Why does my Yorkie have a big belly

9 Yorkie Stomach problems With Useful Tips

Lets discuss some common Yorkie stomach problems

One common problem in Yorkies is stomach issues.

Whether its indigestion, vomiting, or diarrhea, dealing with an upset Yorkie stomach can be stressful for both you and your furry friend.

In this post, well discuss some common causes of Yorkie stomach problems and share tips for keeping your pup feeling its best.

Symptoms of Yorkie Stomach Problems

Here are some common symptoms of Yorkie stomach problems:

1. Diarrhea: This is a common symptom of stomach problems in Yorkies. The stool may be watery, bloody, or mucoid.
2. Vomiting: Yorkies with an upset stomach may vomit frequently. Sometimes, the vomit may contain yellow bile, mucus, or blood.
3. Loss of appetite: Yorkies may lose interest in food due to stomach problems. They may refuse to eat or eat very little.
4. Abdominal pain: Yorkies may experience stomach pain, cramps, or spasms, which can cause them to whine or cry.
5. Lethargy: Yorkies with stomach problems may be less active than usual. They may seem depressed or listless.
6. Dehydration: If your Yorkie is dehydrated, the gums may appear dry or sticky. They may also have sunken eyes, lethargy, and a dry nose.
7. Weight loss: Yorkies may lose weight due to stomach problems. This could be a gradual or rapid weight loss.
8. Excessive gas: Bloating or gas can be common in Yorkies with an upset stomach. They may pass gas frequently, which can be unpleasant.
9. Changes in behavior: Yorkies may exhibit unusual behavior changes such as pacing or restlessness, which can indicate theyre no longer feeling comfortable.

Yorkie Stomach problems

Here are some common Yorkie stomach problems, symptoms, causes, and treatments:

1. Gastric torsion (bloat)

Bloat, commonly known as gastric torsion, is a potentially fatal illness that can affect Yorkies.

It is caused by the stomach twisting, which causes a stoppage of blood flow and gas buildup.

Bloating, pacing, restlessness, drooling, and vomiting are all signs of stomach torsion in Yorkies.

An emergency operation to untwist the stomach and stop further damage is part of the treatment for gastric torsion.

2. Gastroenteritis

Yorkies frequently suffer from gastroenteritis, sometimes known as stomach flu.

It results in vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration because a virus or bacteria attacks the lining of the stomach and intestines.

The signs of gastroenteritis in Yorkies include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

Fluids to prevent dehydration, drugs to stop vomiting and diarrhea, and antibiotics to treat any bacterial infection are all part of the treatment for gastroenteritis.

3. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Chronic inflammation in the digestive tract from inflammatory bowel disease results in vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.

Numerous things, such as an aberrant immune response to the intestinal lining, genetics, and food, can contribute to its development.

A particular diet, immune system-suppressing drugs, and occasionally surgery are all possible forms of treatment.

4. Intestinal Parasites Attacks

Yorkies are prone to contracting intestinal parasites such as giardia, hookworms, and roundworms.

Vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and a pot-bellied appearance are some of the signs of intestinal parasites in Yorkies.

A stool sample is typically examined under a microscope to determine the diagnosis.

Medications to kill the parasite are typically used in treatment, along with preventative measures including routine deworming and excellent hygiene habits.

5. Pancreatitis

Yorkies frequently get pancreatitis, which develops when the pancreas becomes inflamed.

Table scraps, an excessive amount of snacks, a high-fat diet, and other variables can all contribute to inflammation.

In Yorkies, pancreatitis can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and appetite loss.

Pancreatitis can cause severe dehydration, shock, and even death.

Hospitalization and supportive care, such as intravenous fluids, painkillers, and nausea medications, are typically part of the treatment process.

Your veterinarian could suggest a particular diet when your Yorkie heals in order to stop a recurrence.

6. Food Allergies Upset

Yorkies are susceptible to food allergies upset; the most common allergens are beef, chicken, wheat, and soy.

In Yorkies, food allergies can cause skin rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

A food elimination trial, in which your Yorkie is fed a specific diet and gradually reintroduced to various foods to detect the allergen, is typically used to diagnose an allergy.

Avoiding the allergy and following a particular diet are typically the mainstays of treatment.

7. Colitis

Inflammation of the large intestine is known as colitis and can affect Yorkies.

Numerous things, such as stress, parasites, and dietary allergies, might contribute to it.

In Yorkies, colitis can cause diarrhea, pain in the abdomen, and bloody stools.

Colitis is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, dietary modifications, and occasionally antibiotics.

8. Intestinal obstruction

When the intestines get blocked, intestinal obstruction occurs, causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Ingesting foreign objects like toys or bones can result in intestinal obstruction in Yorkies, as can tumors.

Surgery to remove the obstruction is one form of treatment for intestinal obstruction.

9. Upset stomach

A number of things, such as eating something that doesnt agree with them, overeating, or stress, might cause Yorkies to have an upset stomach.

Vomiting, diarrhea, and appetite loss are other symptoms.

A bland diet of boiling chicken and rice may be used to gently reintroduce food after a brief time of fasting from it.

Additionally, probiotics, antacids, and anti-nausea medications may be recommended to treat symptoms.

Causes of Yorkie Stomach Problems

Here are some possible causes of Yorkie stomach issues:

1. Eating too quickly: Yorkies are notorious for eating too fast, which can cause them to swallow air and lead to stomach issues such as bloating and gas.
2. Overeating: If your Yorkie eats too much food, it can result in indigestion, vomiting, and diarrhea. Be sure to monitor your dogs food intake and consider feeding smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.
3. Dietary changes: Introducing a new brand of dog food, or switching to a new type of diet (such as raw food), can cause digestive upset in some dogs. Its important to transition your Yorkies diet slowly over a period of several days.
4. Allergies: Similar to humans, some dogs can develop food allergies or sensitivities. This can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rashes.
5. Infection: Yorkies can develop bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections that affect the stomach and intestines, such as gastroenteritis.
6. Pancreatitis: This condition occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed, often due to a high-fat meal. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
7. Intestinal obstruction: If your Yorkie ingests a foreign object (such as a toy), it can become lodged in the intestine and cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
8. Inflammatory bowel disease: This chronic condition can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. The cause is unknown, but it is thought to be related to an abnormal immune response.
9. Stomach cancer: While relatively rare, stomach tumors can occur in dogs, including Yorkies. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.

How to Prevent Yorkie Stomach Problems

Here are some common ways to prevent Yorkie stomach problems:

1. Feed them a high-quality diet: Feeding your Yorkie a high-quality, balanced diet can go a long way in preventing stomach problems. Look for dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.
2. Avoid giving them table scraps: Feeding your Yorkie table scraps can upset their stomach and potentially cause other health problems. Stick to their regular diet and avoid giving them human food.
3. Feed them small meals throughout the day: Yorkies have small stomachs, so feeding them several small meals throughout the day can be easier on their digestive system.
4. Dont let them eat too quickly: Eating too quickly can lead to stomach problems in Yorkies. Try using a slow-feeder bowl or feeding them small portions at a time.
5. Keep them hydrated: Staying hydrated is important for preventing stomach problems. Make sure your Yorkie always has access to clean water.
6. Avoid sudden changes in diet: Sudden changes in diet can cause stomach upset in Yorkies. If you need to switch their food, do it gradually over several days.
7. Address stress and anxiety: Stress and anxiety can cause stomach problems in dogs, including Yorkies. Try to reduce stressors in their environment and provide plenty of exercises and mental stimulation.
8. Keep them up to date on vaccinations: Some stomach problems in Yorkies can be caused by viral or bacterial infections. Keeping up to date on their vaccinations can help prevent these illnesses.
9. Monitor their behavior: If you notice any changes in your Yorkies behavior or appetite, it could be a sign of stomach problems. Monitor them closely and contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Treating Yorkie Stomach Problems

Keep in mind that if your dogs symptoms persist or worsen, or if your dog seems to be in pain, its important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.

Here are a few things you can try at home:

1. Fasting: Limit your dogs food intake for 1224 hours to give their digestive system a rest.
2. Bland Diet: Once the fasting period is over, give your Yorkie a bland diet consisting of boiled rice and chicken, which can be easily digested.
3. Probiotics: Probiotics can help promote a healthy balance of good bacteria in your dogs gut, which can help alleviate digestive issues.
4. Limited Ingredient Diet: If your dog has a food sensitivity or allergies, switching to a limited ingredient diet can help alleviate stomach problems.
5. Hydration: Its important to make sure your Yorkie stays hydrated when experiencing digestive problems. Offer small amounts of water frequently throughout the day.

If your Yorkie is experiencing more severe symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea with blood or mucus, constipation, or weight loss, its important to seek veterinary care.

Learn more about Yorkie sick signs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, taking care of your Yorkies stomach is crucial for their overall health and happiness.

Whether its providing a healthy diet, identifying potential digestive issues, or seeking medical attention when necessary, there are many ways to ensure your furry friend is feeling their best.

Dont forget to give your Yorkie lots of love and belly rubs along the way and look out for stress symptoms!

Related Post

Why Does My Dog Have a Swollen Stomach?

We can all relate to having a bloated tummy after a meal. But, for your pup it could be more than the occasional discomfort that we feel. A swollen stomach is not something to be taken lightly when it comes to your dogs health. While its possible that its simply a case of overeating, many times, its an indication of a serious health issue that needs emergency medical attention.

TIME FOR A DIETOR THE VET?

Bloating generally occurs when food or gas stretches the dogs stomach. It might look like your dog is tipping the scales, but dont jump to conclusions. Look for the following symptoms because what seems like weight gain could be bloat:

• Swollen abdomen
• Feels hard
• Has an unusual shape

If you notice these signs, call your veterinarian immediately. If its after hours, you should take your pet to the emergency vet. Swollen stomachs in dogs can be fatal if left untreated.

LETS EXPAND ON SWOLLEN STOMACH CAUSES

There are a number of reasons a dog may develop a swollen abdomen, some less severe than the others.

Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV)

One of the most common and concerning reasons for a swollen stomach in dogs is gastric dilation volvulus, or GDV for short.

Trapped gas blocks off the stomachs blood supply, which can be terribly painful and even life-threatening, if not treated. This can happen if your dog has swallowed air or has exercised intensely after eating.

Dogs are at high risk for GDV if they:

• Are only fed once a day
• Use elevated bowls
• Consume dry food
• Eat too quickly
• Have family history of bloat
• Are between 7-12 years of age

Deep-chested breeds like St. Bernards and Great Danes are also more likely to experience GDV. In fact, most dogs that weigh over 99 pounds have a 20% higher risk of the disease.

Along with the swollen stomach, look out for these other signs:

• Whining
• Difficulty defecating
• Sitting or lying in an abnormal position
• Having a weak pulse

Treatment for GDV

GDV cannot be treated at home, so its important to take your dog to a vet ASAP.

Treatment generally includes:

• Removing excess gas from the stomach
• Stabilizing the heart rate
• Managing shock

The vet can further assess once your dog is more stable.

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Feed your dog at least twice daily
• Add some canned food into the mix
• Let your dog rest and digest after eating

If your dog is a predisposed breed, you may want to talk to your vet about a surgical procedure called a gastropexy. This can be done at a younger age as a preventative measure for your pup.

Peritonitis

This occurs when the dogs stomach or intestines have ruptured. Potential causes for peritonitis include:

• Ulcers
• Tumors
• Bone splinters
• Urinary bladder or gallbladder ruptures

Treatment for peritonitis

The bloat can be quite painful. Its recommended to take your dog to your family vet or an emergency pet hospital like VEG for immediate treatment. The vet will repair the puncture, remove infected fluids, and flush out the abdomen.

Cushings Syndrome

Another common cause of stomach swelling in dogs is hyperadrenocorticism, or Cushings syndrome. This is usually caused by the pituitary gland overproducing a hormone, and sometimes due to a tumor in an adrenal gland.

Some signs of Cushings include:

• A pot-bellied look
• Increased hunger
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination

Some dogs may also experience hair loss or increased panting.

Treatment for Cushings

Cushings could be treated with medication or if caused by a tumor, via surgery.

TAKE YOUR PET TO THE VET

While it may just be a case of overeating, its best to be proactive and visit your veterinarian right away! Keep an eye out for additional symptoms discussed here and share what you find with them.

The emergency vets at VEG are available 7 days a week to help care for your dogs swollen stomach. At VEG, you never have to wait to be seen and you get to stay with your pet the whole time. No matter which of our VEG locations you chooseall hospitals are open 24/7, even on holidayswell triage your pet right away no waiting and discuss with you the best course of treatment. Sometimes quick action is all it takes to keep your pup healthy and happy!