Bloat in Dogs: How to Quickly Recognize This Life-Threatening Condition

As humans, we understand what a bloated stomach is. But for dogs, bloat is different - and much more serious. Bloat in dogs isn't just a bit of indigestion or discomfort after a big meal. It's a life-threatening condition that requires immediate emergency care.

Bloat particularly affects larger breeds of dogs, and it often happens quickly and without warning. In this article, we'll cover the causes and symptoms of bloat in dogs and what to do if you suspect your dog has developed the condition.

Is bloat in dogs serious?

Bloat is very serious in dogs. It's different from when humans have a bloated stomach - whether from gas or eating too much. A bloated stomach can cause discomfort in dogs, but it's not usually life-threatening.

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Samantha Kent, DVM, a medical director atVeterinary Emergency Groupin Encinitas, California, told GoodRx Health that the dangerous part of bloat in dogs is when the stomach twists.

"When the stomach rotates, it cuts off its own blood supply as well as any exit route for gas to leave the stomach," Kent said.

The stomach can get so swollen that it pushes on major blood vessels, preventing blood from returning to the dog's heart. This condition is calledgastric dilatation-volvulus(GDV), or bloat, and is considered an emergency.

"It's severely painful, as well as rapidly life-threatening," Kent said. "The combination of bloating and the stomach flipping [is what] makes it so serious."

Signs and symptoms of bloat in dogs

Bloat symptoms in dogs progress rapidly, so it's vital for pet owners to recognize the signs. These include:

• Making unsuccessful attempts tovomit(retching or dry heaving)
• Having a distended, hard abdomen
• Acting restless or pacing
• Drooling excessively
• Showingsigns of pain(like whining or groaning when touched)
• Being in a "downward dog" or "prayer position"

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. Bloat can turn from serious to life-threatening in a matter of minutes. It requires quick intervention for your dog to have the best outcome.

What causes gastric dilatation-volvulus in dogs?

The exactcause of bloat, or GDV, isn't fully understood. But veterinarians think it could be caused bymultiple factorshappening at the same time.

"Classically, a dog with GDV recently ate a large meal and exercised heavily shortly afterward," Kent said.

Other factors that are believed toplay a role in GDVinclude:

• Eating too fast
• Eating only one large meal per day
• Eating from an elevated bowl
• Experiencing stress after eating

The likelihood of a dog experiencing bloat also increases with age, and dogs who are genetically related to another dog with a history of GDV are at a higher risk, according to Kent.

Dog breeds most at risk for bloat While any dog can experience bloat,certain breedsare more likely to develop the condition. These are typically larger, deep-chested dogs such as:

• Great Danes
• Standard poodles
• Saint Bernards
• German shepherds
• Boxers
• Irish wolfhounds
• Bloodhounds

Treatment for bloat in dogs

Bloat is life-threatening and requires immediate treatment. Kent noted dogs with bloat are often in shock and need "aggressive care."Up to 30% of dogswho develop the condition die from it.

Totreat bloat in dogs, a veterinarian will:

• Take X-rays to confirm the stomach is twisted
• Give the dog pain medication and IV fluids
• Work to relieve the trapped gas in the dog's stomach

Veterinarians can relieve trapped gas by passing a tube into a dog's stomach or, if that's not possible due to the stomach twisting, by inserting a large needle into their abdomen. If their stomach is still flipped once the gas is out, the dog will need emergency surgery to straighten it.

"Surgery is the only way to treat GDV in dogs," Kent said. Depending on the severity of the condition, a dog may also have to have parts of their stomach or spleen removed if it's been damaged.

Preventing bloat in dogs

The best way to lower the risk of bloat in dogs is through a preventative surgery called aprophylactic gastropexy.

"This is the same surgical procedure done in the emergency setting after the stomach is derotated," Kent said. "It's performed [preventatively] in a controlled setting with a stable, normally positioned stomach."

A gastropexy can be done laparoscopically (using a small incision and a camera) during spaying, neutering, or any other abdominal surgery. Technically, any dog can have this procedure done. But unless you have a high-risk breed, the risks that come with the surgery will likely outweigh the possibility of developing bloat.

Outside of surgery, a fewat-home tipsfor preventing bloat include:

• Using slow-feeder bowls
• Feeding your dog more frequent, small meals versus one large meal
• Avoiding raised food bowls
• Making sure your dog's environment is calm during meals
• Restricting your dog's activity before and after you feed them

Keep up with regular checkups and discuss your dog's specific risk factors for bloat with your vet. They can help you develop a personalized prevention plan.

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" data-qa="ContentCalloutH2Title" The bottom line

Bloat is a serious, life-threatening condition in dogs. Knowing the signs and taking preventative steps can make all the difference for your dog. It's crucial to act quickly if you notice any symptoms like retching, a distended belly, or excessive drooling, especially if you have a large-breed dog.

Emergency surgery is the only way to treat bloat, so don't hesitate to contact your vet at the first sign of trouble. Small changes at home, like using slow-feeder bowls and restricting exercise after eating, and considering preventive surgery for high-risk breeds can help lower the chances of this dangerous condition.

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