Canine health problems: What is bloating?

Bloat is a common health problem in deep-chested breed of dogs. The dilation of the stomach due to entrapment of the fluids/food/gas is typically called bloating in dogs. However if along with the entrapment there is also the rotation of the stomach on its long axis then the condition is called gastric-dilation volvulus which could even prove fatal to the dog. Let’s just say that bloat could be an early sign of volvulus. Therefore if you notice any of the following symptoms then immediately take your pet to the veterinarian.

Common signs of bloat/gastric-dilation volvulus are:

• Unproductive bouts of retching


• Trying to belch/vomit without producing anything


• 
  Dry mouth or excess salivating


• Weakness/lethargy


• Uneasiness while walking


• Pale gums


• High heartbeat rate


• Shortness of breath


• Cold body temperature


• Extreme anxiety or depression


• Stomach feels slightly tight


• Hollow noise made on patting the abdomen

Apart from these common symptoms there could sometimes be no warning at all before your dog goes into hypertensive shock due to stomach rotation. Therefore if you suspect that your dog’s stomach is bloating then immediately take him to a veterinarian. Bloat or volvulus mostly occurs in deep chested dog breeds like Irish setters, German Shepherds, Great Dane, Akitas, Saint Bernards to name a few. However this problem could affect any dog.

Here are some common causes of bloat or gastric-dilation volvulus:

• Vigorous exercise immediately before or after meal


• Eating one large meal once daily/quickly eating lot of food


• Drinking water immediately after eating dry dog food.


• Eating meals from bowls kept on a raised platform etc.

Gastric dilation volvulus or bloat should not be taken lightly for they have a 50% chance of recurring and most of the time prove fatal for your beloved pooch. Also since the time it takes for the bloat to get worse is just a few hours. Therefore on slightest suspicion of bloat in your dog rush him immediately to a nearby veterinarian. Hope these tips will help you in providing excellent pet care. Remember a healthy dog is a happy dog. Good luck!

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Symptoms Of Bloating |

Dogs digestion problems like bloating and flatulence can be very uncomfortable for a dog and cause intestinal pain. And when a dog passes gas, it’s not very pleasant for anyone standing nearby.

Bloating occurs when a dog’s stomach becomes dilated, sometimes resulting in the twisting or turning of the stomach. Flatulence is caused by the accumulation of gas in the dog’s gastrointestinal tract. If the accumulated gas is persistent or excessive, it can cause considerable discomfort to a dog.

Bloating is very common in large dogs like Dobermans, German Shepherds, and Great Danes who have big chests, and is caused by the accumulation of gas and fluid in their stomachs. When their stomach becomes engorged it can block veins in the abdomen, resulting in abnormally low blood pressure which can lead to shock. If the dog’s bloating is also accompanied by enlargement of the stomach, it becomes a much more serious problem because air, food and water can be trapped in the stomach and result in death. Any dog who displays symptoms of a bloated stomach and is obviously in great pain should be given immediate medical help.

Dogs that gobble up their food very fast are more likely to suffer from bloating; older dogs and male dogs are more prone to bloating than younger dogs.

Symptoms of bloating in a dog include the following:
* Swollen belly
* Abdominal pain
* Vomiting
* Rapid heart rate
* Rapid breathing
* Unusual restlessness after eating a meal

When these symptoms persist and don’t disappear within 15-20 minutes, the problem constitutes an emergency and the dog must be taken to the vet. If the problem is diagnosed as bloating, the air in the stomach will be removed using a stomach tube. If the dog’s stomach is twisted or turned, it may be necessary for the vet to perform a surgical procedure to reposition the stomach and be sure there is no damage to the dog’s stomach and nearby organs.

Flatulence presents another problem but not so serious as bloating. Dogs of all ages and breeds can suffer from flatulence, and almost every case is caused by the dog’s eating habits. Some dogs chow down their food really fast and inadvertently take in too much air while eating. The result is flatulence.

Symptoms of flatulence in dogs include the following:
* Passing Gas
* Bloating
* Loud belching
* Abdominal pain in the dogs abdomen

You can prevent your dog from passing gas by keeping it from gulping down its food. Feed your dog smaller meals every few hours rather than two large meals. Be sure your dog has plenty of fresh water when eating and at all other times.

Bloating and flatulence problems in a dog are unpleasant for any pet owner and equally embarrassing if guests are around.

Gastric Dilation-Volvulus. That’s a mouthful of words. These three words are the medical term for bloating and gas problems that frequently affect dogs. Bloating occurs when a dog’s stomach becomes dilated, sometimes resulting in the twisting or turning of the stomach.

Flatulence on the other hand, is the accumulation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract and if it’s persistent or excessive, it can cause a lot of discomfort to a dog.

Bloating
Bloating is very common in dogs like Dobermans, German Shepherds, and Great Danes who have big chests, and is caused by the accumulation of gas and fluid in their stomachs. When the stomach becomes enlarged it can obstruct the veins in the abdomen and result is unusually low blood pressure and shock. When accompanied by dilation of the stomach, it can also trap air, food and water in the stomach and the result can be fatal. Should this occur in your pet, you should get immediate medical help.

Dogs that eat their food very fast, or who exercise immediately after they eat are more likely to suffer from bloating. Older dogs are more susceptible to bloating than younger ones and male dogs more than females.

Here’s how to recognize the symptoms of bloating in your dog:
* Swollen belly
* Retching
* Rapid breathing
* Weak pulse
* Rapid heart rate
* Restlessness
* Pain in the abdomen

An excellent supplement for bloating and flatulence problems and also for weight loss and digestive problems, is Winston””s Digest All. In addition to treating your dog””s bloating and flatulence, Winston””s Digest All works well with any weight loss program. In addition to all the other benefits of Winston””s Digest All formula, overweight dogs can expect to lose an average of five pounds within the first two to three months.

You can help prevent bloating by not exercising your dog immediately after it has eaten. And if your dog has a tendency to bloat, you shouldn’t give it water immediately after a meal.

Flatulence
Dogs of all ages and breeds are susceptible to suffering from flatulence, and almost all cases are caused by the dog’s eating habits. Some dogs eat their food really fast and gulp in air with their food. This ends up giving them flatulence.

Symptoms of Flatulence
* Bloating
* Belching
* Pain in the abdomen
* Passing Gas
* Bloating

How to prevent your dog from passing gas
If your dog usually gulps down its food, begin feeding it smaller meals at regular intervals instead of two larger meals. Feed your dog the best quality food you can, and if possible, occasionally add a small amount of raw and unprocessed food products. Also, ensure that your pet has plenty of fresh water. Add a regular exercise routine to help keep bloating and flatulence problems at a minimum.

Dogs Stomach Bloating (Suspected GDV)

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Important Information: Please take this seriously as you never know when it will come. 

The Condition and Its Causes

Simply put, bloat describes a stomach which has become abnormally enlarged or distended. The stomach is filled with gas, food, liquid, or a combination thereof. Torsion is the abnormal positioning of the stomach which is caused by the stomach’s rotation about its axis, i.e. twisting of the stomach. Bloat usually leads to torsion, although torsion can occur without bloat. Chronic gastric volvulus (ongoing mild torsion) may not cause typical signs of GDV, but should be suspected in dogs with intermittent vomiting, weight loss, mild bloating, rumbling sounds in the bowel (borborygmi) and/or belching.

 Depending on how quickly the problem is dealt with, GDV may result in a stomach that is rotated by anywhere from 90° to 360°. Severe torsion usually means the displacement of both the stomach and the spleen (they exchange positions). The speed at which the stomach empties itself, as well as the stomach’s digestive contraction pace, are thought to play a role in the development of GDV. Certain food types (such as peas, onions, beans, beet pulp, etc.) are also implicated. Research analyses of gastric gas from live dogs with GDV suggest that it predominantly results from swallowing air rather than from gastric fermentation (digestive disorder). Some people suggest a genetic predisposition to bloat, while others refute the suggestion. None of these theories has been scientifically proven, and all appear to be only partially true.

Based on his extensive clinical experience with GDV cases, Dr. John Lammerding (a Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon) tends to think that GDV in young dogs may suggest a genetic predisposition. However, he believes that GDV in old dogs are typically caused by excessive hyperventilation (sucking too much air) due to the fact that some old dogs, like old people, develop breathing difficulties due to the aging process. In the latter case, GDV could theoretically be prevented by keeping the old dog calm and preventing him/her from hyperventilating. Regardless of the cause of GDV, the end result is a distended and twisted stomach. GDV results in physiological changes that create a medical and surgical emergency. GDV most commonly occurs in large, deep-chested breeds, but has also been reported in Bassets, Dachshunds and cats.

Reported fatality rates range from 15% to 60%. There is also a high recurrence rate when surgery (Gastropexy) is not performed to permanently attach the stomach to an anatomically acceptable part of the body, such as a rib. Bloat surgery is a very painful, major operation, and is potentially life threatening especially in cases involving old dogs You should discuss the treatment of bloat and torsion with your veterinarian the next time you see him/her. Not all veterinarians are familiar with the proper emergency treatment of GDV and fewer yet are familiar with proper surgical technique and post-surgery care and monitoring. It is imperative that you make sure that your veterinarian is familiarized with the proper procedures before his/her skills are needed. If your veterinarian is not receptive to or is offended by your queries, then it may perhaps be time for you to find a more responsive veterinarian. 

Symptoms

Early signs of bloat may include restlessness, excessive drooling, abdominal pain, retching, and/or non-productive attempts to vomit. The dog may vomit foamy mucous, or a mucousy foam may be evident around the lips. A more advanced sign of bloat is characterized by abdominal distension (enlarged abdomen). Other signs may include pale mucous membrane (evident by pale gum color), and prolonged capillary refill time (detected by pressing the gum with your fingertip and judging the speed at which gum color returns to pink after you stop pressing.)

Some people have reported early detection by observing abnormal behavior, such as not wanting to move around; or laying down in a curled up position, etc. when the dog would normally run around and play. During this early phase, stomach enlargement may not be visually evident yet. Bloat can usually be detected when you make the dog stand up and gently feel his/her abdomen. The abdomen should feel soft and tapered inward when the dog is relaxed. If the abdomen feels hard, or sounds hollow (like a drum) when you tap it gently with your hand, then your dog is probably bloating or even torsioning. If you’re not sure, get the dog in to the veterinarian (or at least call) right away just in case–it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Prevention

There are no sure-fire ways to prevent or predict GDV. Here is a list of suggestions :

1. Feed 2 or 3 smaller meals daily (as opposed to 1 large meal).


2. Any changes in the diet should be made gradually, over a period of a week.


3. Vigorous exercise, excitement and stress should be avoided from 1 hour before to 2 hours after meals.


4. Excessive drinking should also be avoided.


5. Avoid feeding food that are known to cause flatulence (gas), e.g. soy, beans, peas, onions, beet pulp, etc.


6. Some veterinarians advocate the feeding of large pieces of fresh/raw fruits and vegetables (e.g. apples, oranges, carrots) 3 to 4 times a week. The reason is that commercial dog food lacks the appropriate amount of roughage that a dog needs in order for the stomach to function properly.


7. Some people give their dogs over-the-counter anti-flatulent (Simethecone products, such as Gas X®), just before or after they put their dogs through stressful situations. It may also be handy when the dog appears to have a lot of gas. Simethecone works by breaking down the surface tensions of the small air bubbles in the stomach, thus causing bigger bubbles to form, which theoretically, are easier for the stomach to pass.


8. On dogs known to be highly susceptible to GDV (e.g. ones that have already bloated before) discuss the use of medicinal prevention (such as Metoclopramide Hydrochloride, or Reglan®) with your veterinarian. The medicine is widely used in human after abdominal surgery to combat painful intestinal flatulence. It chemically decompresses the stomach and intestines, thus forcing the gas out. Like all drugs, there are side effects, so the benefits and problems of long term use should be carefully weighed and discussed with your veterinarian.

– to be continued tomorrow on what to do during emergency. 

** Disclaimer: Above article is not original from Furkids Paradise. Kindly refer to the link at the top to view original article.

digestive issues dogs canines dr Ohhira’s Probiotics The gift for life anti aging in dogs gas bloating

Stinky Dog: Digestive Problems in Canines
by Gayle Pruitt CN

Did your best furry buddy ever have gas or should I say ‘flatulence’ (a much nicer term), or diarrhea or vomiting? That could mean that your cute little doggie ate something dead like a yummy rat, bird or a little bug. But it could also indicate a digestive disorder that might be more alarming. Dogs can have IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome), colitis, even a peptic ulcer just like humans. These disorders can result from many different causes so if your Fido is experiencing any signs like gas, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite, then it’s always best to take him/her to the Veterinarian to be checked out.

There are a few things you can do that may prevent some of these issues from even manifesting. First, feed him good human grade quality food. I don’t mean human food as in fast junk food! I mean really good high grade meat, fresh vegetables and a little fruit. And you can get a good digestive enzyme from your Veterinarian. Mix the proper amount in with their food along with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. This will help do some of the heavy work of breaking down the food.

Friendly bacteria – probiotics – are a critical ingredient for keeping you and your canine kid’s immune system strong, healthy, and absorbing nutrients properly. The best probiotic I have ever found for humans or for dogs is Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics. If your dog is like my two hungry hounds all you would have to do is pitch the capsule to them and they would gobble it up. If yours is a little more finicky then open up the capsule, push out the good tasting paste and either place it in their food or just in their mouth. Dr. Ohhira’s tastes great, plus it’s even good for their gums (your gums too!).

Stress is a main factor causing dogs and humans to start having digestive issues. Why not have a little Bach or Chopin playing in the background? Classical music has been shown to soothe animals and humans alike, especially Bach. Once the stress level goes down and your dog is eating right and his flora is flourishing, it’s time to think about your dog living a long and healthy happy life. One way to help ensure that your little guy lives as long as he is supposed to is with the Gift of Life supplement. It’s delicious and it brings out the puppy in your dog at any age.

Just remember – if your dog is stinky and hasn’t been near a skunk or there are no rotten eggs around then you may need to check with the Vet. Start feeding him/her high quality food, use digestive enzymes and give Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics - the very best for dog or human!

Article submitted by Gayle Pruitt, CN.

For questions about Probiotics and the Dr. Ohhira Probiotic Supplements email Gayle at gayle@drohhiraprobiotics.com or call 800-605-5032 Ext. 3.

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Bloating in Dogs | petMD

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Bloated Stomach in Dogs

When a dog’s stomach fills with gas, it bloats. The expansion of the stomach puts pressure on the diaphragm, which in turn makes it hard for the dog to breathe. The stomach will also twist, causing terrible shock and rapid death. Therefore, bloating should always be treated as a dire emergency.

What To Watch For

Bloating can happen to any breed of dog at any age. However, large breeds with deep chests, like Great Danes or the large Setters, are more likely to suffer from this type of emergency. In certain instances, bloating is noted when the dog exercises immediately after eating. The most obvious symptom is, of course, an enlarged abdomen. You may also observe labored breathing, excessive drooling, vomiting, a weak pulse, and paleness in the nose and mouth.

Primary Cause

Although there are environmental and genetic factors that remain unknown, the chances of bloating are increased by overeating and excessive drinking. Allowing a dog to exercise or especially roll shortly after a meal can also cause problems.

Immediate Care

Take the dog to a vet right away. There, she will be stabilized and likely undergo gastric decompression. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to treat the dog for shock on your way to the emergency hospital.

Prevention

Providing the dog normal-sized food portions and allowing her time to digest after a meal can help prevent occurrences of bloating, at all ages. Some veterinarians will recommend that breeds more commonly affected with bloating undergo gastropexy, a surgical procedure in which the stomach is attached to the body wall to prevent it from shifting or twisting.

The fixation of the stomach to the wall of the abdomen through surgery

Anything having to do with the stomach

The muscle in the abdomen that aids in breathing