Rosie the Leonberger would like to tell you about bloat from her mum Karen Griffin on Dog Friendly Dorset group

Unfortunately giants breeds are more at risk from bloat /gastric torsion especially with hot weather. If you think your dog has developed this you must go straight to the vets. I unfortunately have experience of this condition and am always at the end of my phone if you need any help. Join our Giant Breeds Play date group to contact Karen :) Any time day or night.

As you know they only have 50% chance of survival. Luckily both of mine survived multiple times but only because I knew what to look out for and have 24 hrs vets.

SIGNS OF BLOAT:

• Agitation – panting, whining or pacing

• Walking around in discomfort

• Crying in pain

• Head hanging, stiff movement

• Shaking or shivering

• Burping, drooling

• Trying (unsuccessfully) to vomit

• Unable to lay down and settle

• Bloated abdomen

• Signs of abdominal discomfort or pain

• Shock

• Collapse/loss of consciousness

Bloat often happens right after your dog eats. 

WHAT IS BLOAT?

GDV or bloat is when your dog’s stomach fills with gas and twists. It can twist anywhere from 180 to a full 360 degrees. 

When the stomach twists, both ends of it close off, blocking both entry and exit. So then there’s no way for the air built up in your dog’s belly to get out. Not only that, if the air can’t get out, neither can the fluids, foods or gases. 

Because there’s no way for the stuff in your dog’s stomach to escape, his belly will start to bloat. As gases build up more, they put pressure on his diaphragm and make it hard for him to breathe.

The pressure also cuts off return blood flow to the heart. At this point, shock sets in. 

All of this can happen in as little as 20 minutes. Which is why it’s so important to act fast. Because GDV is deadly if you don’t. 

TOP TIPS:

-Never walk an hour before or after food

-Sometimes you can feel the stomach is hard or solid

-Drive to the vets and call from inside the car, you can always turn around if the vet advises it’s not bloat

-Have the number stored of out-of-hours vets and know the location. If your out-of-hours is far away, register with a closer one regardless of affiliation with local vet.

More info: and homeopathic remedies here