If you’ve heard of bloat before, you know how deadly it is to dogs. Also known as GDV, bloat sets in quickly and can be a life-threatening emergency for your dog. Without fast action and veterinary care, this condition can prove fatal.
To help you keep your dog safe and increase their chance of recovery, we’ll walk you through how to spot the signs of bloat in dogs, what causes this condition and what steps you can take to help reduce the risk.
Here at VetUK, we have a premium range of dog food and care products to help keep your precious pup in top condition.
What is bloat in dogs?
Bloat in dogs isn’t what we refer to as bloating in humans. When we say we’re bloated, it usually means we’ve eaten too much or are a bit gassy, but bloat in dogs is a serious condition. Also known as gastric dilation volvulus (GDV), bloat is a rare but life-threatening condition in dogs. This condition occurs when the stomach rapidly fills with gas and then twists.
When bloat happens in dogs, the stomach becomes very distended, and blood flow to vital organs like the spleen can be compromised, and the swelling causes pressure on the diaphragm, making it difficult for a dog to breathe.
What causes bloat in dogs?
There are a few different reasons that make a dog more susceptible to bloat, but the definitive answer isn’t always clear. There are, however, several factors that increase the risk:
Anatomy of certain breeds – Dogs with narrower and deeper chests have more space for their stomach to flip and twist, which increases the risk.
Fast eating – If your dog eats or drinks too quickly they’re more likely to swallow more air, creating excess gas in the stomach.
Stress – Dogs who have high anxiety levels or are nervous can be more prone to this condition.
Meal size – Eating a large meal in one go increases the risk of bloat by flooding the stomach with too much food.
Exercise after a meal – Jumping straight into exercise after a meal can cause a dog’s stomach to twist.
Age – Older dogs are more susceptible to bloat, although the issue can still occur in dogs of all ages.
How to spot signs of bloat in dogs
Symptoms of bloat can progress rapidly, and catching them early is essential to ensure the safety of your furry friend. Look out for any of the following symptoms:
Swollen, distended abdomen
Your dog’s stomach will be visibly enlarged, swollen and hard. In dog breeds with deep chests, the swelling might not be immediately noticeable, but it can become increasingly obvious as the stomach fills with gas.
Retching or Dry Heaving
If your dog is trying to vomit but they are dry heaving or nothing is produced, this is a classic symptom of bloat. This occurs as your dog tries to alleviate the pressure in their stomach, and they may vomit, but only foamy saliva.
Excessive drooling
If your dog has a twisted stomach, they will be unable to swallow properly, and this can lead to excessive drooling.
Restlessness or pacing
Bloat is not only painful for dogs but also extremely uncomfortable. They may not be able to find a comfortable position to sit or lie down and may pace or show signs of restlessness by constantly lying down and getting back up.
Abdominal pain
Your dog may cry out, flinch or avoid being touched around the stomach altogether due to extreme discomfort.
Trouble breathing
All the pressure created from the stomach swelling makes it hard for your dog to breathe, and they may be taking laboured breaths or wheezing.
Signs of shock
This is perhaps the most crucial symptom to act on, as going into shock is the most serious symptom of bloat in dogs and can be critical without immediate medical attention. Signs of shock include:
- Your dog collapsing or becoming unresponsive
- Weakness and extreme lethargy
- Pale gums
- Rapid heartbeat
If you notice any of these symptoms, especially alongside any other signs of bloat, your dog needs emergency care.
What dog breeds are most at risk of bloat?
Although bloat can occur in dogs of any breed and at any stage of life, larger and giant dog breeds are the most commonly affected. This includes:
- Great Danes – this is the breed with the highest risk of bloat
- Saint Bernard
- Irish Settler
- Doberman
- Weimaraner
- Basset Hound
If you have any of these breeds, you should remain extra aware of the signs of bloating and monitor your dog regularly. However, all dogs can still suffer from bloat, so being educated and aware of the symptoms can help keep your pup safe.
What should you do if you suspect bloat in your dog?
- Act fast –Arrange an urgent appointment with your vet, or if it is out of ours, find your nearest emergency animal hospital.
- Don’t try to treat your dog at home -Attempting to give your dog medication or induce vomiting will have no effect and waste valuable time needed to help save your dog.
- Get your dog ready for transport – Move your dog carefully into the car or a crate, or call a taxi if you don’t drive. Having someone else call ahead to the vet while you’re on the way can also save valuable time.
- Remain calm but act quickly – Staying calm will help to keep your dog calm, but it’s still important to act fast in a contained manner.
How do vets treat bloat in dogs?
When you take your dog to the vets, there are a few processes they can attempt to try and resolve bloat in your dog.
- If your dog is in shock, they will administer IV fluids or oxygen to attempt to stabilise this.
- If the stomach is swollen with gas, the vet may insert a tube to try to relieve this, although this might not be possible if the stomach is twisted.
- Your vet will also most likely take X-rays to assess if the stomach has twisted or flipped.
- If there is a stomach torsion, surgery is the only option to rectify this. The procedure involves untwisting the stomach and can also involve adding tacks in the stomach to prevent it from twisting again.
- If your dog is experiencing general gastrointestinal and gut issues, they may also recommend a veterinary diet or special supplements.
Remember that the earlier you act on any symptoms, the higher the chance of survival for your dog.
Can bloat in dogs be prevented?
Whilst you can’t completely rule out the risk of your dog developing bloat, there are a few measures that can reduce the chance of your dog developing this condition.
- Feed little and often – Instead of one large meal, feed your dog smaller portions in three or even more sittings. This is especially important if your dog has previously suffered from bloat.
- Encourage slower eating – Use slow feed bowls or a puzzle feeder to stop your dogs gulping large amounts of food and air in one go.
- Prevent water gulping – Drinking large amounts of water has the same effect as consuming large amounts of food. Try to limit water after meals and give them a little and often.
- Avoid exercise before and after meals – Let your dog rest for at least an hour before letting them play or run around.
- Create a calm environment – Reducing the level of stress in anxious dogs can help reduce the risk of developing bloat. Invest in dog calming remedies or supplements, and these can greatly reduce everyday stress levels in your pup.
- Consider preventative measures – If you have a high-risk breed, particularly a Great Dane, you may want to consider a prophylactic gastropexy, which is a surgery that involves pinning your dog’s stomach so it doesn’t flip during bloat.
Dogs and bloat – The bottom line
Bloat in dogs is a deadly emergency and can be scary for pet owners to face, but with the right knowledge and care, you can help save your dog. Learning what causes bloat in dogs, the signs and steps to take should it occur, gives your dog the best chance of survival.
Remember that if you have a high-risk dog, you should be extra vigilant, training other family members on how to detect bloat and having access to an emergency vet at all times.
If you’re in need of any more advice on your dog’s care or you’re searching for the right pet care products to help keep your dog happy and healthy, we’re here to help at VetUK.
Get in touch with our team, and our experts will be on hand to offer advice whenever you need it.
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