Beware Bloat

Bloat, also known as twisted stomach, is a scary condition that results in death in 25–40% of cases. While the cause is unknown, we know risk factors include eating too fast or too much, drinking too much water, eating one large meal per day, stress, trauma, and a dry food-only diet. Any dog can get bloat, but the victims are overwhelmingly large, deep-chested breeds like akitas, boxers, basset hounds, Irish setters, great Danes, rottweilers, and German shepherds. Signs of bloat are a distended stomach, retching that doesn’t produce anything, weakness, drooling, panting, pale gums, a galloping heart, and collapse. If you think your dog might have bloat, get him to a vet immediately.

Preventing bloat: Feed your dog several small meals per day instead of one large meal. Don’t let your dog overeat or exercise vigorously right after eating. Don’t use a raised food bowl unless your vet tells you to. Vary your dog’s diet.