What is Bloat in Dogs?
Bloat in canines is an illness that requires to be carefully monitored and treated in order to provide your furry pal as many healthy years as possible.
Bloat, aka Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) complex, is a serious surgical and medical emergency.
As the stomach fills with air, pressure builds, stopping blood from the hind legs and abdomen from returning to the heart. Blood pools at the back end of the body, reducing the working blood volume and sending the dog into shock.
Here’s all you need to know about bloat in dogs – how to prevent your pupfrom bloat, the early signs or of bloat that you should look out for, and what to do if you notice symptoms of bloat in dogs.
Symptoms of Bloat in Dogs
Bloat can cause obvious changes in your dog’s health and behaviour. There are many early signs and symptoms of bloat which you can observe in your pet. We have detailed some of the common bloat symptoms in dogs, below.
- Abdominal Distention
- Retching
- Sudden Anxiety
- Collapsing
- Racing Heartbeat
Disclaimer: The information provided in this page is designed to help inform you of bloat. It is not meant to replace the veterinary diagnosis or treatment for bloat. If you have any concerns or questions about your canine’s health or possible symptoms, make to contact and consult with your vet as soon as you can.
The Main Causes of Bloat in Dogs
To recognize and treat bloat in dogs, you need to understand the underlying causes of bloat in dogs. This can help you prevent bloat happening in the first place or again.
The cause of bloat in dogs is when food or gas stretch their stomach. There are various influences that can cause bloating in dogs, this includes:
- Hot food or cold food
- Big kibble or little kibble
- Too much food
- Too much exercise
- High stress
Diagnosing Bloat in Dogs
No one knows your canine better than you do and therefore it is vital that your pet be checked properly by a veterinarian annually.
A vet may be able to identify bloat and/or GDV by observing your dog's distressed appearance and behaviour. Although, they would also perform tests for a complete diagnosis.
- Blood test - this will help provide a picture of your dog's overall health.
- X-ray - this will confirmt he diagnosis and find out the severity of the bloat and/or GDV.
For dogs at risk of getting bloat, more frequent check ups at the vet recommended.
Preventing Bloat in Dogs
It is horrible when your canine gets sick, and watching them suffer can be extremely upsetting. With caution and a bit of extra care, a pet owner can make sure that dog stays protected from diseases such as bloat.
To not to seem weak or susceptible to predators, the natural survival instincts make pets conceal illnesses. This means thorough physical exams by a qualified veterinarian are crucial to keep your family pets healthy. Typically, blood and urine tests carried out by your veterinarian are needed to get the total understanding of your pet’s health. These preventive checks actions will identify any health problems sooner making treatment more effective and less expensive and, more notably, will help your canine live a longer, healthier life.
Here are some ways that can help to prevent bloat in your dog:
- Avoid using elevated bowls
- No exercise for at least an hour after and before meals
- Always provide them with fresh water
- Provide your dog with smaller meals multiple times throughout the day
- Slow down your dog's eating
Treatment for Bloat in Dogs
Treatment of bloat in dogs will start with treating the initial shock. Then once the dog is stable, they will undergo surgery which generaklly consists of 2 procedures.
One procedure is done to deflate the stomach and return it to the proper position.
The second procedure will tack the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent it from ever twisting again.
Chat to your veterinarian to find out more about how to treat bloat in dogs.