Bloat in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, and Care Options
The term "bloat" might sound like a mild condition that gives dogs a tummy ache or makes them a little gassy. However, bloat is actually the common name for a serious medical condition. Dogs who get bloat are at risk for serious complications that can be threatening.
Fortunately, bloat can be treated, and you can take steps to prevent it from happening again.
What Is Bloat in Dogs?
Bloat occurs when your dog's stomach fills with gas, fluid, or food and becomes excessively distended. This can lead to the stomach putting pressure on other nearby organs, including the heart and lungs. A bloated abdomen in dogs can cause:
- Decreased blood flow to their heart and stomach
- Difficulty breathing
- Tears in the wall of their stomach
In serious cases, bloat can cause gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), in which the gas-filled stomach twists and becomes blocked. The twisting can block blood flow and cause dogs to go into shock. The stomach can become greatly enlarged and potentially rupture. GDV can be fatal and requires emergency surgery to treat the condition.
Bloat and GDV are more common in larger breeds, especially those with deep chest cavities. This includes Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Weimaraners, Irish Setters, Gordon Setters, Standard Poodles, Basset Hounds, Doberman Pinschers, and Old English Sheepdogs.
What Are the First Signs of Bloat in Dogs?
The early symptoms of bloat in dogs can look like unusual restlessness or discomfort. They may show signs such as:
- Swollen-appearing stomach
- Drooling
- Looking anxious
- Looking at or nosing their stomach
- Pacing
- Trying to vomit, but nothing comes up
- Stretching with their front half down and rear end up
- Pale gums
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness or collapsing
If your dog is showing signs of bloat, you should seek emergency veterinary care right away.
Care Options for Bloat in Dogs
If your dog is experiencing bloat, the vet will try to relieve the pressure in their stomach. They may put a tube down your dog's throat to their stomach to release the pressure. If it's not possible to pass a tube into the stomach, the vet may place a long, hollow needle through the abdominal wall to release the pressure that way.
If your dog has developed GDV, they will need treatment for shock, followed by emergency surgery. During surgery, vets decompress the stomach and untwist it. If there has been damage to the stomach from lack of blood flow, the vet may need to remove the affected sections. They can then tack the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent the recurrence of twisting.
How To Avoid Bloat in Dogs
Experts aren't certain what causes bloat in dogs, but certain behaviors related to eating seem to play a role, including:
- Eating from a raised food bowl
- Eating only one big meal a day
- Eating too quickly
- Running or playing after eating
- Eating or drinking too much
Are There Home Remedies for Bloated Stomachs in Dogs?
If your dog develops bloat or GDV, there are no home remedies to help. You need to get immediate veterinary care.
There are strategies you can use at home to prevent bloat in dogs. To start, you can reduce the risk of your dog developing bloat by serving multiple smaller meals per day.
Use a bowl that sits at floor level unless your dog has a medical need for a raised bowl. If your dog is in the habit of eating very fast, consider using feeding mats or slow-feed bowls that encourage slower eating.
If you have multiple dogs, try feeding them separately. Sometimes dogs eat fast to prevent other dogs from getting to their food. A dog who doesn't have to worry about kibble thieves might be able to slow down and eat in a more relaxed fashion.
Don't let your dog run or play too vigorously after meals. You can curb their energy by making sure they get plenty of exercise throughout the day. Regular walks, games of fetch, or time playing outdoors can give rambunctious dogs the energetic play they need so they're less active after eating.
You should ask your vet about the best diet for your dog. A high-quality, easily digestible dog food is usually the best choice for canine digestive health. You should avoid feeding your dog foods such as:
- Table scraps
- Foods with excessive fat
- Dairy products
- Spicy seasonings
- Foods with high grain content if your dog is gluten intolerant
Probiotic Supplements for Dogs
You can boost your dog's digestive health by adding a probiotic to their routine. Probiotics can support digestion, immune health, and nutrient absorption in dogs. Giving your dog probiotic supplements can promote a healthy gut and holistic support for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Pet Honestly Probiotic Chews offer additional health benefits for your dog:
- Powerful ingredients including probiotics, enzymes, pumpkin, sweet potato and oats to promote a healthy gut with an additional boost of fiber and nutrients
- PHd Crafted and Vet Approved with natural ingredients and no fillers like added corn, wheat, cellulose, palm oil or soy
- Two flavors to satisfy doggy tastes: pumpkin or duck
In addition to home care to help with bloat and GDV in dogs, the best way to safeguard your pet's health is to take your dog to the vet for regular checkups. Your vet can check your pet's heart, lungs, stomach, bowel, and other organs to make sure they are functioning properly. They will ask you questions about your dog's eating habits, potty routine, and other digestive factors. This can give you and the vet a better idea of how to ensure your dog's digestive health.
Preventing bloat, GDV, and other digestive health issues will help your dog live a happier, healthier life. Talk to your vet about any concerns you have about your dog's diet and eating habits.
Be sure to feed your dog the appropriate dog food for their age and size. Consider adding a probiotic supplement like Pet Honesty's Probiotics Powder to support gut health. And don't forget to give them plenty of exercise. With the right diet and care, your dog can avoid bloat and GDV.
