most at risk.

Sources

Guide reviewed 9 October 2026. Page updated 7 November 2026.

General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.