Bloat: Know the Early Warning Signs

Marty and Laura give you tips and tools to save your dog’s life in the case of bloat. Minutes count in this life-threatening condition, so knowing the early warning signs is critical.

Bloat, also known as gastric dilation and volvulus, is a condition that knows no boundaries. It occurs in large breed dogs primarily, but it can happen in smaller dogs as well. Gas becomes trapped in the stomach, causing it to “flip over,” cutting off blood supply to vital organs, all within just a few minutes.

o  Early warning signs of bloat:

·     Repeated attempts to vomit without producing any stomach contents

·     Pacing, unsettled, snapping at sides

·     Stomach becomes distended, looks and feels like a basketball

o  Action items:

·     Immediately call vet or emergency clinic and say you are on your way with a potential bloat.

·     Immediately load dog and drive to vet. This condition can kill a dog in less than an hour.

·     Keep GasX on hand if you have a large dog or a breed prone to bloat. Give to the dog immediately on suspicion of bloat. It will not harm the dog and may give you a few extra minutes.

o  What causes bloat?

·     Research is inconclusive. Anecdotally it is associated with large dogs with deep, narrow chests. Eating or drinking water too fast can be a trigger. Stress, anxiety, intense exercise immediately before or after meals have also been reported causes, but no data has been compiled that proves this. It is more common in older dogs.

Prevention

Consider having your veterinarian "tack" the dog's stomach to prevent the condition later in life

The Marty & Laura Show is produced by Pure Dog Talk Inc., with sound design and editing by Premium Audio Services.