Feeling bloated isn't just a nuisance for dogs

Add a comment to this page

Everyone feels bloated at times, and nobody enjoys it. Just like humans, dogs can become bloated for a variety of reasons. A major difference for your dog is that his bloat can quickly become a serious, even life-threatening condition, if left untreated.

Bloat occurs when your pet's abdominal area fills with fluid, foam or excess gas. It can be the result of swallowing excess air, or of a malfunctioning valve at the bottom of the stomach. This malfunction means that substances cannot exit the stomach efficiently, causing the organ to expand and become distended.

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from bloat, contact your veterinarian immediately. This condition can become serious enough to be life threatening within 30 minutes. If you notice that your dog's stomach is enlarged, and you see other symptoms such as vomiting, attempting to vomit, or sudden weakness, call your vet right away. Your quick response may save your pet's life.

What is GDV?

Gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV) occurs when the stomach actually twists itself around after becoming enlarged. This can occur with too much exercise after a large meal or when your pet eats something unusual in large quantities.

When the stomach twists, the openings at the top and bottom of the stomach can become blocked. This means that substances are unable to enter and exit the stomach efficiently, which causes the stomach to continue swelling. This enlargement can press against the blood vessels in the area, affecting your pet's circulation. Lack of fresh blood supply may mean damage to and even death of the tissue surrounding the stomach wall. Stomach expansion can also put pressure on your dog's diaphragm, making it difficult to breath.

GDV is every bit as bad as it sounds, land can lead to bleeding disorders, infections, heart failure and sudden death.

Identifying symptoms of bloat

The good news about this condition is that the symptoms are fairly obvious and easy to watch for. Signs you should be concerned about:

• sudden swelling in the abdominal area
• attempts to vomit, eliminate or belch without success
• restlessness
• shortness of breath
• signs of pain, such as whining or withdrawing from you

In the most severe cases of bloat, your pet may collapse, as the pressure on the circulatory system causes reduced blood flow, an irregular heartbeat and shock.

It is very important to call your  [Continued]

Your name:

Your email:

Recipient's email: OK to enter multiple addresses
separated by commas

Message: Check out what I found on DogTime.com!

And, for spam prevention...

Incorrect please try again

Enter the words above: Enter the numbers you hear:

Try another one | Try audio instead Try text instead | Help

Sending....please wait.