Bloat is a condition in dogs where minutes really count. For this reason, owners suspecting bloat in their dogs should rush their dog to the closest animal emergency center. As scary as bloat is, however, the good news is that by acknowledging potential causes of bloat, owners may be able to prevent it from occurring in some cases, or at least, by recognizing the symptoms they will be able to take their dog immediately to the vet, without wasting any precious minutes.

Bloat typically affects, large deep chested dog breeds but it could virtually really affect any dog. A case of bloat is in someway similar to a grave indigestion where the dog's stomach swells with too much air or fluids causing deleterious pressure on the surrounding organs, arteries and veins. This interferes with blood flow, and not only, this chain of events may also aggravate, causing a condition of stomach torsion known as ''gastric volvulus". This torsion eventually will cut off blood supply to the stomach and other organs such as the spleen. Soon, tissues will start to die an dog may succumb from shock.

Symptoms of Bloat in Dogs

Dogs affected by bloat typically develop the following symptoms;

• A painful distended abdomen full of gas
• Frequent and unproductive attempts to vomit (retching)
• Attempts to pass stools
• Lack of gurgling sounds in the stomach
• Drooling from nausea
• Pacing, restlessness, anxiety
• Dark red gums at first then pale, cold gums signaling lack of oxygen

Causes of Bloat

The causes of bloat can be various, however, sometimes bloat may occur for no known reason (idiopathic). This is why bloat sometimes remains a medical mystery. Following however are some aggravating factors.

• Breed

The breed of a dog may make it more likely to develop bloat. Breeds that have a tendency to develop bloat are the following; Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, Standard Poodles, Dobermans, German Shepherds, Malamutes, Labradors, Saint Bernards, Wolfhounds, Irish Setters and Akitas. However, it is important to note than any dog may develop bloat regardless of size and conformation.

• Hereditary Factors

A tendency to bloat may run in the dog's family. Having a first degree relative (such as a sibling, parent or offspring) suffer from bloat may be a predisposing factor for bloat.

• Age/Sex

According to PetEducation, dogs over the age of 7 are more prone to bloat, making them twice more likely to develop bloat than a dog of 2-4 years of age. Also male dogs appear to more likely to develop bloat than females.

• Eating Fast

Some dogs do not eat their meals, they swallow them without chewing. This can often be seen in multi-dog households where dogs may compete over food. A dog that fears that another dog may take away their food will be a naturally fast eater. It helps therefore to separate dogs during meals or invest in some special dog bowls made to slow down fast eaters.

• Large Meals

Some dogs eat too fast because they are fed a once a day big meal and their dog gulps it down too fast because of hunger. Dividing smaller portions, ideally two meals per day may be helpful.

• High Fiber Diets

Dogs that eat high fiber foods develop a tendency to be more gassy because high fiber food tends to ferment and release gas once in the stomach. Beet pulp,soy bean and brewer's yeast  have a history of being linked to gassiness.

• Elevated food dishes

At one time, many dog food bowls were elevated to help the dog reach the food easier. However, this caused many dogs to gulp down more air than needed, making them prone to bloat.

• Stress

Dogs that are under stress may develop a predisposition to ingest air and be prone to bloat. The same applies to dog that are particularly anxious and fearful. Allowing the dog to lead a stress free and happy life, therefore, lowers the incidence of bloat.

• Strenuous Exercise

There is belief that strenuous exercise and excessive excitement should be avoided an hour prior to eating and two hours following a meal (often of dry food) may cause bloat in some dogs.

• Water Consumption

There is also belief than drinking large amounts of water after eating may cause bloat in some dogs. This may be because dry food may expand greatly after a large amount of water is drank creating a large blob of food which the stomach was not meant to hold.

Any time a dog owner suspects bloat in their dog, a veterinarian should be consulted at once, regardless if it is night, a week-end or a holiday. Bloat and gastric torsion are medical emergencies which may cause death in as little as an hour or two, from when the symptoms have started.

Disclaimer: this article is for educational purposes only. If your dog has symptoms of bloat please refer to your veterinarain immediately.

The only answer unfortunately remains to take the dog to the vet as soon as possible. If the dog is starting to exhibit signs of shock with pale gums, keeping the dog warm is ideal and a little bit of honey or Karo syrup rubbed on the dog's gums may be helpful.

According to Walker Valley Vet, quoted:

''Gas X (Simethicone): Simethicone is used in dogs to help with unusual flatulence or gas discomfort. Any dog suspected of bloat should get 2 doses immediately before transport to the Emergency Clinic.

GAS-X Dosage for Dogs

small ¼ adult dose¼ adult dose

medium ½ adult dose

large 1 adult dose

It is important to note that GasX will not cure the bloat but it may buy some time as you take the dog to the vet.

If your vet is not within a 20 minute reach, the website below suggests to administer first aid by tubing the dog. Again this should be done only if the vet is not within 20 minute reach and there are no other options. This is not treatment, it is just first aid as you head towards the vet.

Bloat First Aid