FAQ's About Bloat
What is bloat and how does bloat affect dogs?
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is known as Bloat. Bloat is a very serious and life- threatening condition. The stomach fills up with air and puts pressure on he organs and diaphragm, making it difficult for the dog to breathe. It compresses large veins in the abdomen preventing blood from returning to the heart. Filled with air, the stomach rotates on itself, pinching off the blood supply and organs begin to fail. Because the entire blood supply is disrupted, the animal’s condition deteriorates very rapidly. Dogs can die from Bloat within several hours. Even with treatment, as many as 25-33% of dogs with Bloat die.
What causes bloat?
- Rapid eating of food, thus gulping air with their food
- Drinking excessive water before or after eating
- Exercise before and especially after eating
- Being underweight
What are the possibilities my dog could get bloat?
Research studies show that Bloat is the leading cause of canine deaths following cancer and it affects over 35 breeds of dogs. Bloat is more likely to occur in larger dogs with deep narrow chests, but can also occur in smaller dogs. Dogs who eat aggressively are twice as likely to develop Bloat than those who eat slowly. Adult dogs are more than twice as likely to develop Bloat than young dogs, and dogs fed once a day are also twice as likely to develop Bloat then dogs fed twice a day.
How can I reduce the risk of bloat for my dog?
- Reduce your dog’s aggressive eating pattern of gulping food and air by using Kaycee’s LifeBowl.
- Feed your dog 2 or 3 smaller meals daily.
- Do not let your dog exercise immediately before or after eating.
- Do not give your dog excessive water one hour before or after eating.
How can I find out more about bloat?
For more information, visit the following web sites:
- Dr. Larry Glickman, VMD at http://www.vet.purdue.edu/
- http://www.globalspan.net/
