Canine Bloat

While sitting in the reception area at the vet’s yesterday, as Oreo was doing her “thing” (that would be socializing and sucking up as much attention as she could), I was flipping through some of their dog magazines. In one, I came across this ad for a special dog bowl that helps prevent Bloat.

For those who may not be aware of what Bloat is, according to Ann N. Martin, in her book: Food Pets Die For, next to cancer, Bloat is the leading primary cause of death in large and giant breeds.

Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus or GDV), occurs as a rapid build-up of air in the stomach that causes the intestines to rotate or “twist” (torsion). If the rotation is greater than 180º, both the esophagus and small intestine are closed-off, preventing the excess air from being naturally expelled.

The result of this deformation can include low blood pressure (hypotension), a decrease in the return of blood to the heart, loss of blood supply (ischemia) in the stomach, and shock. There is a decrease of blood to the liver as well, which decreases the body’s ability to remove toxins and bacteria.

Bloat can become fatal in minutes, and must be treated by a veterinarian.

Your vet is always the best source of information for any medical-related issues (I ♥ my vet(s)! ) but if it’s just general information about Bloat that you’re looking for, there is a ready supply of it available on the Internet, some of it directly from vets.

Information such as:

• 
  Causes


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  Symptoms


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  Treatment


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  Prevention


• 
  Breeds that are known to be more susceptible

As an advocate for dog nutrition, I will say studies have shown that cases of Bloat have increased dramatically in the last few years, and that inferior ingredients in commercially prepared dog food are known to be one of the main causes.

Some of the suggestions I offer when asked by a friend or family member what they can do to prevent Bloat, are:

1)  Feed your dog two to three smaller meals a day, rather than one large meal.

2)  Feed your dog the highest quality of food possible.

3)  Don’t give dry food (kibble) exclusively. Add some canned food, or better yet, top with healthy “people” food. (I put the word people in quotations because I dislike using that term, but it’s one that is readily understood.)

4)  Don’t feed your dog if he/she is overly excited; get them to calm down first. You can initiate this more relaxed mood by being very calm and quiet yourself while preparing the food.

5)  Don’t let your dog inhale their meal. Find a way to slow them down, even if it means you holding the dish while they eat, and lifting it out of their reach if they get too gottahaveitgottahaveitallrightnow!

6)  Don’t exercise your dog right before or after feeding. One half to one hour before is a good rule of thumb, and at least one hour — or more! — afterward. It’s not always easy, I know, as it is in a dog’s nature to socialize and play after a meal. So just try to keep it from being too vigorous.

7)  Don’t elevate your dog’s food bowl. Once thought of as a way to aid digestion, it is now being proven to considerably increase the risk of Bloat. And that is because by lifting your dog’s head, the airways are opened up more, allowing more air to be gulped in alongside the food.

8)  Don’t let your dog drink an excessive amount of water directly before or after eating (lift the water dish if you have to).

Having breeds that are known to be at a higher risk for Bloat is something that I keep in mind, but I don’t obsess over it. I’m a believer in the “What we fear, we create” way of thinking, so the above list is my generalized feeding strategy. I think of it as an overall healthier, less-stressed way for my dogs to enjoy their meals.

That’s why this Eat Slower Pet Dish caught my eye. I think if a dog owner can feel better about how their dog eats, that will go a long way to creating a calmer mealtime for them both.

None of my dogs eat so fast that this is a concern, but I know quite a few dogs who would benefit from this. Alternately, I have recommended placing something in the middle of a dog’s food bowl – like a smaller bowl – that forces them to eat around, thus slowing them down a bit.

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