Vets at Green Pastures Vets in Weston-super-Mare have issued an urgent warning to dog owners: bring your pet in immediately if you notice two specific changes—shaking for no obvious reason or sudden abdominal bloating. In a TikTok video, the veterinary team highlighted these signs as potential emergencies, with one condition, GDV (gastric dilatation-volvulus), being life-threatening without prompt surgical intervention.
Shaking Without Reason: A Possible Emergency
In the video, one vet asked colleague Kathleen whether a dog shaking for no apparent reason constitutes an emergency. Kathleen responded, 'Yes, they could be fitting, always better to just be sure.' Seizures or neurological issues may manifest as unexplained tremors, and immediate veterinary assessment is crucial to rule out serious underlying causes.
Sudden Bloating: The Most Urgent Sign
The vet then asked about a dog developing a bloated stomach out of nowhere. Kathleen looked alarmed and said: '100% an emergency. The worst emergency we see in veterinary is something called a GDV, where the stomach swells up, they can really die without surgery, so definitely an emergency.' GDV occurs when the stomach fills with gas, bloats, and then twists, cutting off blood supply and leading to shock and death if untreated.
What Is GDV in Dogs?
GDV, also known as bloat or twisted stomach, is a painful, life-threatening condition primarily affecting large and deep-chested breeds. According to the PDSA, common symptoms include retching, restlessness, and abdominal bloating, which may not always be immediately obvious. Treatment typically requires emergency surgery to untwist the stomach, but even with intervention, some cases prove fatal.
The PDSA notes: 'Any dog can develop a GDV but it’s most common in giant and deep chested breeds such as German Shepherds, Great Danes, Saint Bernards and Dobermanns. It’s more common in dogs that have a parent or full sibling that have had a GDV, and tends to mostly affect middle-aged to older dogs.'
Why Prompt Action Matters
With the UK experiencing a prolonged heatwave, vets emphasize the importance of monitoring dogs for these signs. Dogs cannot verbally communicate discomfort, so owners must rely on behavioral and physical cues. Shaking or bloating should never be ignored—prompt veterinary attention can mean the difference between life and death.
