At just about any age, an over-indulgent pooch can fall victim to this fatal condition. Bloat, also known as Gastric Dilation, is an emergency condition in which the stomach twists and rotates around itself. Once the stomach has twisted, the life-threatening symptoms take their course, beginning with increased inter-abdominal pressure which can lead to strain and, ultimately, damage to the cardiovascular organs of the dog. Another mechanism by which this condition can, and often does, become fatal, is a lack of nutrients being delivered to the surrounding organs, resulting in organ death.
Bloat Symptoms
Symptoms of bloat are easy to identify, but have to be addressed quickly in order to ensure the survival of the dog. You may see your dog’s stomach literally inflate. The dogs heartbeat will intensify, they’ll have issues breathing, and then they will begin to get weak and possibly collapse. It is important to get the dog to the veterinarian BEFORE this happens.
Prevention
The best way to treat bloat is to be preventative. A contributor to Gastric Dilation is genetics, but there are also environmental factors that can lead to this emergency situation. One key way to prevent bloat is to always monitor the food and water intake of your dog to ensure that they are not consuming excessive amounts of food at a rapid pace. Deep chested dogs, such as Boxers, Dobermans, and Bully breeds, are at much greater risk to develop the condition after eating or drinking quickly and excessively. Also, don’t let your dog exert himself after eating even a regularly sized meal.
While this is not scientifically validated just yet, there is a growing body of evidence to support the theory that grain-based, high carbohydrate foods may also contribute to a weaker, bloat-prone stomach in dogs. Protein rich diets may lead to a lower risk of bloat. Additionally, feeding your dog canine-safe bones can also help strengthen their stomach. Check with your veterinarian on what kinds of bones are safe for your dog!
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When treating your dog, the veterinarian may run some tests, such as x-rays and urinalysis. It’s also possible that another condition is causing the symptoms commonly associated with bloat, but the only way you will know for sure is by consulting with your veterinary professional.
