Which of the following is a common sign of bloat?

• A. Distention of abdominal cavity and retching without vomiting
• B. Increased appetite
• C. Hair growth
• D. Sneezing

Answer: (A)

Recognizing classic signs of canine bloat: the abdomen becomes visibly distended as gas builds up in the stomach, and the dog often retches or makes attempts to vomit without anything coming up. This happens because the stomach is stretched and may be twisting, which can block vomiting and rapidly become life-threatening if not addressed. That combination—abdominal distension with nonproductive retching—is the hallmark signal. The other options don’t fit because increased appetite is not typical in bloat (many dogs actually lose interest in food), hair growth is unrelated, and sneezing has no relation to this emergency.