Causes of Bloat
The causes of bloat can be various, however, sometimes bloat may occur for no known reason (idiopathic). This is why bloat sometimes remains a medical mystery. Following however are some aggravating factors.
Breed
The breed of a dog may make it more likely to develop bloat. Breeds that have a tendency to develop bloat are the following; Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, Standard Poodles, Dobermans, German Shepherds, Malamutes, Labradors, Saint Bernards, Wolfhounds, Irish Setters and Akitas. However, it is important to note than any dog may develop bloat regardless of size and conformation.
Hereditary Factors
A tendency to bloat may run in the dog's family. Having a first degree relative (such as a sibling, parent or offspring) suffer from bloat may be a predisposing factor for bloat.
Age/Sex
According to PetEducation, dogs over the age of 7 are more prone to bloat, making them twice more likely to develop bloat than a dog of 2-4 years of age. Also male dogs appear to more likely to develop bloat than females.
Eating Fast
Some dogs do not eat their meals, they swallow them without chewing. This can often be seen in multi-dog households where dogs may compete over food. A dog that fears that another dog may take away their food will be a naturally fast eater. It helps therefore to separate dogs during meals or invest in some special dog bowls made to slow down fast eaters.
Large Meals
Some dogs eat too fast because they are fed a once a day big meal and their dog gulps it down too fast because of hunger. Dividing smaller portions, ideally two meals per day may be helpful.
High Fiber Diets
Dogs that eat high fiber foods develop a tendency to be more gassy because high fiber food tends to ferment and release gas once in the stomach. Beet pulp,soy bean and brewer's yeast have a history of being linked to gassiness.
Elevated food dishes
At one time, many dog food bowls were elevated to help the dog reach the food easier. However, this caused many dogs to gulp down more air than needed, making them prone to bloat.
Stress
Dogs that are under stress may develop a predisposition to ingest air and be prone to bloat. The same applies to dog that are particularly anxious and fearful. Allowing the dog to lead a stress free and happy life, therefore, lowers the incidence of bloat.
Strenuous Exercise
There is belief that strenuous exercise and excessive excitement should be avoided an hour prior to eating and two hours following a meal (often of dry food) may cause bloat in some dogs.
Water Consumption
There is also belief than drinking large amounts of water after eating may cause bloat in some dogs. This may be because dry food may expand greatly after a large amount of water is drank creating a large blob of food which the stomach was not meant to hold.
Any time a dog owner suspects bloat in their dog, a veterinarian should be consulted at once, regardless if it is night, a week-end or a holiday. Bloat and gastric torsion are medical emergencies which may cause death in as little as an hour or two, from when the symptoms have started.
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This free book guides you through the first seven days of Adopting a Shelter Dog. With seven simple lessons, the book helps you ease the transition from shelter life to home life for you and your pup. You can download your copy here.