Preventing and Managing Bloat in Dogs: A Comprehensive Owner’s Guide

Canine bloat is the second leading cause of death in dogs behind cancer. Far too many dogs die each year from bloat because very few owners know about this fatal condition nor how they can help prevent it. Learn what bloat is and the ways you can help prevent bloat from happening to your dog.

Bloat in dogs is also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). This condition occurs when gas and/or fluid is trapped within a dog’s stomach. With no place for the gas to escape, the dog’s stomach becomes swollen and distended. The stomach can twist around itself a full 360 degrees.

GDV is a catastrophic emergency and if you suspect your dog has bloat; you need to get your dog to a veterinary clinic immediately!

A dog that is experiencing bloat is suffering and in excruciating pain, and will therefore show signs of acute distress. One of the most common symptoms of bloat is unproductive retching and the inability of the dog to vomit. Additional signs may include: a stomach that is visually swollen, pale and discolored gums and tongue, rapid heart rate, trouble breathing, abnormal salivation, an unusual change in temperament, and collapse.

While any dog can experience bloat, there are certain breeds that are at a higher than average risk. Dog breeds that characteristically have deep and narrow chests are considered “high-risk”. Examples of high-risk breeds are: Great Dane, Weimaraner, Boxer, German shepherd, Standard Poodle, Irish wolfhound, and Akita. Although high-risk dogs tend to be large and giant breeds, small breeds such as the Chihuahua, Dachshund, and Shih Tzu have also had reports of GDV.

In addition to certain breeds having a greater risk of developing GDV, there are also other risk factors that have been studied and shown to increase a dog’s risk of bloat.

Some examples of factors increasing the likelihood of dog bloat:

Elevated food & water bowls
Dogs fed only dry food
Dry food with fat as main ingredient
Small dry food particles (under 3m)
Feeding one meal a day
Rapid eating
Older age of dog
Dog with a family history of bloat (first degree relative)
Dogs with a fearful and anxious temperament
Dogs not having a prophylactic gastropexy

Even with emergency treatment and surgery, up to 35% of dogs still die from GDV. Therefore, it is of critical importance to understand and reduce the risk factors you are able to for your dog. In addition, recognizing the signs and symptoms of bloat, along with having an emergency plan of action in place in the event your dog should experience bloat can help save your dog’s life.