Dog stomach bloat - A LIFE THREATENING CONDITION
Narrated from: Dog HealthIf your dog has a bloated stomach, it is best to go to the vet immediately!
Bloating is considered the SECOND most widespread dog killer after CANCER!
What is bloating?
The bloating of a dog’s stomach means that gases build up and cause the stomach to expand. If the stomach expands too much, it will cut off the blood circulation in the dog’s body, and this will lead to necrosis – death of cells. Approximately 30% of all canine cases of bloating are fatal.
Immediate danger?
YES!
After a dog’s stomach bloats, you have several hours to take the dog to the vet – however, since you have no way of knowing when the bloat has started, you may have much less time. The dog will go into shock within several hours after the start of the bloat. This will be followed by cardiac arrest, and death.
Symptoms
The early symptoms are BEHAVIORAL – and detecting the bloating while it is still in an early phase can be crucial for saving your dog’s life!
The bloating causes severe abdominal pain, so if the dog acts strange, you should always check the stomach first. However, you should be warned that the bloating is NOT ALWAYS visible, and cannot be detected. In this case secondary symptoms are the only warning that your dog is in danger!
Symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- restlessness;
- pacing;
- seeking a hiding place;
- panting;
- shallow breathing;
- whining;
- taking a hunched up position;
- drooling;
- attempts to vomit (usually unsuccessful);
- dry heaves;
- a change in the normal sounds of the stomach;
- bloated abdomen that might feel tight and stretched;
Is my dog likely to get a bloat?
Well, let’s hope not.
It is hard to determine what causes bloat, but there are several factors that are considered dangerous:
- gulping too much water during a meal;
- eating too much food too fast;
- rigorous exercise right before or after eating – there must at least an hour gap before and after any meal!
- dry food containing too much grain and grain-based products;
- a dry food-only diet;
- raised dog bowls.
Furthermore, some dogs are more susceptible to bloating than other. Giant and large dogs suffer from it more often than smaller breeds, especially if deep-chested; older dogs are more susceptible than younger ones; fast eaters, aggressive dogs and anxious dogs are more vulnerable, especially if you do not provide them with a stress-free eating environment.
Dog breeds known to suffer from bloating include:
Afghan
Akita
Alaskan Malamute
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bloodhound
Boxer
Doberman
Great Dane
Great Pyrenees
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Irish Setter
Irish Wolfhound
King Shepherd
Kuvasz
Labrador Retriever
Newfoundland
Rottweiler
Shiloh Shepherd
Standard Poodle
St. Bernard
Weimaraner
What can I do to reduce the risk of bloating?
There are two things you must do:
- Know your dog!
- Take good care of your dog!
You have to know your dog well enough to detect anything unusual, and to save his/her life in the case of bloating.
However, bloating will never occur if you take good care of your canine companion. A healthy diet, an appropriate feeding plan, a stress-free environment – these things are a must!