Bloat in Dogs: How to Quickly Recognize This Life-Threatening Condition
Key takeaways:
Canine bloat occurs when a dog’s stomach twists and cuts off the blood supply. It’s a life-threatening condition that requires emergency veterinarian care.
Large and giant-breed dogs are most at risk of developing bloat. The condition is most likely caused by eating a big meal followed by exercise.
Emergency surgery is the only treatment for bloat. Though, there are ways for pet parents to help prevent it from happening in the first place.
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As humans, we understand what a bloated stomach is. But for dogs, bloat is different — and much more serious. Bloat in dogs isn’t just a bit of indigestion or discomfort after a big meal. It’s a life-threatening condition that requires immediate emergency care.
Bloat particularly affects larger breeds of dogs, and it often happens quickly and without warning. In this article, we’ll cover the causes and symptoms of bloat in dogs and what to do if you suspect your dog has developed the condition.
Is bloat in dogs serious?
Bloat is very serious in dogs. It’s different from when humans have a bloated stomach — whether from gas or eating too much. A bloated stomach can cause discomfort in dogs, but it’s not usually life-threatening.
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Samantha Kent, DVM, a medical director at Veterinary Emergency Group in Encinitas, California, told GoodRx Health that the dangerous part of bloat in dogs is when the stomach twists.
“When the stomach rotates, it cuts off its own blood supply as well as any exit route for gas to leave the stomach,” Kent said.
The stomach can get so swollen that it pushes on major blood vessels, preventing blood from returning to the dog’s heart. This condition is called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), or bloat, and is considered an emergency.
“It’s severely painful, as well as rapidly life-threatening,” Kent said. “The combination of bloating and the stomach flipping [is what] makes it so serious.”
Signs and symptoms of bloat in dogs
Bloat symptoms in dogs progress rapidly, so it's vital for pet owners to recognize the signs. These include:
Making unsuccessful attempts to vomit (retching or dry heaving)
Having a distended, hard abdomen
Acting restless or pacing
Drooling excessively
Showing signs of pain (like whining or groaning when touched)
Being in a “downward dog” or “prayer position”
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If you notice any of these symptoms, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. Bloat can turn from serious to life-threatening in a matter of minutes. It requires quick intervention for your dog to have the best outcome.
What causes gastric dilatation-volvulus in dogs?
The exact cause of bloat, or GDV, isn’t fully understood. But veterinarians think it could be caused by multiple factors happening at the same time.
“Classically, a dog with GDV recently ate a large meal and exercised heavily shortly afterward,” Kent said.
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Other factors that are believed to play a role in GDV include:
Eating too fast
Eating only one large meal per day
Eating from an elevated bowl
Experiencing stress after eating
The likelihood of a dog experiencing bloat also increases with age, and dogs who are genetically related to another dog with a history of GDV are at a higher risk, according to Kent.
Dog breeds most at risk for bloat
While any dog can experience bloat, certain breeds are more likely to develop the condition. These are typically larger, deep-chested dogs such as:
Great Danes
Standard poodles
Saint Bernards
German shepherds
Boxers
Irish wolfhounds
Bloodhounds
Treatment for bloat in dogs
Bloat is life-threatening and requires immediate treatment. Kent noted dogs with bloat are often in shock and need “aggressive care.” Up to 30% of dogs who develop the condition die from it.
To treat bloat in dogs, a veterinarian will:
Take X-rays to confirm the stomach is twisted
Give the dog pain medication and IV fluids
Work to relieve the trapped gas in the dog’s stomach
Veterinarians can relieve trapped gas by passing a tube into a dog’s stomach or, if that’s not possible due to the stomach twisting, by inserting a large needle into their abdomen. If their stomach is still flipped once the gas is out, the dog will need emergency surgery to straighten it.
“Surgery is the only way to treat GDV in dogs,” Kent said. Depending on the severity of the condition, a dog may also have to have parts of their stomach or spleen removed if it’s been damaged.
Preventing bloat in dogs
The best way to lower the risk of bloat in dogs is through a preventative surgery called a prophylactic gastropexy.
“This is the same surgical procedure done in the emergency setting after the stomach is derotated,” Kent said. “It’s performed [preventatively] in a controlled setting with a stable, normally positioned stomach.”
A gastropexy can be done laparoscopically (using a small incision and a camera) during spaying, neutering, or any other abdominal surgery. Technically, any dog can have this procedure done. But unless you have a high-risk breed, the risks that come with the surgery will likely outweigh the possibility of developing bloat.
Outside of surgery, a few at-home tips for preventing bloat include:
Using slow-feeder bowls
Feeding your dog more frequent, small meals versus one large meal
Avoiding raised food bowls
Making sure your dog’s environment is calm during meals
Restricting your dog’s activity before and after you feed them
Keep up with regular checkups and discuss your dog's specific risk factors for bloat with your vet. They can help you develop a personalized prevention plan.
The bottom line
Bloat is a serious, life-threatening condition in dogs. Knowing the signs and taking preventative steps can make all the difference for your dog. It’s crucial to act quickly if you notice any symptoms like retching, a distended belly, or excessive drooling, especially if you have a large-breed dog.
Emergency surgery is the only way to treat bloat, so don’t hesitate to contact your vet at the first sign of trouble. Small changes at home, like using slow-feeder bowls and restricting exercise after eating, and considering preventive surgery for high-risk breeds can help lower the chances of this dangerous condition.
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References
American College of Veterinary Surgeons. (n.d.). Gastric dilatation-volvulus.
Bell, J. S. (2003). Risk factors for canine bloat. Tufts’ Canine and Feline Breeding and Genetics Conference.
Brockman, D. J. (2013). GDV treatment: A recipe for success. World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress Proceedings.
Broome, C. J., et al. (2003). Gastric dilatation-volvulus in dogs. New Zealand Veterinary Journal.
Gibson, T. W. G. (2020). Gastric dilation and volvulus in small animals. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Rosselli, D. (2017). Gastric dilatation and volvulus: Stabilization and surgery. Today’s Veterinary Practice.
