- 1). Know the signs of bloat. Large, deep--chested breeds like Great Danes, Akitas, Dobermans and German Shepherds are the most likely candidates for bloat. Signs of bloat include depression, pacing, hard or distended stomach, panting and drooling and unproductive attempts to vomit (it may appear as if the dog is coughing). Understand this is an emergency and the dog may have minutes to live. Know where the nearest 24-hour emergency vet is and if you suspect bloat, call ahead and get there as fast as you can. You may buy some time by giving the dog Gas-X tablets on the way. If it is impossible to get to a vet quickly and you have the fortitude, check the link below for instructions on how to put together and use a bloat kit.
- 2). Feed a high quality, meat based food or natural diet. The high percentage of grains present in most kibbles is thought to be a contributing factor, since fermenting grain can quickly cause a buildup of gas. While the causes of bloat are not fully understood, it seems probable that factors like appropriate diet may reduce the risk.
- 3). Give your dog two small meals per day instead of one large meal. Do not allow the dog to drink very large quantities of water right before or after eating, and restrict exercise for two hours after a meal.
- 4). A dog who has survived a bloat incident with veterinary supervision may have its stomach stapled by the vet. While stapling the stomach to the abdominal wall will not prevent bloat from ever happening, it will prevent the stomach from twisting under pressure. Once the stomach has twisted (torsion, also known as gastric dilatation/volvulusor GDV) the dog only has minutes to live because blood supply to the heart is being cut off.
- 5). Research the health history of the parents when buying an at-risk breed puppy. There is some evidence of a genetic predisposition to bloat, and a responsible breeder will not breed a dog with a history of bloat.
- 6). Keep your dog at an optimum weight and give him plenty of exercise. There is also a theory that high strung or nervous dogs may be more prone to bloating, and a well exercised, healthy dog is less likely to get stressed or nervous.
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