Bloat is a very serious health risk for many dogs, yet many dog owners know very little about it. The technical name for bloat is “Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus” (“GDV”). Bloating of the stomach is often related to swallowed air (although food and fluid can also be present). It usually happens when there’s an abnormal accumulation of air, fluid, and/or foam in the stomach (“gastric dilatation”). Stress can be a significant contributing factor also. Bloat can occur with or without “volvulus” (twisting). As the stomach swells, it may rotate 90° to 360°, twisting between its fixed attachments at the oesophagus (food tube) and at the duodenum (the upper intestine). The twisting stomach 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 kill a dog.
Symptoms include:
- Attempts to vomit (usually unsuccessful); may occur every 5-30 minutes
- Anxiety
- Roached/Hunched appearance
- Drinking excessively
Causes include:
- Stress
- Irregular eating habits
- Heredity
- Exercise before and especially after eating
Prevention includes:
- Feed small and regular meals
- Do not encourage rapid eating
- Avoid stressful situations
- Feed a high protein balanced diet (~30%)
