Understanding Bloat in Dogs: A Guide for Dog Owners
Bloat in dogs, medically known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. All dog owner should be aware of bloat and the symptoms.
When a dog gets bloat, the stomach swells gas and twists. This causes the blood flow to be cut off from other organs and prevents the gas from escaping.
Causes of Bloat
The exact causes of bloat are still unknown, but:
- eating too fast
- eating large meals
- exercise before or after meals,
are thought to be contributory factors.
It is more common in large chested dogs, but it can occur in any breed, at any age. Genetics are also thought to play a part.
Prompt Action Saves Lives
Any signs of bloat, need prompt action, to save your dog’s life. You must get your dog to a vet as quickly as possible.
Bloat progresses rapidly and can be fatal within hours if not treated.
Signs of Bloat – check out the Bloat Awareness Group
- Retching from the throat, producing nothing, other than a small amount of frothy mucus
- Trying to defaecate (poop) unsuccessfully
- Adopting the ‘Sphynx’ position
- A hard tummy and/or their tummy swelling up like a balloon, ‘taut as a drumskin’
- Trying to bite or worry their abomen
- Very unsettled, unable to find a comfortable position
Not all symptoms will necessarily be present.
Without prompt treatment, bloat can lead to shock, organ failure, and death.
If in any doubt just get your dog to a vet.
Prevention of Bloat
There is no guaranteed way to prevent bloat, but some things you can do to reduce the risk:
**Feed small, frequent meals**: Instead of one large meal, breaking the dog’s food intake into smaller, more frequent portions can help.
**Slow down eating**:Use slow feeder bowls to prevent your dog from eating too fast, which can reduce the amount of air swallowed.
**Avoid heavy exercise around meals**: Wait at least an hour before and after eating before your dog having their off-lead exercise or playing.
There is no evidence for specific dietary causes of bloat, but chat to your vet for advice about the food you are feeding your dog, especially if your dog is a breed that is at higher risk.
Bloat Awareness
Understanding the seriousness of bloat is vital. Understanding and being aware of the symptoms means you are able to act swiftly, should it occur.
My Bloat Experience
Before I became a dog trainer, I had never heard of bloat. When I first heard about it, I was terrified as I had a Great Dane. We were unfortunate enough to experience bloat with her, a couple of years after I’d become aware of it.
Without understanding the symptoms, she wouldn’t have survived.
The first symptom was the non-productive retching. Nothing much else until she started to deteriorate rapidly.
By this time, we were already on the way to the vet and she survived. Without this knowledge, she probably wouldn’t have survived, as we would have been too slow to respond.
Conclusion
Bloat in dogs is a life-threatening condition, but with the right knowledge and rapid response you can save your dog’s life. Please pass this information on to any of your doggy friends, but in particular anyone you know who become a new dog or puppy owner.
If you would like to understand checking your dog’s health please watch this video.
