This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice.*

Dog Bloat

Dog Bloat is a life-threatening condition in dogs caused by excessive gas. Dog Bloat ("Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus" or "GDV") has been reported to be the second leading cause of death in dogs, second to cancer.

Dogs normally expel gas through belching, flatulence or vomiting. Bloat is a condition in which gas builds up in the dog’s stomach because he is unable to successfully expel gas through these normal processes.

Bloat often occurs in dogs that are deep-chested and some breeds are more prone to getting bloat. Bloat can also be caused by dogs who eat normal cooked dog food and are therefore low in digestive enzymes to digest their food, and dogs who ‘gulp’ their food or who eat food from an elevated bowl. When “bloat” occurs, the excess gas causes the stomach to dilate, expand and flip itself. It is life-threatening and can kill a dog very rapidly.

Digestive enzymes for dogs can be very helpful for dogs that: 1) eat processed, cooked dog food, 2) are getting on in age, 3) are genetically predisposed to bloat (have a deep, more narrow chest than other dogs his breed and/or has had a relative who had bloat), 4) is a large dog or 5) is a dog who gulps his food. For dogs who have any of these characteristics, a digestive enzyme supplement created for dogs can be very helpful in preventing “bloat”.

Dog Digestive Enzymes

Dog digestive enzymes, by helping improve the overall utilization of the food your dog Is eating, may improve your dog’s general health and immunity. Research shows a strong connection between enzyme deficiencies in dogs and both acute and chronic diseases.

Dog bloat symptoms

Bloat can involve any of these symptoms. Some symptoms may also be indicative of other illnesses, not dog bloat. If you feel your dog may be experiencing bloat, you should consult a veterinarian immediately. A dog can die from bloat very rapidly.

Dog Bloat can only be diagnosed by a qualified veterinarian. Dog Bloat Symptoms can include:

• Dog doesn't seem to be acting like his or herself.

• Dog frequently attempts to vomit, usually unsuccessfully. This is an important symptom.

• Asking to go outside in the middle of the night (if not normal for that dog to do so)

• Restless, nervous, uncomfortable; avoids laying down.

• Bloated abdomen

• Acts of digestive discomfort: licking the air, coughing, gagging, excessive salivation, foaming at the mouth, drooling, foamy mucous

• Shallow breathing, panting.

Dog Bloat Prevention

• Do not feed your dog from an elevated bowl

• Feed your dog a good quality diet: Best is raw, whole, unprocessed foods that contain considerable protein. Discuss with your veterinarian the best diet for your dog's health, which may include reducing carbohydrates as much as possible. If you feed your dog store bought food, even a natural premium food, consider choosing one that contains no soybeans or corn, no artificial color or preservatives such as BHT, and don’t limit his diet to only dry food.

• If your dog does not eat raw food, supplement his food with digestive enzymes.

• Do not exercise or allow your dog to drink large amounts of water one hour before or after eating

• Do not allow your dog to eat in a stressful environment; try to eliminate his stress.

• Feed your dog two-three times per days, not once per day.

• If dog has undergone antibiotic treatment in his past, consider supplementing his diet with probiotics, such as acidophilus, to build up the ‘good bacteria’ in his digestive tract once again. (Antibiotics often kill bad bacteria, but unfortunately, they can also kill good bacteria.)

What you should always do

If you have the privilege of being the proud companion of a pet, it's best to always know what hours your regular vet keeps and what to do if your pet has an emergency afterhours. Keep the emergency phone number handy so you can contact a veterinarian very quickly if your dog develops symptoms of bloat.

Dog gas and bloat treatments to discuss with your veterinarian:

Some dog owners keep gas elimination products that contains simethicone (Phazyme, Gas-X, etc.) in their home to treat their dogs on an emergency basis if gas symptoms occur. Some dog owners have reported relief of gas symptoms with ½ tsp of nutmeg or the homeopathic remedy Nux Moschata 30x. Some dog owners who feel their pet may be at risk of developing bloat feed their pet 1-2 tablespoons of Aloe Vera with each meal. Aloe Vera is reported to reduce gas.

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