Does your dog gobble up their food or water really quickly, a la Scooby-Doo? If so, then they could be at risk of bloat. Bloat is the term used for gastric dilation-volvulus, or GVD, also known as gastric torsion. Bloat happens when the stomach fills up with gas, and can cause the stomach to rotate. Any dog can experience bloat, but larger dog breeds with big chests are more susceptible to this disorder.
Bloat can be fatal if not treated at its early stage, which is why it’s important know warning signs. Keep reading to learn the signs of bloat and how you can prevent your dog from experiencing this.
The Warning Signs Of Bloat
Bloat can start at a moment’s notice progress very quickly. The main sign of bloat is retching and trying to vomit, but failing to. If your dog’s stomach has become twisted it will prevent anything in the stomach from being purged, causing further complications. If not treated, your dog will have difficulty breathing and collapse.
Additional signs of bloat are:
- Lethargy (lack of energy and motivation)
- Swollen or hard belly
- Signs of pain, including stretching or difficulty moving
- Distress
- Salivating or drooling excessively
- Pale gums
- Restlessness
How Does Bloat Happen?
Usually food your dog eats will pass through and be digested by their stomach without any complications. Eating or drinking too quickly allows more air to enter your dog’s stomach. Here’s how it happens:
- The dog’s stomach becomes full of air, water, and food to the point of swelling.
- When swelling reaches its critical stage, the dog’s stomach begins to turn on its axis.
- The stomach’s exit point into the small intestine then becomes blocked.
- The blockage caused by the twisted stomach causes more gas and fluid to build up in the already swollen stomach.
- The wall of the dog’s stomach stops receiving oxygen and nutrients due to loss of blood supply.
Factors That Increase The Risk Of Bloat
Breed
These dog breeds are more susceptible to developing bloat:
- Great Dane
- Weimaraner
- Saint Bernard
- Gordon Setter
- Irish Setter
- Mastiffs
- Saint Bernards
- German Shepherds
- Boxers
- Standard Poodles
- Doberman
Age
Dogs 7 years and older can develop bloat more easily.
Weight
Dogs who weight more than 100 lbs. are at greater risk of developing bloat.
Eating Habits
Dog who eat food very quickly have a higher chance of getting bloat. Additionally, so do dogs who only eat dry food.
Intestinal Disease
Dogs with a history of gastrointestinal disease can more easily develop bloat.
Stressful Events
A stressful event like being away from you for an extended period of time can make your dog more likely to develop bloat.
How To Prevent Bloat
Here are steps you can take to prevent bloat in your dog:
- Have a preventative gastropexy surgery done. This procedure attaches a portion of the stomach to the body wall in order to prevent twisting from occuring.
- Limit physical activity an hour before and after feeding
- Feed smaller portions
- Use interactive feeders to make your dog eat more slowly
- Consult with your vet for their recommendations
- Reduce stress
Treating Bloat
Bloat does not get better on its own, so if you suspect your dog has bloat you should take them to their vet or emergency clinic as soon as possible. Acting quickly can mean the difference between life and death.
Written by Vincent M.
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