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Dog Symptoms Definition

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Bloat is a very serious health risk for many dogs, yet many dog owners know very little about it. According to the links below, it is the second leading killer of dogs, after cancer. It is frequently reported that deep-chested dogs, such as German Shepherds, Great Danes, and Dobermans are particularly at risk. This page provides links to information on bloat and summarizes some of the key points we found in the sites we researched. Although we have summarized information we found about possible symptoms, causes, methods of prevention, and breeds at risk, we cannot attest to the accuracy. Please consult with your veterinarian for medical information.

If you believe your dog is experiencing bloat, please get your dog to a veterinarian immediately! Bloat can kill in less than an hour, so time is of the essence. Call your vet to alert them you're on your way with a suspected bloat case. Better to be safe than sorry!

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 esophagus (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.

Be prepared! Know in advance what you would do if your dog bloated.

bullet If your regular vet doesn't have 24-hour emergency service, know which nearby vet you would use. Keep the phone number handy.

bullet Always keep a product with simethicone on hand (e.g., Mylanta Gas (not regular Mylanta), Gas-X, etc.) in case your dog has gas. If you can reduce or slow the gas, you've probably bought yourself a little more time to get to a vet if your dog is bloating.

This information is not intended to replace advice or guidance from veterinarians or other pet care professionals. It is simply being shared as an aid to assist you with your own research on this very serious problem.

Symptoms

Typical symptoms often include some (but not necessarily all) of the following, according to the links below. Unfortunately, from the onset of the first symptoms you have very little time (sometimes minutes, sometimes hours) to get immediate medical attention for your dog. Know your dog and know when it's not acting right.

bullet Attempts to vomit (usually unsuccessful); may occur every 5-30 minutes

bullet This seems to be one of the most common symptoms & has been referred to as the "hallmark symptom"

bullet "Unsuccessful vomiting" means either nothing comes up or possibly just foam and/or mucous comes up

bullet Some have reported that it can sound like a repeated cough New

bullet Doesn't act like usual self

bullet Perhaps the earliest warning sign and may be the only sign that almost always occurs

bullet We've had several reports that dogs who bloated asked to go outside in the middle of the night. If this is combined with frequent attempts to vomit, and if your dog doesn't typically ask to go outside in the middle of the night, bloat is a very real possibility.

bullet Significant anxiety and restlessness

One of the earliest warning signs and seems fairly typical

bullet "Hunched up" or "roached up" appearance

This seems to occur fairly frequently

bullet Lack of normal gurgling and digestive sounds in the tummy

bullet Many dog owners report this after putting their ear to their dog's tummy.

bullet If your dog shows any bloat symptoms, you may want to try this immediately.

bullet Bloated abdomen that may feel tight (like a drum)

Despite the term "bloat," many times this symptom never occurs or is not apparent

bullet Pale or off-color gums

Dark red in early stages; white or blue in later stages

bullet Coughing

bullet Unproductive gagging

bullet Heavy salivating or drooling

bullet Foamy mucous around the lips, or vomiting foamy mucous

bullet Unproductive attempts to defecate

bullet Whining

bullet Pacing

bullet Licking the air

bullet Seeking a hiding place

bullet Looking at their side or other evidence of abdominal pain or discomfort

bullet May refuse to lie down or even sit down

bullet May stand spread-legged

bullet May curl up in a ball or go into a praying or crouched position

bullet May attempt to eat small stones and twigs

bullet Drinking excessively

bullet Heavy or rapid panting

bullet Shallow breathing

bullet Cold mouth membranes

bullet Apparent weakness; unable to stand or has a spread-legged stance

Especially in advanced stage

bullet Accelerated heartbeat

Heart rate increases as bloating progresses

bullet Weak pulse

bullet Collapse

Causes

According to the links below, it is thought that the following may be the primary contributors to bloat. To calculate a dog's lifetime risk of bloat according to Purdue University's School of Veterinary Medicine, click here.

bullet Stress

bullet Dog shows, mating, whelping, boarding, change in routine, new dog in household, etc.

Although purely anecdotal, we've heard of too many cases where a dog bloated after another dog (particularly a 3rd dog) was brought into the household; perhaps due to stress regarding pack order.

bullet Activities that result in gulping air

bullet Eating habits, especially...

bullet Elevated food bowls

bullet Rapid eating

bullet Eating dry foods that contain citric acid as a preservative (the risk is even worse if the owner moistens the food)

bullet Eating dry foods that contain fat among the first four ingredients

bullet Insufficient pancreatic enzymes, such as Trypsin (a pancreatic enzyme present in meat)

Dogs with untreated Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) and/or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) generally produce more gas and thus are at greater risk New

bullet Dilution of gastric juices necessary for complete digestion by drinking too much water before or after eating

bullet Eating gas-producing foods (especially soybean products, brewer's yeast, and alfalfa)

bullet Drinking too much water too quickly (can cause gulping of air)

bullet Exercise before and especially after eating

bullet Heredity

bullet Especially having a first-degree relative who has bloated

bullet Dogs who have untreated Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) are considered more prone to bloat

Gas is associated with incomplete digestion New

bullet Build & Physical Characteristics

bullet Having a deep and narrow chest compared to other dogs of the same breed

bullet Older dogs

bullet Big dogs

bullet Males

bullet Being underweight

bullet Disposition

bullet Fearful or anxious temperament

bullet Prone to stress

bullet History of aggression toward other dogs or people

Prevention

Some of the advice in the links below for reducing the chances of bloat are:

bullet Avoid highly stressful situations. If you can't avoid them, try to minimize the stress as much as possible. Be extra watchful.

Can be brought on by visits to the vet, dog shows, mating, whelping, boarding, new dog in household, change in routine, etc. Revised

bullet Do not use an elevated food bowl

bullet Do not exercise for at least an hour (longer if possible) before and especially after eating

Particularly avoid vigorous exercise and don't permit your dog to roll over, which could cause the stomach to twist

bullet Do not permit rapid eating

bullet Feed 2 or 3 meals daily, instead of just one

bullet Do not give water one hour before or after a meal

It dilutes the gastric juices necessary for proper digestion, which leads to gas production.

bullet Always keep a product with simethicone (e.g., Mylanta Gas (not regular Mylanta), Phazyme, Gas-X, etc.) on hand to treat gas symptoms.

Some recommend giving your dog simethicone immediately if your dog burps more than once or shows other signs of gas.

Some report relief of gas symptoms with 1/2 tsp of nutmeg or the homeopathic remedy Nux moschata 30

bullet Allow access to fresh water at all times, except before and after meals

bullet Make meals a peaceful, stress-free time

bullet When switching dog food, do so gradually (allow several weeks)

bullet Do not feed dry food exclusively

bullet Feed a high-protein (>30%) diet, particularly of raw meat

bullet If feeding dry food, avoid foods that contain fat as one of the first four ingredients

bullet If feeding dry foods, avoid foods that contain citric acid

If you must use a dry food containing citric acid, do not pre-moisten the food

bullet If feeding dry food, select one that includes rendered meat meal with bone product among the first four ingredients

bullet Reduce carbohydrates as much as possible (e.g., typical in many commercial dog biscuits)

bullet Feed a high-quality diet

Whole, unprocessed foods are especially beneficial

bullet Feed adequate amount of fiber (for commercial dog food, at least 3.00% crude fiber)

bullet Add an enzyme product to food (e.g., Prozyme)

bullet Include herbs specially mixed for pets that reduce gas (e.g., N.R. Special Blend)

bullet Avoid brewer's yeast, alfalfa, and soybean products

bullet Promote an acidic environment in the intestine

Some recommend 1-2 Tbs of Aloe Vera Gel or 1 Tbs of apple cider vinegar given right after each meal

bullet Promote "friendly" bacteria in the intestine, e.g. from "probiotics" such as supplemental acidophilus

Avoids fermentation of carbohydrates, which can cause gas quickly.

This is especially a concern when antibiotics are given since antibiotics tend to reduce levels of "friendly" bacteria. [Note: Probiotics should be given at least 2-4 hours apart from antibiotics so they won't be destroyed.] New

bullet Don't permit excessive, rapid drinking

Especially a consideration on hot days