Have you wondered what is bloat in dogs? Canine bloat affects up to 60,000 dogs each year, and goes beyond a tummy ache. I worry about this because I’ve had German Shepherd Dogs and a Great Dane/Mastiffs, both high-risk breeds. Bloat (more technically called gastric dilatation volvulus) can cause a painful death. Learn more about common “old dog” conditions in this post.
Great Dane dogs are at highest risk for canine bloat.
I’m sharing a partial excerpt of the CANINE BLOAT entry from Dog Facts, The Series #2 (Chapter B) covering Babesiosis, Bad Breath, Balanopothitis, Bitch, Bladder Stones, Bleeding, Blindness, Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus), Blood, Botulism, Breed, Bronchitis, Brucellosis, and Burns. I’ve broken the massive book into discounted treat-size alpha-chapter sections available ONLY to subscribers of my PETS PEEVES NEWSLETTER. Folks can choose which ones they most need. Each chapter will release every other week. Of course, you can still get the entire DOG FACTS book either in Kindle or 630+ pages of print.
WHAT IS BLOAT IN DOGS?
Gastric dilitation is the painful swelling of the stomach with gas and/or frothy material. Volvulus is the rotation, or twisting, of the stomach. Bloat refers to one or both scenarios, and either can result in death.
When bloat occurs, the stomach contents cannot be expelled either by vomiting, burping, or by passing into the intestines. The stomach distention causes pressure on other internal organs, which results in shock. If the stomach twists, circulation is cut off and the stomach and spleen can die. The rotation also compresses a vein that returns blood to the heart, resulting in severe depression of normal blood circulation.
Canine bloat can affect any dog but large dogs are at highest risk.
WHAT DOGS ARE AT RISK FOR CANINE BLOAT?
All dogs can be affected, but purebred dogs are three times more likely to suffer bloat compared to mixed breed dogs. Breeds that have a narrow but deep chest have the greatest incidence of the condition.
Great Danes have the highest incidence. They have a 40 percent chance they’ll have an episode before they reach age seven. A recent survey estimated the lifetime risk of bloat at 24 percent for large breed (50 to 99 pounds) and 22 percent for giant breed dogs (over 99 pounds). Some research indicates nervous dogs have a twelve times higher risk than calm, happy dogs.
GET DOGGY VOMITING TREATMENT TIPS NOW!
German Shepherds are prone to bloat.
DOG BLOAT SYMPTOMS
restlessness
unproductive attempts to vomit or defecate
swollen, painful stomach
pale gums
irregular breathing
collapse and death
EMERGENCY! Veterinary Diagnosis & Treatment of Dog Bloat
When a high-risk dog suffers any of the above symptoms, don’t wait. Emergency treatment can save your dog’s life. The stomach contents must be removed to reduce the pressure, and passing a stomach tube manages the distension. When the stomach twists, though, the tube won’t pass and surgery is required to return the organs to normal position, and evaluate any damage to the spleen or other tissue.
Managing meals can reduce the risk of canine bloat in Great Danes and other dogs.
What Is Gastropexy for Canine Bloat?
In high risk dogs, and those that have survived a bloat episode, gastropexy surgery is recommended. That fixes the stomach to the body wall so it can’t twist. Gastropexy prevents a recurrence of the condition in more than 90 percent of cases. It can be done at the same time as spay or neuter surgery, and laparoscopic surgery techniques can make the procedure much less invasive and reduce recovery time. Dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus that do not undergo a gastropexy have recurrence rates of more than 70 percent and mortality rates of 80 percent.
Can Dog Bloat Be Prevented?
Although bloat can’t be completely prevented, predisposing factors can be reduced. Limiting water and exercise before and after meals, commonly recommended in the past, in fact did not reduce the incidence of bloat in more recent studies. Another recommendation—raising the food bowl—actually increased the risk of bloat by about 200 percent.
Avoid sudden changes in food, which can prompt gorging behavior. When a diet change is necessary, introduce it gradually over a seven to ten-day period. Meal-feed your dog small quantities of food several times a day, rather than feeding all at once. And if there’s food competition between your dogs, feed them in separate rooms to help slow gulpers and calm their anxiety over stolen food.
Do you live with a high risk dog? Has your dog ever suffered from bloat? What steps do you take to reduce the risk? I hope you NEVER have to face this serious condition, and that learning more about the condition will help keep your beloved dog safe.
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter.
Stay up to date with the latest book giveaways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE! Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!
I had never heard of the surgery that can essentially anchor a dog’s stomach! I think this would be really important information to share with new pet owners so they can consider this procedure while their dog is already undergoing a spay or neuter procedure. Thanks for sharing this information!
Bloat sounds so scary. I worry a little about Kilo the Pug – he is small but oh so greedy, he gulps like crazy. However he has a special bowl up set on a step and his food is divided up into small amounts. He works for at least 1/3 or 1/2 throughout the day. He has stolen vast amounts off tables etc like a ninja a few times but luckily no issues so far. Thanks for sharing important info.
When my husband and I began to date, his roommate had a Pug, and Tojo would eat until he got sick. Maybe something about those mini-mastiff-types, LOL!
The more recent studies have indicated that activity before/after meals didn’t significantly influence having an episode. *s* But yes, he’s a little guy so not to worry!
Bloat is so scary and such a good topic to talk about. As a CVT I remember a few pet parents making the proactive decision to get gastropexy’s done proactively during spays and neuters — they had large deep chested breeds. It was a smart move — my .02. Thanks for posting such a great, detailed piece about this.
I get so worried about dogs and bloat. We had a Great Dane who lived on our street whom I swear died from it – he used to drink and eat so fast. I warned his owner time and again.
A family friend’s shepherd died of bloat about 2 years ago. It was so sad, he was a young, healthy dog. They did take him to one vet who thought it was a problem with his pancreas at first, the second vet diagnosed bloat, but it was too late to save him.
That’s horrible! So sorry this happened. It’s all about getting the info out about this. Based on the reaction to the blog (lots of folks NOT knowing about it), this was the subject today of my KXII Pet Talk tv segment, too. Hope it saves some furry lives.
Great information! My dogs are both under 50 pounds, so they aren’t high risk, but it is good to know about because there is always the chance it could happen.
This is like declawing in cats, an issue that many more peope need to know about but do not – education is vital. Dog owners need to be prepared to recognise things like bloat so they can act on it.
Bloat is something I did not know much about until I had a GSD. It is a very real and very scary issue with larger breed/larger chested dogs. We were always cautious, trying to make sure he ate slowly and not having him exercise or run around soon after eating. Great topic
Wow, I did not know about this! I’m happy I stumbled upon this article!! James is my only purebred, so I guess I have to keep a close eye on him! Thanks for sharing!
It’ really important to know the symptoms and be aware of your dog. I’ve had 2 Doberman mixes, and I can’t tell you how many times I almost panicked with Lola.
It’s NATIONAL ADOPT A DOG MONTH! How will you spend your celebration? Wait, your dog didn’t tell you? Well, for Shadow, it’s “dog week” every week of the year, but the “official” celebration takes place the 4th week of September every year — and has been celebrated since the first event in 1928. But October celebrates dog adoptions all month long. Check out my most popular dog-centric blogs in this post.
Have you thought about dog bite Halloween safety? and I’m not talking about vampires, either. Many dogs enjoy the howl-idays. But dogs biting kids happens more often at this time of year than any other.
This is a timely subject so I try to revisit the information every year. I write about this every year because it’s so darned important. With Halloween in the offing, this is the perfect time to brush up on dog safety issues and protect your kids, too.
To give equal time, there are many kitty-centric Halloween myth-teries you’ll find fascinating, especially about black cats.
While nonstop doorbell rings and visitors showering attention may be doggy bliss for your pet, even friendly laid back pooches get their tails in a twist over the disruption to routine. That can be dangerous for the pet—and for the human. Learn more about dog bites and kid safety here…
August 17 is Black Cat Appreciation Day to counter the Halloween black cat negative myths. Of course, those folks who share their lives (and pillows!) with a special black cat know better. Sadly, too many black cats remain in shelters rather than being adopted.
In fact, some evidence supports the notion that black cats (one of the first “mutations” of wild coat color), enhanced what I call the feline friendly factor. Black cats often seem to be much more agreeable and love spending time with their chosen human. Maybe that’s why so many of the so-called witches were associated with black kitties.
People have more difficulty picking cats because they assume all felines are the same. And because usually, cats pick us.
Halloween pet safety is needed every year. Halloween at its best is a night of mystery, fun, and thrills for human children and many adults. It’s important to keep your human kiddoes safe with these tips, but no less important for the pets. I write about Halloween pets safety every year because it can be a nightmare for your furry kids.
Do you enjoy dressing up the house—and yourself—for the holidays? If you want to include Halloween pet costumes, start now to get them used to the notion. Most of the costumes don’t fit Bravo-Dawg, and I’ve not yet tried Shadow-Pup. I’ll share pictures if/when that happens.
Meanwhile, be sure to keep pets safe over Halloween, though. Dogs and cats aren’t always fans of wearing Halloween costumes, but with these tips, you can help pets accept the notion.
Halloween Pet Costumes
Some pets enjoy dressing up, particularly the small dogs already used to wearing coats and sweaters in cool weather. There are many pet costumes available from pet products stores, from fancy to plain. If your outgoing, confident pet is willing, you can have great fun with costumes. But if your pets don’t care for dress up, don’t press it. Many pets may bite over Halloween out of fear of change.
Even reluctant pets may be persuaded to wear a fancy collar or bandana or painted toenails.
Every year, I write about our old cat needs. While Karma-Kat has just reached middle age, cats age at different rates. When do you consider your cat old? Is your old cat a senior kitty by age 8, or 13, or…when? For cats, what is old? Here’s how the experts define ‘old age’ in cats…
Can we take a minute to talk about something almost every pet parent deals with?
Although pet hair and odors are a small price to pay to have our furry ones at home with us, the fuzz and funky smells can sometimes seem overwhelming!
Visit Amy's Website
Amy Shojai CACB is an award winning author. You can find all her publications and book her to speak via her website.
AmyShojai.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com http://amazon.com/.
I had never heard of the surgery that can essentially anchor a dog’s stomach! I think this would be really important information to share with new pet owners so they can consider this procedure while their dog is already undergoing a spay or neuter procedure. Thanks for sharing this information!
Hopefully, many veterinarians do discuss this with dog owners particularly of the higher risk breeds.
Bloat sounds so scary. I worry a little about Kilo the Pug – he is small but oh so greedy, he gulps like crazy. However he has a special bowl up set on a step and his food is divided up into small amounts. He works for at least 1/3 or 1/2 throughout the day. He has stolen vast amounts off tables etc like a ninja a few times but luckily no issues so far. Thanks for sharing important info.
When my husband and I began to date, his roommate had a Pug, and Tojo would eat until he got sick. Maybe something about those mini-mastiff-types, LOL!
I always thought bloat only happened in giant dog breeds, thanks for this info. Very scary condition.
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Bloat is so scary. Even though my small dogs aren’t predisposed to it, it scares the crap out of. More people definitely need to know the signs.
Thanks, Jodi, it scares me bunches, too!
Mr. N likes to run around and play right after he eats. I asked the vet though and he said I don’t need to worry as Mr. N is tiny.
The more recent studies have indicated that activity before/after meals didn’t significantly influence having an episode. *s* But yes, he’s a little guy so not to worry!
Bloat is so scary and such a good topic to talk about. As a CVT I remember a few pet parents making the proactive decision to get gastropexy’s done proactively during spays and neuters — they had large deep chested breeds. It was a smart move — my .02. Thanks for posting such a great, detailed piece about this.
Thanks Christy! Years ago with my first shepherd, there was no such thing as gastropexy. Now at least there’s that option!
I’d never heard about this. How scary!
I get so worried about dogs and bloat. We had a Great Dane who lived on our street whom I swear died from it – he used to drink and eat so fast. I warned his owner time and again.
Yikes! That’s so sad…and unfortunately not all can be saved. ;(
Bloat is so scary – I am so conscious of when my dogs eat and exercise because I am terrified of bloat. Thanks for posting!
You’re very welcome! Hope it raises awareness.
A family friend’s shepherd died of bloat about 2 years ago. It was so sad, he was a young, healthy dog. They did take him to one vet who thought it was a problem with his pancreas at first, the second vet diagnosed bloat, but it was too late to save him.
That’s horrible! So sorry this happened. It’s all about getting the info out about this. Based on the reaction to the blog (lots of folks NOT knowing about it), this was the subject today of my KXII Pet Talk tv segment, too. Hope it saves some furry lives.
Great information! My dogs are both under 50 pounds, so they aren’t high risk, but it is good to know about because there is always the chance it could happen.
Exactly! And you never know when a friend might share about his/her big dog and you can pass on the info.
So scary! I did not realize that raised bowls did not help and actually made it worse. Learning new things! Thanks for the info!
I know…and every time there’s a new study, we learn something more. Lots more detail in the entry in the book excerpt, of course.
This is like declawing in cats, an issue that many more peope need to know about but do not – education is vital. Dog owners need to be prepared to recognise things like bloat so they can act on it.
Exactly true! Information prepares us to be more discerning.
Bloat is something I did not know much about until I had a GSD. It is a very real and very scary issue with larger breed/larger chested dogs. We were always cautious, trying to make sure he ate slowly and not having him exercise or run around soon after eating. Great topic
One of Magic’s relatives succumbed to bloat. You never think it can happen to you, until you learn about a tragedy. *sigh*
Thank you for sharing this information and the excellent guidance on what to look out for as it is a subject I knew nothing about.
Hi Juliet, Thanks so much for visiting the blog. Glad that I could offer something new and helpful.
I’m going to share this info with my family members who have dogs. I never knew about this.
Oh good! The more people know about it, the better we can prevent sad outcomes.
Wow, I did not know about this! I’m happy I stumbled upon this article!! James is my only purebred, so I guess I have to keep a close eye on him! Thanks for sharing!
You’re very welcome! My best to James…and your other furry wonders. *s*
It’ really important to know the symptoms and be aware of your dog. I’ve had 2 Doberman mixes, and I can’t tell you how many times I almost panicked with Lola.
Always better to panic (and discover there’s no problem) than the reverse. So glad Lola has been okay!
Especially,8 ways,peoples hiss off cats
Awesum