Bloat in Dogs: What is it and How to Treat it?

This page contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. Learn More

Bloating in dogs, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate attention. GDV occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with air and twists over itself, cutting off blood flow and oxygen to the organs. This can lead to shock, organ damage, and even cardiac arrest.

Understanding the Risk of Bloat and GDV in Dogs

Bloat, particularly Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), poses a significant threat to certain dog breeds, primarily those with deep chests. While any dog can be affected, larger, deep-chested breeds are more susceptible.

Suspected Causes of Bloat in Dogs

1. Diet Composition

A prominent factor linked to canine bloat is the type of food. Research highlights that dry kibble might play a significant role. This type of food is often laden with chemical preservatives that disturb the gut’s natural microbial balance. Additionally, it typically contains high levels of calcium carbonate and fillers like wheat gluten, corn gluten, and beet pulp. These components can lead to increased bacterial activity, resulting in excessive gas production.

2. Fermentation Process

Bloating in dogs is primarily due to internal fermentation gases rather than the ingestion of air. This points toward indigestion and the resultant fermentation of food items within the stomach, further intensified by unsuitable diet choices.

3. Bacterial Imbalance

Recent studies into the canine biome indicate that bloat may be linked to bacterial disruption. This imbalance is exacerbated by certain components in the diet, leading to increased fermentation and gas production.

4. Quantity of Food

The volume of food consumed is another crucial element. Larger portions of the wrong food contribute to greater fermentation and gas formation. Therefore, managing portion sizes is essential to minimize bloat risk.

5. Timing of Feeding

Interestingly, observations suggest that most bloat episodes occur when the stomach is near emptying into the intestines. This timing might suggest specific feeding patterns contribute to the condition.

What Dietary Changes Are Recommended for Dogs at Risk of Bloating?

If your dog is at risk of experiencing bloat, adjusting their diet can help maintain a healthy gut and reduce risk. Here are some tailored dietary recommendations:

• Ditch Dry and Preserved Treats: Transition from dry kibble and chemically preserved treats to a more natural diet.
• Adopt a Raw Food Diet: Serve fresh, raw meals to improve digestion, but transition slowly to avoid shocking the system.
• Opt for Smaller, Frequent Meals: Feeding 2-3 smaller meals daily instead of one large meal can prevent digestive upsets.
• Exclusion Diets for Problematic Proteins: Conduct an exclusion diet to pinpoint any problematic proteins. Saliva tests, though not definitive, can offer guidance by testing for reactions to a wide range of foods.
• Limit Plant-Based Fibers: While some plants can be beneficial, focus on reducing high-fiber vegetables and avoid cruciferous veggies and beans. Introduce any plant material with caution and consider partial cooking to ease digestion.
• Stay Clear of Fermented Choices: Avoid fermented vegetables and fruits, as these may promote excess gas production.
• Maintain Accessibility Safeguards: Ensure that your dog cannot access the trash as scavenging can lead to sudden gut flora disruptions.
• Antibiotics and Probiotics Balance: Use antibiotics only when necessary and accompany them with probiotics to support gut health.
• Avoid NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can harm the gut. Seek natural alternatives if managing pain, such as arthritis, in larger breeds.
• Routine Fecal Monitoring: Opt for regular fecal checks over chemical wormings to monitor internal health.
• Incorporate Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes: Provide high-quality canine probiotics and enzymes throughout dietary transitions to support digestion.
• Filter Out Chlorinated Water: Chlorine can disrupt gut health, so offer filtered water using products like charcoal sticks for purity.

Introduce dietary changes gradually to ensure your dog’s digestive system adapts smoothly, emphasizing the importance of consistent and regular bowel movements without forcing additional fiber. Offering digestible proteins like hairy rabbit ears could naturally supplement their diet for gut health.

Additionally, you can grow peppermint at home for your dog to nibble on if they need it, leveraging its natural antispasmodic properties to soothe the gut.

The Link Between Fat in Dog Food and Canine Bloat

Research suggests a notable connection between the fat content in dog food and the risk of canine bloat. One study highlighted that dogs consuming dry food with fat listed among the first four ingredients faced a 170% increase in bloat risk. This indicates a potential role for dietary fat in influencing this condition.

Why Does Fat Matter?

Fat may affect digestion by slowing down intestinal movement. According to gastroenterologists, this can exacerbate issues for dogs that are prone to retaining gas. A high-fat diet might linger in the digestive tract longer, potentially escalating the risk of bloating, particularly in susceptible dogs.

Key Considerations

1. Sample Size and Significance: It’s important to note that the data pointing to this correlation is based on a limited sample. While the findings are intriguing, they should be considered carefully.
2. Diet Composition: Dogs are adept at processing both protein and fat. They typically handle fat better than humans do, suggesting that more factors are at play in bloat development than dietary fat alone.

Practical Insights

• Balanced Diet: For dogs at risk of bloating, monitoring fat intake is crucial. A balanced diet tailored to individual needs can help minimize potential triggers.
• Feeding Practices: Avoid heavy or rich meals that could prolong digestion times and increase gas buildup in the gastrointestinal system.

While fat in dog food has been associated with a heightened risk of bloating, it is only one piece of a larger puzzle involving breed predisposition, diet, and digestion. Always consult with a veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s diet to ensure their health and well-being.

How Does the Volume of Food Intake Contribute to Bloat in Dogs?

The amount of food a dog consumes in one sitting can significantly affect the likelihood of developing bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). When a dog ingests a large quantity of food quickly, it can lead to an increase in the production of gases during digestion. This excessive gas results from the fermentation process that occurs when digestion takes place on a large volume of food all at once.

As these gases accumulate, the stomach can expand and apply pressure on surrounding organs, potentially causing discomfort and serious health risks. In some cases, the pressure might lead to twisting of the stomach, obstructing the normal passage of food and gases, which is a life-threatening situation.

To minimize risks, opt for feeding your dog smaller, more frequent meals rather than one or two large ones. Additionally, using slow-feed bowls or engaging your dog in interactive feeding can help reduce the speed at which they consume their meals, further decreasing the chances of bloating.

Top Breeds at Risk for Bloat

A study conducted in the UK highlights the breeds most at risk for GDV:

1. Grand Bleu de Gascogne: 21.4% prevalence of GDV, with a 50% mortality rate.
2. Bloodhound: 14.3% prevalence, 30.5% risk of death.
3. Otterhound: 9.0% prevalence, 7.4% mortality rate.
4. Irish Setter: 7.2% prevalence, 5.3% mortality rate.
5. Bracco Italiano: 5.3% risk, with mortality data unavailable.
6. Weimaraner: 5.0% prevalence, 11.6% risk of death.
7. Saint Bernard: 4.6% prevalence, 15.1% mortality rate.
8. Borzoi: 4.5% prevalence, 9.2% mortality rate.
9. Italian Spinone: 3.6% prevalence, 6.4% mortality rate.
10. Akita: 3.5% prevalence, 10.7% mortality rate.

Particularly concerning is the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, which faces a 50% chance of survival if GDV occurs.

Additional Risk Insights

The German Shepherd and Great Dane are also notably vulnerable. German Shepherds account for a significant 21% of GDV cases, while approximately 13% of Great Danes experience GDV in their lifetimes.

Anatomy and Risk Factors

Research indicates that dogs with deep and narrow chests are at greater risk. This anatomy provides more room for the stomach to move, increasing the likelihood of bloating. Studies confirm the depth-to-width ratio of a dog’s chest as a crucial factor in the development of bloat.

Does Feeding Dry Kibble Increase the Risk of Bloat in Dogs?

The connection between feeding dogs dry kibble and the risk of canine bloat has been a topic of concern and research. Historically, experts such as Van Kruiningen and Kronfeld have pointed to a potential link between kibble diets and increased bloat incidents in dogs. This suspicion stems from the rise in bloat cases during the era when dry kibble became widely adopted, beginning around 1957.

Historical Perspective

From the mid-1960s to the mid-1990s, the occurrence of bloat in dogs surged dramatically in the United States. During this time, dry, cereal-based commercial dog foods, particularly those containing soy protein, became a pet food staple. Notably, some researchers noted that countries like Australia and New Zealand, where dogs were less reliant on dry foods, did not experience such a sharp increase in bloat incidents.

Research Findings

A detailed study by Raghavan et al. investigated whether certain ingredients in dry dog food, especially soy and cereal components, corresponded to a higher bloat risk. They concluded that there was no significant link between these specific ingredients and increased bloat risk. However, the study was limited as it only examined the first few ingredients on the labels and did not consider other fibrous components like beet pulp and corn gluten or the overall plant fiber content.

Considerations

While the study aimed for a balanced approach in data collection, it’s important to consider that not all components, especially non-protein substances such as fiber and carbohydrates, were fully accounted for. These factors could potentially influence the digestion process and contribute to bloating under specific circumstances.

While dry kibble has been associated with increased bloat cases historically, definitive evidence linking kibble ingredients to bloat risk remains elusive. It’s essential for dog owners to monitor their pets’ diets and consult with veterinarians to choose the best feeding practices.

What is the Potential Effect of Water Intake on Canine Bloat?

When it comes to canine bloat, the role of water intake sparks considerable debate among dog owners and veterinarians alike. Some dog owners have observed that episodes of bloating in their pets occurred shortly after their dogs consumed a large amount of water. This raises questions about how water might contribute to the risk of bloating.

Possible Risks of Water Intake

1. Stomach Weight: One theory suggests that excessive water intake could add weight to the stomach, potentially leading to bloating. However, it’s important to note that meal size by weight isn’t yet recognized as a risk factor for canine bloat. Moreover, large dogs typically don’t drink as much water as they eat in food by weight, and water quickly moves into the intestines rather than remaining in the stomach.
2. Interference with Digestion: Another potential issue could be related to digestion. According to the fermentation hypothesis, excessive water intake might disrupt digestion by diluting stomach acids. This is particularly concerning during or soon after meals when the stomach relies on acids to break down food effectively. Diluted acids could lead to inefficient digestion, encouraging the growth of harmful bacteria. This, in turn, might result in gas or bloating.

Triggering Factors

High salt content in dry dog food can prompt dogs to drink more water, especially after exercise. This increased water intake could worsen the dilution of stomach acids if consumed in large amounts shortly before or after eating.

Best Practices for Preventing Canine Bloat in At-Risk Breeds

Canine bloat is a serious condition, particularly in certain at-risk breeds. Maintaining a healthy gut flora is crucial for prevention. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

Dietary Adjustments

• Switch from Dry to Raw Diet: Avoid feeding dry kibble and consider introducing a raw food diet. This can be gentler on your pet’s digestive system.
• Meal Portions: Serve 2-3 smaller meals throughout the day instead of one large meal to minimize the risk of digestive upset, especially during food transitions.
• Identify Problem Foods: Implement an exclusion diet to find any problematic proteins. Saliva testing can pinpoint sensitivities, though they’re not definitive.
• Control Plant Ingredients: Minimize plant fiber in your dog’s diet, focusing on par-cooked plant options to reduce gas production. Avoid cruciferous vegetables and beans, and skip fermented vegetables until their effects are clearer.

Avoid Fermentable Foods

• No Fruit: Refrain from giving your dog fruit as it can ferment and contribute to bloat.
• Secure Trash: Ensure trash bins are always out of your dog’s reach to prevent them from ingesting harmful substances.

Medication and Supplements

• Caution with Antibiotics and NSAIDs: Use antibiotics sparingly and always pair with probiotics. NSAIDs should be avoided unless absolutely necessary due to their impact on gut health.
• Use Probiotics: Incorporate quality canine probiotics to support digestive health.

Water and Hydration

• Avoid Chlorinated Water: Opt for filtered water to prevent disruptions in gut flora. Charcoal sticks can be a simple solution.

Gradual Dietary Transitions

• Careful Food Changes: Transition from one type of food to another slowly, using digestive enzymes to aid the process.

Natural Remedies

• Encourage Regular Bowel Movements: This can naturally be achieved with the right diet. Adding fibers like hair and hide, such as rabbit ears, can support carnivore digestion.
• Grow Herbs: Provide access to peppermint, known for its antispasmodic properties, which can help soothe the digestive tract.

Gas Relief

• Emergency Measures: Have remedies like Simethicone on hand for occasional gas relief. Avoid regular use to prevent negative impacts on gut health. Be cautious with charcoal use to prevent constipation.

Why Should Certain Plant Ingredients Be Avoided in the Diet of Dogs Prone to Bloat?

Bloat, or gastric torsion, is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects some dogs. One way to mitigate the risk is by carefully managing their diet, especially when it comes to plant ingredients.

The Role of Plant Fiber

Plant-based ingredients are known for their fiber content, which, while generally beneficial, can be problematic for dogs susceptible to bloating. High levels of plant fiber can increase gas production and contribute to the distention of the stomach, exacerbating the risk of bloating.

Importance of Cooking

It’s recommended to use at least partially cooked plant ingredients in a dog’s diet. Cooking helps break down the fibers, making them easier to digest and reducing the risk of gas buildup.

Types of Plants to Avoid

Some specific plant types are more likely to cause issues. Avoid:

• Cruciferous Vegetables: These include broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, known for causing gas.
• Beans and Legumes: High in fiber and can lead to excessive gas production.

Alternatives and Precautions

Consider incorporating easily digestible vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes. They offer nutritional benefits without the excess fiber that contributes to bloating risks.

While some plant matter is beneficial in a balanced canine diet, it is essential to choose the right types and prepare them properly, especially for dogs prone to bloating.

How an Exclusion Diet Can Help Identify Dietary Issues in Dogs

An exclusion diet can be an effective strategy to pinpoint any dietary issues your dog might be experiencing. Here’s how you can implement it to uncover potential problems:

1. Identify Suspect Proteins: Start by eliminating one or two proteins from your dog’s diet that you suspect might be causing issues. These proteins are usually common allergens or ingredients in your dog’s current meals.
2. Introduce Limited Ingredients: Provide your dog with a basic diet of ingredients that they’re unlikely to have had before. This helps isolate potential allergens and makes detection easier.
3. Observe and Record Changes: Carefully monitor your dog’s reactions over a designated period, typically a few weeks. Keep a detailed log of any improvements or symptoms that may persist, such as digestive upset or skin irritation.
4. Reintroduce Proteins Gradually: Once any adverse reactions have subsided, gradually reintroduce proteins, one at a time. This controlled method helps clearly identify which specific protein might be triggering the issue.
5. Consider Supplementary Testing: Saliva tests can be a useful tool in identifying problematic proteins, testing a wide variety of foods at a reasonable cost. While these tests aren’t conclusive, they can offer additional guidance during the exclusion diet process.

How to Quickly Check for Bloat in Dogs

Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is a serious condition that requires immediate attention. Recognizing the signs early can potentially save your dog’s life.

Steps to Check for Bloat

1. Get the Dog to Stand: Encourage your dog to stand up while you perform the check. This position provides the best access to assess their abdomen properly.
2. Examine the Abdomen: Gently run your hands over the dog’s abdomen. A healthy abdomen should feel soft and not overly tense. Ideally, it should taper slightly inward, especially when your pet is relaxed.
3. Feel for Abnormal Swelling: Notice any unusual firmness or bloating. In cases of bloat, the abdomen will feel hard and distended.
4. Perform the Tap Test: Lightly tap the stomach area. If the bloated abdomen emits a hollow “thump” sound, it’s a red flag indicating trapped gas—a symptom of GDV.

Other Symptoms to Watch Out For

Besides checking the abdomen, be aware of other signs:

• Difficulty breathing or rapid panting
• Restlessness or inability to settle
• Excessive drooling
• Attempting to vomit without production

If any of these signs are present, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Bloat progresses rapidly and can be life-threatening. Acting swiftly is crucial for the well-being of your beloved pet.

Final Thoughts

Bloat can be prevented by implementing certain techniques, such as undergoing gastropexy, a surgical attachment of the stomach to the body wall. If your dog shows signs of bloating, take them to a veterinarian or emergency pet clinic immediately.