Dogs with a tendency to eat too fast are at higher risk for developing bloat. It is very important to feed such dogs from an elevated dog feeder, since raised dog feeders are at a more natural body level and make dogs more comfortable. Adding a slow-feed dog bowl to the elevated dog feeder is also a good idea: the slow-feed dog bowl has a "hump" in its center, which keep the food on its sides. It will force the dog eat much more slowly since the dog will have to work more to get to the food.

Dogs fed only one daily meal are also at a higher risk for bloat. Since they are fed less often, they will be hungrier at dinner time. They will tend to gulp their food instead of taking their time to chew it well and slowly.

Bloat occurs when the stomach fills with food, water and/or gas. This results in increased pressure that enlarges and compresses the stomach and eventually causes it to rotate or twist into an abnormal position. this is a painful and dangerous condition for any pets.

Signs of GDV

Common signs of bloat include heavy drooling and vomiting. The dog's abdomen expands and gets very distended. Dogs are often restless and uncomfortable as this is a very painful condition.

Time is everything! Taking your dog to a veterinarian for emergency care at the first signs of bloat is crucial. Treatment generally includes intravenous fluids, decompression of the stomach to relieve the pressure.

Prevention

Feed your dog several small meals per day rather than one large one, always in a quiet location as noisy situation could lead some dogs to gulp rather than chew, as they can get nervous and anxious.

Limit the consumption of water immediately after eating if your dog tend to over-drink.

Dog experts claim that sticking to raw or kibble meat diet and using probiotics prevent bloat in some dogs.

Stress drastically affects the body chemistry of any dog.This why exercise is very important! When dogs do not get adequate exercise for good muscle development and psychological stimulation, they will get bored and sometimes confused. Any kind of mental stress will contribute to medical conditions such as bloat or torsion in some dogs.

When buying a dog, always ask the breeder about family history of bloat and stay away from breeds with a canine bloat tendency.