Bloat
What Is Bloat in Dogs?
Bloat is a common condition that can be dangerous, even deadly. Dogs who have it need treatment right away. Know the signs so you can recognize when your pup needs help.
Bloat happens when a dog's stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid, making it expand. The stomach puts pressure on other organs. It can cause dangerous problems, including:
- No blood flow to their heart and stomach lining
- A tear in the wall of their stomach
- A harder time breathing
In some cases, the dog's stomach will rotate or twist, a condition that vets call gastric dilatation volvulus. It traps blood in the stomach and blocks it from returning to the heart and other areas of the body. This can send your dog into shock.
Symptoms
Bloat usually comes on very quickly. At first, your dog may show signs that their stomach hurts. They may:
- Act restless
- Drool
- Have a swollen stomach
- Look anxious
- Look at their stomach
- Pace
- Try to vomit, but nothing comes up
- Stretch with their front half down and rear end up
As the condition gets worse, they may:
- Collapse
- Have pale gums
- Have a rapid heartbeat
- Be short of breath
- Feel weak
If you think your pet has bloat, get them to a clinic right away. If dogs don't get treatment in time, the condition can kill them.
Causes
These are some things that may raise a dog's risk for bloat.
- Having one large meal a day
- Eating quickly
- A lot of running or playing after they eat
- Other dogs they are related to have had bloat
- Eating or drinking too much
- Stress
Contact Details
Dachshund Club of Victoria Inc.
Phone : +61352348224
Email : [email protected]