| Dog Bloat is a sickness that strikes millions of dogs | | | | good quality food source will not overeat or eat like |
| without warning each year. It moves fast and | | | | they are starving because they know the food |
| without the proper diagnosis and treatment many | | | | source is always there for them to access. There is |
| dogs die. The problem with dog bloat is that most | | | | no need for them to pig out and eat it all in one |
| dog owners do not know what symptoms to look | | | | setting when they can come back later and eat if |
| for or how to respond if their dog visibly has | | | | they need to. I do want to point out that this does |
| symptoms. This is an absolutely horrific and painful | | | | not work for all dogs and you may need to pick the |
| way to die, so join us as we discuss what bloat is | | | | bowl up if your dog overeats. |
| and how you can learn to recognize and respond to | | | | As we discussed above, if your dog has symptoms, |
| the symptoms. | | | | you absolutely have to get them to the vets |
| Bloat begins by causing an excessive amount of gas | | | | immediately. Treating the dog bloat is the only |
| to build up in the stomach. This causes the stomach | | | | chance at saving their life. To treat the bloat, your |
| to twist itself 180 degrees around and even a full 360 | | | | vet will start by inserting a tube into the wall of the |
| degrees from the esophagus down to the bottom of | | | | stomach. This removes the excess gas. After the |
| the stomach. What this does is stop the blood flow | | | | gas is removed, the vet finishes operating on the |
| to that part of the body and causes the tissue to die | | | | stomach and untwisting it. |
| off. | | | | Should the dog continue to show signs of bloat |
| This is where identifying the symptoms becomes | | | | following the surgery, then a second set of |
| crucial and demands timeliness. Many specific breeds | | | | treatment procedures will be started. These start |
| are known to have a bigger risk at developing bloat. | | | | with treating the shock symptoms your dog displays |
| Often they are larger breeds such as German | | | | by hydrating them and allowing them to rest and |
| Shepherds, Bloodhound, Great Dane, Akita, St. | | | | treating any other complications that may pop up. |
| Bernard, Golden Retriever, Irish Setter and Doberman. | | | | Because Doctors and Scientist have not actually |
| You may be thinking dog bloat is something that will | | | | come up with the exact cause of dog bloat, it is |
| never occur with your dog but statistics clearly show | | | | impossible to prevent. However, since we do know |
| that bloat is the second leading cause of dog deaths | | | | some facts, you can implement a few prevention |
| and is second only to cancer! | | | | techniques. Do not overfeed your dog or allow |
| There are many symptoms that may appear with | | | | them to overeat in a single setting. If your dog |
| bloat, so you will have to be diligent in observing you | | | | continues to overeat, then start giving them smaller |
| dog. Start by looking for restlessness and anxiety. | | | | amounts of food 2 or 3 times a day. |
| Look to see if they are vomiting or have the dry | | | | They do not recommend using elevated food or |
| heaves or even if they are attempting to vomit. | | | | watering dishes and you should be adding enzyme |
| Are they whining, drooling, swollen abdomen, no | | | | supplements to your dog's food to assist with |
| digestive sounds or rumbling of the stomach? | | | | digestion. Limit their water intake right after they |
| Monitor their breathing for difficulty, increased heart | | | | are finished eating. Always keep your local |
| rate and any weakness or collapsing. | | | | veterinarian's phone number hand and current for |
| Other factors that can influence dog bloat are your | | | | emergencies. |
| dogs age. Older dogs tend to be more susceptible. | | | | There is really nothing you can do to prevent bloat |
| Underweight dogs, dogs that are hyper or anxious or | | | | except to educate yourself and watch for the |
| dogs that are aggressive in nature are often prone | | | | symptoms. Then you will know how to diagnose |
| to developing bloat. So if a dog eats to fast or | | | | and react should your dog ever begin to exhibit signs |
| they skip a meal they potentially are more likely to | | | | of bloat. |
| develop dog bloat. It is suggested that you spread | | | | REMEMBER - Do NOT wait to get treatment for |
| their meals out to two or three small meals a day. | | | | your dog! This is the precious window of time that |
| I personally believe in free feeding if it's done | | | | can save your dog's life. This is not the time to |
| correctly. A dog that is allowed to eat what they | | | | debate whether or not you want to pay for that vet |
| naturally need from the very beginning and is given a | | | | call. Acting promptly can save your dog's life. |