BLOAT

• Symptoms Include:
• Excessive salivation
• Extreme restlessness/ pacing
• Unproductive attempts to vomit/ defecate
• Evidence of abdominal pain
• Rapid breathing/ panting
• Extreme swelling of the stomach
• Collapse
• Risk factors:
• 170% increase for each unit increase in chest depth/width ratio
• 110% increase associated with using a raised food bowl
• 63% increase associated with having a 1st degree relative with Bloat
• 20% increase for each year increase in age
• 15% increase for speed of eating (for dogs weighing 49-100lbs)
• Important tips for prevention:
• Raised food bowls:
• Pet Suppliers & manufactures have made claims that raised feeder/bowls aids a dog’s digestion and prevents bloat. No scientific research supports these claims.
• Some studies found that a raised feeder actually increases the risk of bloat 110%.
• Approximately 20-50% of bloat cases were attributed to a raised food bowl.
• Gulping food:
• When a dog gulps food, the dog ingests air with the food.
• Air ingestion causes gas that may in turn cause the dog to bloat.
• This is especially the case in dogs that weigh more than 49lbs.
• Exercise after eating:
• Allow at least 1.5 hour of rest after eating.
• The worst activity a dog can do after eating is rolling onto its back.
• Feed multiple meals:
• Studies have shown that feeding in the morning and evening greatly reduces the risks of bloat.
• Changing food:
• It is extremely important to introduce new food slowly; it can take several weeks for a dog to adapt.
• New food not introduced slowly can cause extreme gas in the stomach and in some cases bloat.
• Important
• If you think a dog has bloat don’t hesitate, RUSH to the closest veterinarian.
• In this circumstance every minute counts, if left untreated there is a 100% fatality rate!