Large dogs with deep barrel chests tend to get bloat more often than thin dogs.
Bloated and torsion stomach in dogs is a very serious problem that can lead to death. As a responsible pet owner, it is important for you to be aware of this problem and find ways to prevent this from happening. Fortunately, for pet owners that know about dogs' physiology, it is very easy to avoid bloated and torsion stomach.
Instructions
1. Know if your dog is a member of a breed of dog that is especially prone to bloating in the stomach. These breeds are large dogs with a deep chest (V shape in the front view). If you have a German Shepherd Dog, Standard Poodle, Great Dane, Akita, St. Bernard or other large breed dog, you have a dog that is especially at risk for gastric torsion, also called bloat. As an owner, you will have to be especially careful to prevent this life-threatening condition from happening.
2. Keep your dog relatively calm. Stress can contribute to bloating. When you introduce him to a new environment with lots of new things, it can cause stress and that can cause a bloated stomach. New dogs in the home, taking him to dog shows, mating, a change in the normal routine or boarding are all stressful.
3. Feed several smaller meals instead of one large meal to reduce the chances of bloating in dogs. Extensive walks and exercises should not be just before or after a meal. Water should be withheld from him after intense exercises. These are all good practices in your daily routine to keep the dog from experiencing bloating in the stomach.
4. Do not feed him any food that is known to cause gas in the stomach. Many foods such as soy milk can cause gas in the stomach which can lead to bloating in the dogs. You can also shop at pet stores for food additives that reduce gas safely. Incorporating this into the daily diet at least once a day can prevent bloating from happening.
5. Walk your dog, don't let him run if he has just had a large meal. Sometimes the stomach flips over, other times it's just a build up of gasses in the stomach, cutting off the circulation to the heart and lungs.
6. Watch for symptoms of bloat. Your dog's stomach will appear hard and ungiving. He may try to throw up but find he cannot. This is a medical emergency. Bloat causes severe pain, and your dog may go into shock. He will act uncomfortable and attempt vomiting and/or a bowel movement, but to no avail. Excessive salivating is normal.
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