Dog Bloat Symptoms

July 8, 2016

Bloat is considered as a severe health risk for various dogs especially the deep-chested dogs. Latest research shows that it is the second most important cause for killing dogs after cancer. The scientific name given to bloat is "Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus" ("GDV").

Stomach bloating is generally linked to swallowed air. When a dog’s stomach is abnormally accumulated with fluid, gas or air it begins to expand while putting pressure on its diaphragm which may result in twisting of the stomach. Twisted stomach leads to obstruction of veins in abdomen making it difficult for the dog to breathe. This leads to low blood pressure, shock, harm to internal organs and spontaneous death of a dog. Hence, it should always be considered as a dire emergency case during treatment.

Breeds At Peak Of Risk:

Below mentioned breeds are at the peak of risk:

Causes of Bloating:

Causes of bloating include the below-mentioned factors

· Over-Eating

· Rapid exercise just after a meal

· Excessive Drinking

· Genetic factors

· Environmental factors

· Rolling over just after a meal

Symptoms Of Bloating:

Bloating can occur at any age and breed but specifically to those having deep chests. After the onset of the first symptoms, dogs have a very little time to inquire about the condition. So, you should run to vet immediately after the appearance of following mentioned typical symptoms of bloating:

· Unsuccessful Vomiting

· Anxiety and restlessness

· Weak Pulse

· Labored Breathing

· Paleness in mouth and nose

· Heavy salivating or drooling

· Doesn't act like their usual self

· Enlarged Abdomen

· Pale gums

· Coughing

· Pacing

· Unproductive gagging

· Mucus in form of foams around the lips

· Difficulty in defecating

· Accelerated Heartbeat

· Shallow breathing

· Collapse

Instant Care

After the appearance of symptoms, one should take dog directly to the vet in order to get it stabilized so that most likely, it can undergo gastric decompression. Under some conditions, dogs should be treating for shock firstly on the way to the emergency hospital.

Prevention

Following mentioned precautions help to reduce the chance of bloat:

· Normal-sized food portion for dogs with time allotted for digestion

· Don’t use elevated bowl of food for dogs

· Avoid stressful conditions for dogs

· Feed dog with high-protein diet especially raw meat

· Don’t feed dry food all the time.

· Meal time should stress-free time

· Dog should be fed 2-3 times daily in spite only once

· Water should not be given 1 hour after or before a meal.

· Products containing simethicone such as Mylanta Gas should be kept handy to treat symptoms of gas

· Rapid eating should be avoided

· High-Quality diet should be fed to dog

· Add pro-enzyme product to food

· Avoid fats and citric acid in food

· Moreover, some veterinarians advise the surgical procedure named as `Gastropexy` which includes attaching of the stomach to the wall of the body in order to avoid twisting.

References:

http://www.globalspan.net/bloat.htm

http://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/common-emergencies/e_dg_bloating

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/gastric-volvulus-bloat-dogs?page=2