Dog Bloat

What exactly is dog bloat, and why is it an emergency? Let's find out!

It's caused by a buildup of gas that can't escape from a dog's stomach.

As the gas accumulates, the stomach swells and often twists.

That effectively keeps food from getting in or out of the stomach.

It also blocks blood flow to the stomach and other internal organs.

This life-threatening condition is also known as canine bloat or acute gastric dilatation.

It puts a dog in great pain and on the brink of shock and death within the hour.

GDV in dogs is a true emergency. If you know or even suspect you're dealing with a case of dog bloat, immediately call your veterinarian or emergency service. Don't attempt home treatment.

It would help speed things up if you call ahead. That way, while you two are on your way, the hospital staff can be preparing for your arrival.

Which dog breeds are most prone to bloat? Although any dog can experience this painful and potentially deadly situation, statistics indicate that large, deep-chested breeds like Great Danes, Irish Setters, Saint Bernards, Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are most prone to bloat. Older dogs (7-12 years) are the highest risk group.

Dog Bloat Symptoms To Watch For

Other symptoms include the following:

• Swollen belly

• Excessive drooling

• Weakness

• Heavy panting or shortness of breath

• Humping his back (from the pain)

Possible Causes Leading To Canine Bloat

• Drinking too much water before or after exercising

• Feeding only one meal a day

• Gulping too much air while eating too quickly

• Being thin or underweight

• Eating dry food then drinking too much water afterwards, causing the kibble to swell up in the stomach

• Feeding from an elevated bowl (which used to be recommended for avoiding bloat, strangely enough)

• Feeding a dry diet with animal fat listed in the first four ingredients. (The fat seems to cause a slower emptying of the stomach contents.)

How Can I Minimize My Dog's Risk?

Although changing diet and feeding methods won't totally prevent bloat in dogs, you can reduce your canine companion's risk by following these suggestions:

• Feed Hungry Harry two or three smaller meals a day rather than one large meal.

• If he tends to wolf down his food, add water to the dry food and let it get soggy. That way, his stomach fills up faster and he won't want to drink as much afterwards.

• Avoid strenuous exercise for one hour before and two to three hours after a meal.

What's The Best Treatment For Bloat In Dogs?

Immediate surgery is your dog's best chance for survival.

The procedure will quickly decompress the stomach and correct any torsion (twisting) by repositioning the stomach within the abdomen.

Your dog will probably need to stay in the vet hospital for a week or more to speed recovery.

Although it's possible to simply remove the gas from the stomach and take your dog home, that's really not a good idea. Why?

Statistics show that without surgery, the recurrence rate of bloat may be as high as 75%!

If the stomach can be surgically tacked into place, recurrence rate drops to 6%. Survival rate for surgical patients is an encouraging 95%.

So if you value your dog's life, and you don't want him to go through the pain and trauma of dog bloat again, you'd be wise to opt for surgery.

If you own a Golden Retriever or other large dog, your best plan of action is to follow the above guidelines in order to (hopefully) prevent this situation in the first place.

But if your precious pup shows any dog bloat symptoms, don't waste time and don't take chances. Give your vet a call, and then get your dog there fast!

Custom Search

Return From Dog Bloat to Health Emergency

Return From Dog Bloat to Home Page