Dog Breeds With High Risk of Bloat

Do you know which dog breeds have the highest risk of bloat? But first, what is bloat? Gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat, occurs when a dog’s stomach becomes blocked, and gas and fluid accumulate, causing the stomach to stretch to many times its normal size. The bloated stomach causes severe pain, and it is prone to twist. When the stomach twists, all of its contents become trapped and the blood supply is cut off. Without blood flow, the stomach quickly deteriorates, and, because it is so distended, it can compress the large vessels that return the blood back to the heart and cause a shock to the circulatory system.

Without treatment, GDV is a fatal condition. A dog with bloat may only have an hour or two to live.

Dog Breeds With High Risk of Bloat:

Large-breed and deep-chested dogs are at the highest risk of developing bloat. Predisposed breeds include:

Great Danes (39% of Great Danes will experience bloat during their lifetime) Standard poodle Irish setter Irish wolfhound Akita German shepherd Weimaraner Saint Bernard Boxer

Dogs with direct relatives that have a history of GDV are also at increased risk.

A dog’s eating habits can also increase bloat risk—those who eat quickly, eat from raised bowls, or eat a single large meal each day are more likely to bloat. Feed your dog at least two smaller meals per day, and avoid feeding from elevated bowls. Use food puzzles to encourage your pup to slow down while eating.

Signs of bloat in dogs

GDV is extremely painful, and the pain occurs suddenly and without warning. A dog may seem normal one minute, and then may suddenly exhibit the following signs:

Pacing

Agitation

Frequent, usually unproductive, attempts to vomit Distended abdomen (although deep-chested breeds may not show this sign)