Hey Dog Lovers,
Today we talk about all things Bloat in dogs, from how to prevent it, symptoms abd treatment. The official name for Bloat is Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus. It is important you recognize the importance of this condition and act quickly if you think your dog has it. GDV is painful and distressing for your dog and it can be fatal if not treated in the proper time frame. Dogs who get it, can be saved but only if they get the proper vet care.
Common Symptoms:
- Distended Stomach ( Bloated)
- Pacing
- Unsuccessful vomiting, foamy saliva- IMMEDIATELY bring your dog to the vet with this symptom
- Restlessness, inability to lie down, panicked or distressed, pawing at or looking at their belly, rapid and shallow breathing and pale mucus membranes
What to do if your dog is bloated?
- Bring in your dog immediately to the vets attention. If your regular vet is not open,, bring to a local animal ER
- Do not attempt to give your dog any over the counter medications or folk remedies. This could be a matter of life and death for your animal
- If possible call ahead to inform your vet so they are able to prepare for their arrival
What is means if your dogs stomach is bloated?
Enlargement or swelling of the abdomen
Torsion – twisting of the dogs stomach, but not completely blocking the flow of gas, liquid, or other stomach contents out of the stomach.
GDV- twist occurs at both ends of the stomach completely blocking the escape of gas, liquid or other stomach contents called Volvulus which causes the stomach to expand like a balloon. It is not just the passage of gas and liquids in the stomach but as well as the rest of the body flow is compromised as well, such as the heart. Can cause breathing issues and other metabolic issues.
BLOAT/GDV will not resolve on its own, you need to bring to a vet or they will not survive.
Symptoms of Bloat in Dogs
- Hard, distended or bloated abdomen
- Unproductive retching
- Pacing and restlessness
- Escessive saliva
- Standing with elbows pointed outward and neck extended
- Fast, heavy or otherwise difficult breathing
- Rapid heart and pulse rate
- Pale mucus membranes and prolonged capillary refill time (CRT)
- Collapse
How to Treat Dog Bloat
100% DO NOT attempt to treat your dog at home, there are NO at home remedies for this and the longer you take to get to the vet their survival rate goes down.
How long do you have to treat dog bloat?
One Hour!
Can Dogs Survive Bloat?
They can be saved if treated in the right amount of time. The prognosis for survival is significantly better for cases that are 1. Caught earlier and 2. Treated appropriately and promptly. Mortality rates for dogs treated appropriately and promptly have been reported as low as 15%.
What to do before you arrive at the Animal Hospital:
- Call ahead and explain the situation so the hospital staff can prepare for your dog’s arrival
- Start thinking about finances. Stabilization, surgery and post op care for GDV can easily go for $2500-500 plus range. If you do not have pet insurance or that kind of money laying around you can possibly apply for a line of credit.
What to do when you arrive at the animal hospital:
- Be ready to move quickly. Hospital staff will quickly take your dog back for initial diagnosis. You will not be able to stay with them but someone will update when they know more.
- Know whether you want to resuscitate
- Fill in the paperwork upon check in as there will be forms for you to complete.
- Know that GDV will require surgery to correct and complications can arise
What to do after your dog comes home from the hospital
- Prepare a small, confined space for the healing process. Limited activity and eating is involved.
- Watch for post surgery complications such as infection, inflammation, lack of appetite, vomiting and pain.
What can you do to prevent future bloat/GDV episodes
- Talk to your vet
- Small portions
- Reduce stress
- Slow down eating with slow feeders
- Outward hound slow feeder bowl
- Green interactive feeder
- Kong wobbler
- Toppl Tough Dog Chew Toy
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