Female dogs may develop loose, sagging skin around their stomach area for a variety of reasons. This saggy or loose skin is often noticeable as it hangs down and may sway side to side when the dog moves. While it may not be aesthetically pleasing, loose stomach skin is usually not a major medical concern. However, in some cases it can indicate an underlying health issue. Some common causes include pregnancy, obesity, normal aging changes, genetics, and diseases like Cushing’s disease. This condition is more frequently seen in certain breeds as well. Understanding the various reasons behind saggy stomach skin can help dog owners determine if it’s a normal change or a symptom requiring veterinary attention.
Anatomy
The abdomen of a dog consists of multiple muscle layers and the abdominal cavity containing vital organs. The main abdominal muscles are the rectus abdominis, external and internal oblique muscles, and transversus abdominis. These muscles support abdominal organs like the stomach, spleen, liver, intestines, and kidneys. The dog’s abdominal wall is soft and flaccid compared to other areas due to less developed abdominal muscles.
Female dogs tend to have softer abdominal walls than males due to anatomical differences influenced by hormones and pregnancy. The number of pregnancies can weaken abdominal muscles and connective tissue over time. While a saggy abdomen in an intact female dog may be normal, males and spayed females should retain firmer abdominal muscles unless affected by other factors.
Pregnancy
As the puppies grow inside your female dog’s uterus, her belly will expand noticeably. The stomach stretches to make room for the developing puppies and uterus. According to Purina, around 3 weeks into the pregnancy, the belly will begin to visibly enlarge and continue expanding over the next few weeks.
South Seattle Veterinary Clinic states that weight gain is a common symptom of dog pregnancy, as the waist and stomach enlarge to accommodate the growing puppies. They need more room in the abdomen, which causes the belly to sag.
Additionally, WikiHow notes that lethargy and lower energy levels are common in pregnant dogs. This may be due to the weight gain and enlargement of the abdomen as the pregnancy progresses.
Nursing
It is common for a female dog’s stomach to appear stretched or saggy while she is nursing puppies. The dog’s mammary glands produce milk that is stored in the mammary tissue in the abdomen and chest area. As the mammary glands fill with milk in preparation for nursing, the skin around the mammary tissue can stretch and appear loose or saggy (Milk Fever In Dogs – Symptoms And Treatment). This is a normal change that allows the stomach area to expand to accommodate the milk.
Some signs that the saggy stomach is related to nursing include:
- Enlarged or distended nipples
- Visible milk production
- Recently gave birth to puppies
- Stomach appears less saggy after nursing puppies
As long as the dog is producing milk and nursing normally, the saggy stomach is not a cause for concern. It is simply the body’s way of accommodating the extra mammary milk production. Once the dog is no longer nursing regularly, the stomach is likely to return to normal (Every time my dog nurses, she throws up afterwards. What …). If the saggy stomach persists long after nursing, or there are other accompanying symptoms, a veterinarian should be consulted to check for potential health issues.
Age
As dogs age, their skin naturally loses elasticity and muscle tone. This is caused by reduced levels of growth hormones and decreased activity levels. Older dogs tend to gain weight and lose muscle mass, which causes saggy, loose skin to develop on the abdomen and other areas. According to the Pedigree article “Common diseases in older dogs: Cushing’s Disease,” one symptom of Cushing’s disease in dogs is “a bulging, sagging belly” caused by “a decrease in muscle strength and redistribution of fat.” The PetHelpful article “Causes of Sagging, Loose Skin in Dogs” similarly states that “The typical Cushing’s dog has a bulging, sagging belly caused by a decrease in muscle strength and redistribution of fat.” Therefore, age-related muscle and skin changes are common causes of a saggy stomach in older female dogs.
Obesity
One common cause of a saggy stomach in female dogs is obesity or being overweight. Excess fat deposits in the abdomen and around internal organs can cause the belly to sag and hang down. Fatty tissue itself has very little structural integrity and easily stretches under its own weight, leading to a loose, droopy appearance.
According to https://www.furaffinity.net/view/26707533/, obese female dogs often develop loose abdominal skin and “moobs” as fat accumulates in these areas. The heavier the dog, the more pronounced the sagging belly becomes.
To prevent or reverse obesity in dogs, it’s important to monitor their diet and calorie intake. Regular exercise also helps tone abdominal muscles and tighten loose skin. In severe cases of obesity, consult a veterinarian about safe weight loss plans and dealing with excess loose skin through surgery.
Genetics
Some dog breeds are genetically prone to having loose, saggy skin. This is often a trait that was selectively bred into certain breeds to serve functional purposes like protecting against bites for fighters or helping to trap scent for hunting dogs. According to Dogcare.dailypuppy.com, breeds like the Neapolitan Mastiff, Bloodhound, Basset Hound, and Shar-Pei are a few examples of dogs bred to have loose skin and skin folds.
The excess skin on these breeds is normal and not necessarily a sign of an underlying health issue. However, owners should pay close attention to skin folds where moisture and dirt can accumulate, as this can lead to irritation. Overall though, the loose skin is part of the breed characteristics and does not directly cause the abdomen to sag.
Disease
Certain diseases can lead to abdominal distension in female dogs. Dogs with fluid buildup or bloating may have underlying conditions causing their stomach to swell and sag, such as:
Liver disease – Can cause fluid accumulation in the abdomen called ascites.
Kidney disease – Dogs may retain fluids due to kidney problems, leading to a swollen abdomen.
Heart disease – Heart failure can cause fluid retention and abdominal enlargement.
Cancer – Certain cancers can spread in the abdomen and cause distension.
Getting an accurate diagnosis from a veterinarian is important to determine the underlying cause and proper treatment for abdominal swelling from disease.
Diagnosis
To diagnose the cause of a saggy or distended abdomen in female dogs, veterinarians will first perform a physical exam to look for signs of bloating or swelling. They will palpate the abdomen carefully to check for any abnormalities. A medical history will also be taken to understand if the dog has been pregnant or is nursing puppies, which can cause natural changes to the abdomen.
The vet may ask about any recent injuries, trauma or access to toxins which could cause an inflammatory response and fluid buildup in the abdomen, leading to distension. They will also check for a fever or other signs of infection. Blood tests, urinalysis and imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound can help identify abnormalities or fluid accumulation that may be causing the enlarged abdomen.
If the dog is exhibiting signs of being in pain, appears extremely bloated or the abdomen feels hard and distended, the vet will check for GDV (gastric dilatation volvulus), also known as bloat. This is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate treatment.
Treatment
Treatment for saggy skin on a female dog’s stomach will depend on the underlying cause. Here are some common treatments:
If pregnancy or nursing puppies is the cause, the saggy skin will often tighten up on its own as the dog’s hormones return to normal after weaning the puppies. Providing good nutrition through this period can help. However, if the skin remains loose for more than a few weeks after weaning, talk to your vet.
For obesity, the treatment is weight loss through diet and exercise. Consult your vet on an appropriate weight loss plan. Gradually increase exercise as your dog loses weight to help tighten skin. Swimming and walking are good low-impact options. As your dog slims down, the skin should tighten up. But dramatic weight loss can sometimes leave loose skin behind. Surgery can remove the excess skin if needed.
If an underlying disease or condition like Cushing’s disease is the cause, treatment of the disease can help resolve saggy skin. Follow your vet’s treatment recommendations. Medications may help get the disease under control and allow the skin to tighten.
No matter the cause, building muscle through regular exercise can help firm up your dog’s belly. Focus on core-strengthening activities like swimming, walking, balance work, or gentle dog sports.
Talk to your vet if your dog’s saggy skin persists or seems to be getting worse. They can help determine if an underlying condition requires treatment or if surgery is needed.
