Bloat- What Causes it and How to Prevent it

Bloat is still not fully understood. There are many different opinions on what cause it and what to avoid. However, It is agreed that there is a danger zone 2 hours after eating, most cases of bloat occur within 90- 120 min after eating. 

 

What Causes it?
​     Bloat is still not fully understood. There are many different opinions on what cause it and what to avoid.  However, It is agreed that there is a danger zone 2 hours after eating, most cases of bloat occur within 90- 120 min after eating. Things thought to cause bloat are eating or drinking too quickly due to the amount of air the is gulped in. Further, due to the anatomy of the stomach, it is prone to flip over after eating; Making it very important not to exercise your dog after eating. Other things thought to contribute include: raised feeding, eating or drinking too much at once, stress or anxiousness while eating, and too much grain or fat in dry dog food. ​

How to help prevent it

• Feed smaller meals to prevent too much stomach distension, instead of 2 meals consider 3 or 4 small meals. 
• Do not use a raised bowl and consider using a slow feed bowl to prevent excess air buildup in the stomach during meals.
• Do not exercise your dog for at least an hour after eating. 

Most people may not immediately recognize the severity of the situation until too many symptoms present themselves. So being educated on what it could look like and how to prevent it will only help keep your canine happy and healthy. ​