Bloat in Dogs: Everything you Need to Know

Dogs can suffer from a very serious and sometimes life-threatening condition (bloat) that every pet owner should be aware of. It’s also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), and due to how quickly it can become dangerous, you should prevent it immediately. Bloating is a much-misunderstood topic, and this guide is here to explain what it is, how to recognize it, and steps you can take to try and prevent bloat from happening to your dog at an early stage with the help of a pet prescription discount card.

What is Bloat in Dogs?

A dog can get bloat, or GDV when the stomach becomes filled with gas, food, or fluid and expands. It results in swelling that puts pressure on other organs in the dog and can cause dangerous complications, such as restricted blood flow to the heart, stomach wall rupture, and difficulty breathing. In extreme cases, bloating can be fatal within mere hours.

Why Does Bloat Happen?

Causes of bloat aren’t all the same, but there are some that increase the likelihood. Here are some common causes and contributing factors:

1. Eating too quickly: If a dog eats too fast, that’s a risk for bloat, too, as they will swallow a lot of air.
2. Large meals: If you are eating really large portions, the stomach expands, and that puts extra pressure on all the surrounding organs.
3. Exercise after eating: If you play or exercise actively, you will get bloated.
4. Genetics: Some dog breeds, especially larger, deep-chested dog breeds like Great Danes, German shepherds, and Boxers, are more prone to bloat.
5. Age: Dogs are most likely to bloat if they are old or have bloated before.

When you learn what makes dogs bloated, you can prevent bloat by reducing the risk and keeping your four-legged friend safe.

Signs of Bloat in Dogs

This condition can be life threatening, it’s important to recognize the signs of bloat. Here are the common symptoms to watch out for:

1. Swollen or bloated abdomen: If your dog’s belly feels hard to the touch, it is the most visible sign of bloat.
2. Restlessness: Anxious dogs with bloat can become so anxious and unable to sit still. Instead, they may be pacing or still moving around as though they are uncomfortable.
3. Retching without vomiting: Bloat is a condition associated with gastrointestinal upset where your dog tries to spit up, but nothing comes out.
4. Excessive drooling: Nausea from bloat often leads dogs to drool a lot.
5. Rapid breathing: As the stomach presses against the lungs, it is common that one is not able to breathe.
6. Pale gums: In severe cases, your dog’s gums may appear pale or grayish owing to restricted blood flow.

If you see any of these signs, get checked by a veterinarian immediately. Bloat is time-sensitive, and early treatment can be lifesaving.

How to Prevent Bloat in Dogs

Preventing bloat is not guaranteed, but there are steps you can take to minimize the risk:

1. Slow Down Their Eating

Slow feeder bowls or puzzle feeders can help slow down your dog’s eating rate. It also makes it less likely that they swallow too much air and become bloated.

Feed your dog three or four smaller meals a day instead of one or two big ones. The stomach won’t be able to get stuffed too full; otherwise, bloat is very likely.

3. Avoid Exercise After Meals

Let your dog play or run at least an hour after you feed them. Stress on the stomach causes bloat and exercising after eating increases the risk of this.

Make sure your dog has access to water all day. Don’t give yourself a lot of water right before or right after a meal, as that can cause bloat.

5. Consider a Special Diet

Some diets may be easier on the stomach and, therefore, less likely to lead to gas buildup and, therefore, bloat. Find out what the best food is for your dog’s breed and size, and talk to your vet about it.

Limit High-Risk Factors

If your dog is a ‘high risk’ disease prone breed for bloat (for example, Great Danes, Saint Bernards or Weimaraners), you may want to bring this up with your veterinarian to consider preventive surgery. And vets also recommend a procedure known as gastropexy, in which the stomach is attached to the body wall to prevent it from twisting. It doesn’t eliminate the risk of bloat, but at least stops the GDV.

Doing this and also taking preventative measures lowers your dog’s risk of getting bloat. You can therefore always keep these signs in check and secure by taking action when they appear.

Treatment Options for GDV in Dogs

GDV can be fatal, though, so if your dog does suffer from GDV, then immediately treated immediately. Here’s what typically happens during treatment:

The vet will try to save your dog. This usually involves fluids and oxygen to counteract shock.

The vet may stick a tube down the dog’s throat in order to release gas out of the dog’s stomach and decrease pressure. If this isn’t possible, they will inject a needle through the abdomen, releasing gas.

Untwisting the stomach and preventing additional episodes of bloating requires surgery. Gastropexy, a surgical fixation of the stomach to the body wall, may be performed at the time of the surgery.

4. Recovery and Aftercare

Dogs usually require rest and careful constant observation after surgery. If your dog receives prompt treatment, most of them will recover well, but recovery will take several weeks.

GDV treatment can be complex and costly, so preventing bloat from occurring in the first place is often the best approach.

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Importance of Quick Action

Do not take dog bloat lightly. If you think your dog has bloats, phone a vet immediately. Bloating can become life-threatening very quickly and requires quick action. But if it is a false alarm, then at least you were safe.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Dog from Bloat

By understanding bloat and recognizing its signs, you can take steps to protect your dog. Knowledge of preventative measures, symptom awareness, and understanding the urgency of this condition are essential for every pet parent. Although bloat can be frightening, quick action and preparedness make it manageable.

With Wiserx Pet Prescription Discount Card you can take proactive steps for your pet’s health as you can save up to 85% on prescription medications. It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to keep your dog healthy. Save and give your pet the care they need at a fraction of the cost — Download the Rx discount card for free today!

FAQ’s

1. What are the first signs of bloat in dogs?

First signs in dogs of bloat include a swollen belly, restlessness, heavy drooling and yoking to vomit but fail. When you see any of these signs on your dog, and especially if he is suffering from bloating, you have to rush him to the vet.

2. How can I prevent bloating in my dog?

Smaller, more frequent meals rather than one larger main meal will also help to stop bloating. If your dog eats too quickly, you should use a slow feeder bowl and avoid vigorous exercise within an hour of any meal. If you take these simple steps, you can reduce the risk of bloating.

3. Why is bloat dangerous for dogs?

The danger of bloating is that it can twist the stomach, blocking blood flow and damaging internal organs. If you see any warning signs, then without quick treatment, it can end up with your dog needing serious treatment or, ultimately, becoming seriously ill and even fatal.

Originally published at https://www.wiserxcard.com on November 7, 2024.