Bloat is a very serious health risk for many dogs, especially large breeds, yet most dog owners know very little about it. Be prepared! Know in advance what you would do if your dog bloated. Gastric dilation and volvulus can strike at any time but often occurs shortly after your dog consumes a meal.  Unfortunately, from the onset of the first symptoms you have very little time so get immediate medical attention for our dog. Know when its not acting like its usual self.

Typical symptoms include some(but not necessarily all) of the following.

• your dog may become anxious or restless or unable to sit/lie down.
• heavy or rapid panting
• retching from the throat but nothing is produced, other than small amount of frothy mucus.
• your dogs abdomen seems bloated or tight
• your dog seeks a place to hide
• pacing
• your dog bits at their abdomen.

If you see these symptoms, please get your dog to a vet immediately. Bloat can kill in less than an hour, so time is of the essence. Call your vet to alert them you are on the way with a suspected bloat case. It could save your dogs life. the chance of survival decreases if you delay getting your dog to the surgery.

Your dog is at increased risk if they are

• large breed
• underweight
• eats very fast
• receives once daily feeds
• exercises straight after feeding
• consumes large amounts of food/water at one time
• narrow and deep chested

To prevent bloat

• Smaller meals twice daily
• never exercise straight after feed
• maintain healthy weight
• avoid stress
• know your dog!