Understanding Bloat: A Serious Health Risk for Dogs

Bloat is a very serious and common condition that poses a health risk for many dogs. Yet, many dog owners know very little about it.

According to experts, bloat is the second leading killer of dogs, right after cancer. It can kill in less than an hour, so time is of the essence. Plus, it’s extremely painful for our furry friends.

What Is Bloat?

The technical name for bloat is "Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus" or "GDV." Bloating of the stomach often relates to swallowed air, although food and fluid can also be present. It usually happens when there's an abnormal accumulation of air, gas, fluid, or foam in the stomach ("gastric dilatation").

The stomach swells and may rotate, twisting between its fixed attachments at the esophagus and the upper intestine. This twisting traps air, food, and water in the stomach. The bloated stomach obstructs veins in the abdomen, leading to low blood pressure, shock, and damage to internal organs. The combined effect can quickly be fatal for a dog.

It’s a good idea to have a product with simethicone, like Mylanta Gas (not regular Mylanta), on hand. If your dog has gas, reducing or slowing it can buy you a little more time to get to a vet.

Symptoms of Bloat

Typical symptoms often include some (but not necessarily all) of the following:

• Attempts to vomit: Usually unsuccessful and may occur every 5-30 minutes. This is one of the most common symptoms and has been referred to as the "hallmark symptom."

• Unsuccessful vomiting: This means either nothing comes up or possibly just foam and/or mucus.

• Coughing sounds: Some owners report it can sound like a repeated cough.

• Nighttime bathroom requests: Dogs who bloat may ask to go outside in the middle of the night. If this is combined with frequent attempts to vomit, bloat is a very real possibility.

• Anxiety and restlessness: One of the earliest warning signs.

• Hunched appearance: This seems to occur fairly frequently.

• Lack of normal digestive sounds: Many dog owners report this after putting their ear to their dog's tummy. If your dog shows any bloat symptoms, you may want to try this immediately.

• Bloated abdomen: It may feel tight (like a drum), although this symptom may not always be apparent.

• Pale or off-colour gums: Dark red in early stages; white or blue in later stages.

• Coughing, gagging, and drooling: Heavy salivation or drooling may occur.

• Foamy mucus around the lips: Or vomiting foamy mucus.

• Unproductive attempts to defecate: This can be distressing for both you and your dog.

• Whining and pacing: Dogs may seem restless and uncomfortable.

• Seeking a hiding place: They might look for a quiet spot to rest.

• Discomfort: Signs of abdominal pain or discomfort may be evident.

• Refusal to lie down or sit: They may stand spread-legged or curl up in a ball.

• Excessive drinking: They may drink excessively, leading to gulping air.

• Heavy or rapid panting: This can indicate distress.

• Cold mouth membranes: A sign of shock.

• Weakness: Especially in advanced stages, they may be unable to stand.

• Accelerated heartbeat: The heart rate increases as bloating progresses.

• Collapse: This is a critical sign that immediate action is needed.

  
  

Causes of Bloat

It’s thought that several factors may contribute to bloat:

• Eating habits: Elevated food bowls can increase the risk. Studies show that 50% of dogs that eat from elevated bowls develop bloat.

• Rapid eating: Ingesting foods that produce gas, such as carbonated drinks or certain foods, can be problematic.

• Dry foods with citric acid: The risk is even worse if the owner moistens the food.

• Insufficient pancreatic enzymes: Dogs with untreated Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency may produce more gas and be at greater risk.

• Dilution of gastric juices: Drinking too much water before or after eating can lead to gas production.

• Exercise before and after eating: This can increase the risk of twisting.

• Heredity: Having a first-degree relative who has bloated increases risk.

• Physical characteristics: Deep and narrow chests are more prone to bloat.

• Age and size: Older dogs and larger breeds are at higher risk.

• Temperament: Fearful or anxious dogs may be more susceptible.

  
  

Prevention of Bloat

Reducing the chances of bloat involves several strategies:

• Avoid carbonated beverages: There’s no safe level of carbonation. This includes sparkling water, soda, and carbonated dog drinks.

• No elevated food bowls: Especially for breeds prone to bloat.

• Don’t exercise before or after eating: Avoid vigorous activity and rolling over.

• Prevent rapid eating: Use anti-gulping bowls.

• Feed multiple meals daily: Instead of just one large meal.

• Limit fluid intake before and after meals: This helps maintain gastric juices for proper digestion.

• Consider nutmeg: A ½ teaspoon can reduce gas symptoms.

• Fresh water access: Allow it at all times, except before and after meals.

• Create a stress-free mealtime: Make meals a peaceful experience.

• Switch dog food gradually: Allow several weeks for the transition.

• Avoid exclusively dry food: Some can produce gases.

• Feed a high-protein diet: Particularly raw meat with >30% protein.

• Select dry food carefully: Avoid those with fat as one of the first four ingredients.

• Choose high-quality diets: Whole, unprocessed foods are especially beneficial.

• Include adequate fiber: At least 3.00% crude fiber for commercial dog food.

• Use herbs: Specially mixed for pets to reduce gas.

• Promote an acidic environment: Some recommend 1-2 tablespoons of Aloe Vera Gel or 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar after meals.

• Encourage "friendly" bacteria: Probiotics can help avoid gas production.

  
  

Breeds Most at Risk

Certain breeds are more susceptible to bloat, including:

• Afghan Hound

• Airedale Terrier

• Akita

• Alaskan Malamute

• Basset Hound

• Bernese Mountain Dog

• Borzoi

• Bouvier des Flandres

• Boxer

• Bullmastiff/Dogue de Bordeaux and any Mastiff Breed

• Chesapeake Bay Retriever

• Collie

• Dachshund

• Doberman Pinscher

• English Springer Spaniel

• Fila Brasileiro

• Golden Retriever

• Gordon Setter

• Great Dane

• German Shepherd

• German Shorthaired Pointer

• Great Pyrenees

• Irish Setter

• Irish Wolfhound

• King Shepherd

• Labrador Retriever

• Miniature Poodle

• Newfoundland

• Old English Sheepdog

• Pekinese

• Rottweiler

• Samoyed

• Shiloh Shepherd

• St. Bernard

• Standard Poodle

• Weimaraner

• Wolfhound

• Sighthounds

• Bloodhounds

  
  

Understanding bloat is crucial for every dog owner. By being aware of the symptoms, causes, and prevention strategies, we can help keep our furry friends safe and healthy!