If you suspect that your dog may be suffering from Gastric Dilation, otherwise known as canine bloat, consult your veterinarian immediately! Did you know that bloat is known to be the second most deadly ailment that dogs suffer from? And 30% of dogs that suffer from canine bloat either die, or need to be euthanized.
How Does Canine Bloat Happen?
Although there aren't any known triggers that causes bloat, it often affects certain breeds of dogs that have a deep chest, and a narrow abdomen. The dog's stomach becomes dilated and twists on itself, thus preventing food from entering the stomach, blocking blood flow, and prevents it from emptying itself. This can increase gas build up within the stomach and cause more bloating.
Sometimes, canine bloat can occur when your dog eats too fast, or gulps too much water. It could also be the type or quality of food that you give to your dog. Some dog owners, who give their dog dry foods, try to moisten it by adding water to it. A word of caution however, if the quality of food is not meat-based, and has more grains, adding water to eat will only cause the grain to start to ferment, causing a gas build-up in your dog's stomach.
What are the Possible Symptoms?
You can see signs of canine bloat when you notice that your dog starting to act differently from his normal behavior. The dog's stomach is bigger than usual. He often whimpers in pain, salivates too much or even starts vomiting white foam or nothing at all. The most obvious sign is severe abdominal pain.
What is the Cure for Canine Bloat?
Like I have mentioned earlier, bring your dog to the vet immediately! There are only a few hours left to deal with this problem, so don't try to take matters into your own hands.
There are two options that your vet will perform on your dog. Your vet will either insert a tube on your dog's mouth in order to release the gas inside the stomach. However, if the dog has a twisted volvulus (meaning the dog's stomach twisted on itself) the only option is surgery. This will help release the gas inside his stomach. The veterinarian might also perform gastropexy, which involves stapling your dog's stomach into position to prevent it from twisting again in case another episode occurs.
No dog owner wants to see their beloved dog suffer, or even die. So it's always a good idea to give your dog a high-quality dog food, watch what you feed him, and give him vitamins to strengthen his immune system.
Christina Graham has been a veterinarian surgery tech and/or dog groomer for over 15 years. And in those years has gained an invaluable knowledge regarding a dogs health and nutrition. That's why she created DogVitaminFacts.com to dispel any false myths and offer an honest helpful insight into the importance of good nutrition and a quality dog vitamin supplement for your dog. Go to DogVitaminFacts.com to learn even more.
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