My dog won’t eat, has a swollen belly, is weak and listless, sleeps all day, and has slightly red eyes – what’s wrong?

A swollen belly in a dog can come from pregnancy, gas/indigestion bloating, or ascites. Pregnancy is easy to spot (swollen vulva, larger nipples). If constipation and bloating from indigestion, the abdomen is usually hard – consider an X-ray at the clinic and at home give active probiotics or digestive aids plus circular belly massage.

Based on your description – enlarged belly with days of reduced appetite, limb weakness, and low spirits – ascites is more likely; the belly feels soft with a clear water-slosh sound when tapped. Ascites has many causes, commonly cardiac, hepatic, or hypoproteinemia, so see a vet promptly for tests and follow their advice.