Dog Bloat: What are the Signs of Bloat in Dogs?

The clock is ticking – can you recognize the signs of bloat in dogs before it's too late? What starts as simple discomfort can rapidly escalate into a life-threatening emergency. Because time is of the essence, understanding the signs is crucial.  

We're here to guide you through understanding dog bloat and what proactive steps you can take to protect your furry friend. 

Understanding Bloat in Dogs 

A dog’s stomach is no stranger to gas, there’s typically a small amount that resides in there at any given moment as it is a normal byproduct of digestion. When functioning properly, excess gas is released in the form of dog burps or passed through the intestines where it comes out as a fart. When that excess gas isn’t released, it causes the stomach to fill or stretch, something called gastric dilatation. 

Gastric dilatation is uncomfortable and painful enough on its own, but in some cases, that air filled stomach can actually twist around on itself, pinching off the blood supply and further preventing the gas from escaping naturally. This is called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). 

Obviously, bloat is something that needs to be treated as soon as possible both from a comfort standpoint as well as preventing the even worse progression of turning into GDV.  

Signs of Bloat in Dogs  

A swollen, air-filled stomach creates a lot of pressure inside a dog’s abdomen, so the first signs of bloat in dogs are usually related to discomfort and may be seen within minutes of eating or exercising. You may see: 

• Restlessness 

• Anxiety 

• Pacing 

• Inability to get comfortable 

• Whining 

• Clinginess 

As the discomfort increases, you may also see within minutes to hours: 

• Panting 

• Drooling 

• Retching 

• Standing with hind end higher than the front 

• Abdominal swelling, especially on the left side 

If untreated, the air-filled stomach can start to put pressure on other organs and blood vessels. It can also twist on itself, cutting off blood supply to the stomach. This can happen quickly, making a dog very ill within an hour or two of eating or playing. In this case, you may see: 

• More stomach distention 

• Pale gums 

• Collapse 

Bloat is best treated in the early phases, so recognizing those warning signs is very important. The further that bloat progresses, the worse the prognosis as it can lead to permanent tissue damage or death. 

What Causes Bloat in Dogs? 

We don’t completely understand why bloat occurs in dogs, but we definitely recognize some risk factors. 

1. Breed 

Large breed dogs over 100 pounds, especially those with a deep chest, are far more likely to experience bloat than smaller breeds. This is probably because there is more room in the body for the stomach to move around. Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Weimaraners, Irish Setters, Dobermans, Standard Poodles and Basset Hounds are frequently at the top of the list for dogs affected with bloat. 

2. Age 

Dogs over 3-5 years of age also have a higher incidence of bloat, possibly because the connective tissue that holds organs in place loosens with age. 

3. Eating Quickly 

Dogs that tend to inhale their food rather than savor it are more likely to experience bloat. Along with their food or water, fast eaters also tend to swallow a lot of air, which can become trapped in the stomach. Eating one large meal a day rather than getting their recommended daily calories in smaller, more frequent meals may contribute as well. 

4. Exercise after eating 

Running and playing immediately after exercise can set a dog up for bloat, so it’s always best to give your pup at least an hour of downtime in between meals and exercise. 

5. Other Factors Contributing to Dog Bloat 

Genetics, being male, being underweight, and anxiety can also contribute to bloat in dogs for various reasons. Also, strangely enough, feeding from an elevated bowl can increase the risk. 

Dog Bloat Diagnosis

Most of the time your vet will be able to diagnose bloat based on seeing your dog in distress and feeling the tightness in their abdomen. When the stomach is stretched tight with air, tapping on the abdomen usually creates a hollow, drum-like sound as well.  

There is no way to tell whether a dog has gastric dilatation or GDV with an exam alone, so your vet will often run bloodwork to check organ function and take an abdominal x-ray to get a look at the stomach. 

Treatment and Prognosis of Bloat in Dogs 

Bloat is an emergency, so your vet will immediately get to work relieving the gassy buildup. Gastric dilatation often requires hospitalization so that a dog can get fluids and medications to help with pain and nausea. They will be encouraged to exercise, as movement can stimulate the digestive tract to push gas through. 

If the gas doesn't go away on its own, the vet has a couple of tools. They might use a stomach tube, like a long straw, to release the air. They could also use a trocar needle to let the gas out directly through the skin of the belly. If your dog only has gas buildup (gastric dilatation) and receives prompt treatment, they typically recover well. 

Now, if gastric dilatation progresses to GDV, we have a different story. The main goal is to relieve the pressure on the stomach, organs, and blood vessels, so a stomach tube or trocar may be tried. Dogs will need to be stabilized as all of this commotion can cause disturbances in the circulatory system, so fluids and medications are typically started at the same time. 

Once the gas is released and a dog is stable, they will need surgery to untwist the stomach and permanently attach it to the body wall so that it can’t happen again. GDV is a very serious condition, so the prognosis depends on the severity, when treatment was started, and how affected other parts of the body are.  

If all went well, prognosis is fair, if there were complications, such as cardiovascular issues or tissue death, the prognosis drops to fair-guarded. A lot of dogs will die from this condition if treatment doesn’t happen soon enough. 

Recovery From Bloat in Dogs 

Your vet is going to keep your pup for a day or two when dealing with gastric dilatation to make sure their stomach is back to normal and there are no other complications. You’ll want to continue to closely monitor them at home, feed small meals, and go for frequent walks. 

For GDV, the hospital stay will be longer as there is a lot of monitoring of vitals and pain management to consider. When going home, you’ll need to keep an eye on the incision and follow any medication, feeding, and exercise guidelines your vet lays out. 

Home Remedies for Bloat in Dogs 

At Embrace, we always want to empower pet parents who seek natural and home-based solutions for their furry friends' ailments. We even provide resources on a variety of home remedies for common pet issues (upset stomachs, constipation, allergies).   

However, bloat is a critical exception. There isn’t really anything you can or should do at home for bloat. Since you won’t know if it’s simple gastric dilatation or GDV that you’re dealing with, getting your dog to the vet immediately is the best option. Bloat is a medical emergency, and only a veterinarian can provide the necessary treatment to save your dog's life. 

How to Prevent Bloat in Dogs 

When it comes to bloat in dogs, prevention is paramount. Our goal is to keep your canine companion healthy and comfortable, and avoiding any form of bloat is the best way to achieve that. Here are some key strategies to consider: 

• Feeding smaller, more frequent meals: Instead of one or two large meals, try dividing your dog's daily food intake into several smaller portions throughout the day. This can help reduce the amount of gas and pressure that builds up in the stomach. 

• Avoiding exercise immediately after eating: Allow ample time for digestion before engaging in strenuous activity. Ideally, wait at least an hour or two after meals before exercising your dog. 

• Managing stress and anxiety: Stress can contribute to digestive issues. Create a calm and stable environment for your dog, and consider using stress-reducing techniques if needed. 

• Using ground-level bowls instead of elevated ones: While elevated bowls were once thought to help prevent bloat, recent studies suggest they may actually increase the risk. Stick to bowls placed on the floor. 

• Slowing down eating and drinking with slow feeder-type bowls: If your dog tends to gulp down their food or water, use a slow feeder bowl or other devices to encourage them to eat and drink at a slower pace. 

• Discussing preventative gastropexy with your veterinarian: For dogs at high risk of bloat, a preventative gastropexy, a surgical procedure that attaches the stomach to the abdominal wall, may be recommended. Talk to your veterinarian to determine if this is a suitable option for your dog.  

Role of Pet Insurance in Dog Bloat 

One of the major benefits of having pet insurance for your dog is to help cover emergency medical costs, and bloat just happens to be a whopper of an emergency. Treatment for bloat, especially GDV, can easily run into thousands of dollars, often between $2,000 and $5,000 or even more, depending on the severity and necessary procedures. This can include emergency surgery, hospitalization, medications, and post-operative care.  

Wondering how pet insurance can help in real-life bloat emergencies? Read about how Embrace supported Fresco and Kylie. 

You never want to be in a position where you have to choose between your dog's health and your financial stability. Pet insurance helps ensure you can always prioritize your dog's well-being, regardless of the cost. 

Bloat in Dogs 

Bloat is a condition in dogs that you don’t want to mess around with. Now, equipped with this knowledge, you can ensure that ticking clock doesn't run out. By staying vigilant and informed, you empower yourself to act swiftly, giving your furry friend the best chance at a full recovery and ensuring those moments of discomfort never escalate into a life-threatening crisis.