Bloat

Restlessness

This is normally one of the first signs you’ll see.  Your dog may be restless or “just not right” and behaving strangely.  He may also have a “hunched up” appearance.

Pacing

Pacing back and forth and being unwilling to lie on their side is another indicator of bloat.  A lot of dogs will lie down, Sphinx-like, but will not roll onto their sides.  They may lie for a minute or two, but will be up again, pacing back and forth very quickly.

Rapid and/or Shallow Breathing

This is another sign that something is just not right.  Often the dog may lie down and stretch their head upward, like they were trying to clear an obstruction and stretch that gas out (I’m sure you’ve done similar when you’ve had gas!).  Sometimes, the eyes will also roll back in the sockets.

Dry retching

This is normally the next symptom to follow – unproductive vomiting, followed by more rapid, shallow breathing.  Be aware that there might never be any signs of swelling of the abdomen.

Lack of normal tummy sounds

If you were to put your ear to your dog’s tummy, you’d hear all the gurgling and popping sounds that are normal for a healthy digestive system.  Often in bloat, these signs are absent because of the distention and swelling.  Note though that absent digestive sounds do not necessarily mean bloat unless they are accompanied by other symptoms.

Abdominal distention

Abdomen may be swollen, bloated and “tight” like a drum.  However, be aware that swelling does not always occur with bloat.

Pale gums

Gums may appear a very dark red in early stages of bloat, but in the latter stages will be very pale, white or blue looking.

Coughing

Head hanging, drooling

He may have his head hanging, extending the neck out and drooling copious amounts

Foamy looking mucous

Can be around the lips or the dog may vomit a foamy looking mucous

Failed attempts to defecate

Whining

Licking the air

Trying to find a hiding place

May stand spread legged

May curl up into a ball or go into a “praying” or crouched position

May attempt to eat small stones or twigs

Excessive drinking

Cold to touch round the mouth

Weakness

Your dog may be unable to stand or have a spread legged stance.  This is often in the advanced stages.

Rapid Heartbeat

Heart rate increases as the bloating progresses

Weak Pulse

Collapse

Stress

Dog shows, mating, whelping, boarding, change in routine, new dog in the household, etc

Activities that result in air gulping

Eating habits

Rapid eating, “inhaling” food, gulping, eating dry foods which are high in the preservative citric acid (the risk is higher if the food is also moistened), eating dry food which contains some form of fat in the first four ingredients, insufficient pancreatic enzymes such as Trypsin (present in meat), dilution of gastric juices by drinking too much water before or after eating, eating gas-producing foods (especially soybean products, brewer’s yeast and alfalfa), drinking too much water too quickly (can cause gulping of air)

Exercise before and especially after eating

Hereditary

Especially having a first degree relative who has bloated.

Dogs who have Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) are considered more prone to bloat (gas is associated with incompete digestion)

Build and Physical Characteristics

Having a deep and narrow chest compared to other dogs of the same breed

Older dogs

Big dogs

Males

Being underweight

Temperament

Fearful or anxious temperament

Prone to stress

History of aggression towards other dogs or people

Avoid highly stressful situations

If you can’t avoid them, try to minimise the stress as much as possible.  And always be extra watchful.  Stressful situations can include dog shows, mating, whelping, boarding, new dog in household, change in routine, etc

Exercise

Do not exercise for at least an hour (longer if possible) before and especially after eating.  Particularly avoid vigorous exercise and do not allow your dog to roll over, which could cause the stomach to twist

Rapid eating

Try to prevent your dog from gulping his food too quickly

Feeding

Try to feed 2 or 3 meals a day instead of just one

Water

Do not give water one hour before or after a meal.  Water will dilute the gastric juices necessary for proper digestion, which leads to gas production

Simethicone

Always keep a product containing “simethicone” in your bathroom cabinet or dog first aid kit to treat gas symptoms.  Examples of such products are Wind-eze™, Deflatine™, Flatulex™, Infacol™,  Mylanta Gas™.  There are other well known brands available – a simple internet search for “simethicone” will show you other alternatives.  Some people recommend giving your dog “simethicone” immediately if your dog burps more than once or shows other signs of gas.

Access to water

Allow access to fresh water at all times, except before and after meals

Make meals a peaceful and stress-free time

When switching dog food, do so gradually

Do not feed dry food exclusively

Feed a high protein diet (>30% raw meat)

If feeding dry food, avoid foods that contain fat as one of the first four ingredients

If feeding dry foods, avoid foods that contain citric acid

If you have to use a dry food containing citric acid, DO NOT pre moisten the food

If feeding dry food, select one that includes rendered meat meal with bone product among the first four ingredients

Reduce carbohydrates as much as possible

Feed a high quality diet

Whole, unprocessed foods are especially beneficial

Feed an adequate amount of fibre

For commercial dog food, look for at least 3% crude fibre

Add an enzyme product to food

Eg Prozyme™

Include herbs specifically mixed for pets that reduce gas

Avoid brewer’s yeast, alfalfa and soybean products

Promote an acidic environment in the intestine

Some recommend 1-2 tablespoons of Aloe Vera Gel or 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar given immediately after each meal

Promote “friendly” bacteria in the intestine

Eg yoghurt or supplemental acidophilus.  This avoids fermentation of carbohydrates which can cause gas quickly.  This is especially a concern when antibiotics are given since they tend to reduce levels of “friendly” bacteria

Try to stop excessive, rapid drinking

Especially a consideration on hot days