Canine Bloat

Canine bloat, also known as Gastric Torsion is a terrible condition that arises mainly in larger breeds. Canine bloat can set in during the digestive process, and for reasons not yet completely known, the stomach will begin to turn, twisting the tubes leading to and from it, and closing the stomach off entirely.

Once this happens, all the digestive acids, food and gasses become trapped with no way to be dispelled. Canine Bloat takes over and the stomach becomes painfully distended, your dog will be in obvious agony and unless veterinary help is found, will likely die.

Canine bloat seems to be more prevalent in certain breeds and blood lines, so a hereditary connection has not been completely ruled out. However, dogs have been known to suffer Canine bloat without any known cases in the family lines. Other conditions thought to contribute to Canine bloat include:

*Bolting food
*Gulping air
*Drinking too much water after eating
*Heavy exercise after eating

Survival of Canine Bloat almost always requires surgery, so it would seem that the best defense is through prevention. Here are a few things you can do to help aid your dog's digestion.

First, feed your dog two smaller meals instead of one daily meal. This will lessen stress on the stomach. Secondly, since gulping air is thought to aid Canine bloat, using a raised dog feeder may be useful. Pawshop's Scrolled Iron Raised Dog Feeder stands fifteen inches off the floor, putting your dog in a better posture to prevent gulping air. Third, only have a small amount of water available for your dog directly after a meal. You can give him more a couple of hours later, when the prime opportunity for causing Canine bloat should have passed. Fourth, give your dog quiet time after a meal.

Canine bloat is life threatening, so recognizing it as early as possible will give your dog the best chance of survival.
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