How to prevent bloat in dogs and keep tums happy

Updated 11/09/2024

We all know bloating is no fun, but for our furry family members, it can be more than just an uncomfortable tummy. Bloat in dogs can lead to a serious condition called Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV), which means it’s super important to know how to prevent your pup’s belly from swelling up. Read on to learn how to prevent bloat in dogs, plus the symptoms to watch out for and what to do if you suspect your furry friend has GDV.

What is bloat in dogs?

Dog bloat happens when the stomach fills with gas, and in some cases, this gas gets trapped and leads to Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV). This serious condition causes the stomach to twist and flip, trapping gas, liquid, and food inside the stomach and making it continue to swell up like a balloon. 

While this sounds uncomfortable enough, the real danger is that as the stomach twists and expands, it blocks blood flow to the rest of the body and deprives vital organs of blood and oxygen. This can lead to a buildup of toxins and eventually send the dog into shock. 

Because GDV can be potentially life-threatening, it’s important to seek veterinary help as soon as possible if your dog has bloat. 

Symptoms of bloat in dogs

Here are some of the most common dog bloat symptoms to watch out for:

Unsuccessful retching and gagging

Your pooch pal may try to vomit to get rid of the excess gas but will end up producing stringy saliva or foam instead. This is one of the most common signs of bloat in dogs and GDV.

Swollen, hard stomach

Your dog’s stomach may be visibly swollen or feel hard, however, this can be difficult to spot if they’re large, fluffy, or overweight.

Pacing and restlessness 

Dogs with bloat or GDV often appear uncomfortable and anxious and may have difficulty settling down. 

Difficulty breathing

As the lungs have less room to expand, your dog’s breathing may become fast, heavy, or labored. The stress of the situation can also make it hard for them to breathe. 

Increased heart rate 

GDV means the heart has to work harder to pump blood around the body, which makes your dog’s pulse quicken. As shock begins to set in, however, the heart rate will begin to drop, which is extremely dangerous. 

Pale gums

Unusually pale gums often indicate poor blood circulation, which can be linked to bloat, especially if accompanied by other symptoms. 

Collapse

Unfortunately, collapse is a sign your dog is extremely unwell, and may indicate that GDV is in the latest stage – take them to the vet immediately. 

What causes bloat in dogs? 

The exact cause of dog bloat is still a bit of a mystery, but conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, food allergies, and other disorders that slow down gut movement are thought to increase the chance of GDV. Anxiety and aggression might also play a role, and bloat tends to affect dogs that are middle-aged or older. 

Some breeds, especially deep-chested or large-breed dogs, are more at risk of bloat and GDV than others. These breeds include: 

• Akita
• Alaskan Malamute
• Basset Hound
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Bloodhound
• Boxer
• Bulldog
• Chow Chow
• Collies
• Dachshund
• Doberman Pinscher
• German Shepherd
• Great Danes
• Great Pyrenees
• Greyhound
• Irish Setter
• Irish Wolfhound
• Labrador Retriever
• Mastiff
• Newfoundland
• Old English Sheepdog
• Rottweiler
• Saint Bernard
• Samoyed
• Poodles
• Weimaraner

How to prevent bloat in dogs

Bloat in dogs sounds pretty scary, but there are plenty of things you can do to help prevent it, no matter your furry friend’s breed.

High-quality meals

• Feed your four-pawed pal good-quality food that’s low in carbs and high in protein.
• Avoid yeast and soy products.
• Opt for wet food if you can – kibble may cause more blockages.
• Speak to your vet about foods designed to improve gastrointestinal health. 

Slow things down

• Give your pooch pal several small meals a day rather than one or two. 
• Use slow feeder bowls or puzzle feeders to stop them from bolting their food down all at once.
• Feed your furry family member in a calm environment.
• Avoid exercising them immediately before or after mealtimes. 
• Encourage your pup to take small sips of water rather than glugging it down too quickly, especially around mealtimes. 

Reduce stress

• Stress and anxiety are linked to gastrointestinal conditions like GDV, so do your best to reduce stress during mealtimes. 
• If you have multiple pups, feed them in separate rooms to avoid food fights. 
• Spending time at kennels or on long car journeys can also be anxiety-inducing – that’s why getting an in-home dog sitter next time you go away is the best way to reduce stress for dogs.

Gastropexy surgery

You might also consider a preventative surgery called gastropexy to help reduce the risk of serious bloat in dogs. This procedure involves stitching the dog’s stomach to their abdominal wall to keep it from twisting. 

Gastropexy is usually recommended for pooch pals at high risk of GDV since any kind of procedure can come with its own set of complications. It’s often done alongside spay or neuter surgery in puppies. 

What to do if your dog is bloated

The advice above is all about how to avoid bloat in dogs, but what if they’re already showing signs of GDV? This is a medical emergency, and you need to get them to the vet immediately – there’s no home remedy for a bloated stomach, and time is of the essence. The vet will need to perform emergency surgery to restore the stomach’s entrance and exit points, but sadly, even with surgery, GDV can still be fatal. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.