Worried that your pup is one of dog breeds at risk for bloat?
Learn which breeds are the highest on that list and what you can do to keep them safe!
I can understand why, it’s a scary condition that often gets overlooked by dog owners.
Now, you’re probably asking yourself what bloat is and if your dog is at risk?
Well, this article will answer both of those questions and more.
So, read on to find if your dog is at for this potentially deadly condition.
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What is Bloat?
Bloat, also called gastric volvulus, occurs when your dog’s stomach fills up with excess air, fluids, or food, which in turn causes it to expand.
Doesn’t sound too dangerous right?
Well, your dog’s stomach expanding can cause a heap of issues that are detrimental to your dog’s health.
- Blood can stop flowing to both the heart and stomach lining.
- Can cause a tear in the stomach wall.
- Make it harder to breathe.
And in severe cases, your dog’s stomach might twist or rotate which is called gastric dilatation and volvulus.
When the stomach does twist, it essential traps blood in your dog’s stomach, which prevents it from circulating back to the heart and throughout the rest of the body. This can lead to shock.
As you’re probably beginning to understand, this condition is something that needs immediate medical attention.
Due to this, it’s imperative that you know the symptoms of bloat just in case your dog does fall victim to this terrible condition.
As someone who has lost a dog to this condition, I can’t tell enough how vital recognizing these symptoms early can be to keep your dog healthy and live.
In all honesty, every minute counts, so please, stay aware and alert of this potentially fatal issue.
What are the Symptoms of Bloat?
Although bloat is known as a faster acting condition, some early signs/symptoms can indicate your dog is suffering from bloat.
- Enlarged stomach
- Pacing
- Vomiting
- Excessive breathing
- Weak pulse
- Restlessness
And if the condition worsens, there are more severe symptoms that might start presenting themselves:
- Collapse
- Have pale gums
- Have a rapid heartbeat
- Be short of breath
- Feel weak
If you see any of these symptoms, it’s essential you get your dog to the vet immediately.
I can’t stress this enough; this condition isn’t something to play around with as your dog can die from it.
It’s also essential to understand that while vets don’t have a list of official causes of bloat, some things could increase the risk.
For instance, the AKC explains that dogs who eat just one large meal a day are two times more likely to suffer bloat than those who eat two meals a day.
If you’re interested in learning more about what could increase the risk of bloat, this article from the American Kennel Club does an incredible job discussing those factors.
In the end, I’m begging you to make sure you stay alert and aware of these warning signs and potential causes just in case your dog starts suffering from any of them. After all, we all want our dogs to stay healthy and happy as long as they can.
Related: Bloat Prevention and Proper Weight with a Slow Feed Bowl
5 Dog Breeds at Risk of Bloat
Now, like most dog-related conditions, some breeds are more susceptible to bloat than others.
Therefore, if you own any of the dogs mentioned in this section, you’d need to have a heightened awareness of the symptoms mentioned above.
1. Great Danes
Due to their large build and barrel chests, these loveable giants are the dog breed with the most to fear from bloat.
In fact, Embrace Pet Insurance explains that they are “43.2 times more likely to be at risk of bloat compared to all other breeds.”
Honestly, I find this statistic heartbreaking because Great Danes might be the sweetest dog on Earth.
And for all Great Dane owners out there, please make sure aware of this, so your loveable giant doesn’t become a victim to this horrible condition.
2. Doberman Pinschers
With their deep chest, these loyal companions are prone to bloat.
So, if you have a Doberman Pinschers, make sure you monitor them after feeding time. Also, I’d recommend sticking to a feeding schedule of twice a day.
In doing so, you’re reducing the chance their excitement for their daily meal could cause them to bloat from rapidly eating.
After all, Doberman Pinschers are known for their love of food, so, multiple feeding times will tone down this excitement and reduce the risk of bloat.
3. German Shepherds
These highly trainable dogs also have been known to suffer from bloat. Like the Doberman Pinschers, vets think it has to do with their deep chest.
Other vets have attributed this to their high-anxious personality.
See, as German Shepherd World explains, high-anxiety dogs are at a higher risk for bloat because they take in a lot of air when they pant.
Again, this conclusion is more an educated guess than a fact, as vets still disagree about the causes of bloat, but I think it’s useful information to have regardless.
After all, anything that can help your German Shepherd avoid this condition is essential information in my book.
Related: Rottweilers Vs. German Shepherds: Which Dog Breed Is Easier to Train?
4. Saint Bernards
Just like Great Danes, vets attribute the Saint Bernard’s proclivity for bloat to their large size. These massive gentle giants also have a considerable fondness for food.
Therefore, I’d suspect rapid eating is another factor contributing to this condition being a consistent problem for this breed.
Regardless, if you have one of these friendly, large, messy dogs, make sure you’re aware of the signs and try to keep them calm during their feedings.
I know, given their strength, I might be asking a lot, but it could help you reduce the risk that bloat affects your dog.
Related: Insanely Healthy Dog Treats for Large Dogs
5. Basset Hounds
Unlike other dogs on this list, the Basset Hound doesn’t have a long body that many vets attribute to causing bloat.
However, they do have a large, deep chest that is often possessed by dogs with bloat.
Due to this, you must be extra careful during their feeding times.
If you find they’re rapidly eating, find some way to calm them down. I’d recommend following this technique from Wikihow: it did wonders for me with my Pitbull.
Related: Eating too Fast – What to do When Your Dog is a Vacuum Cleaner
And lastly, it’s essential for all dog owners to know that these five dogs aren’t the only ones at risk of bloat: it can affect all dogs.
So, even if you don’t have one of these dog breeds at risk for bloat, you should still be aware of the symptoms and potential causes to make sure you’re prepared.
Honestly, all we want to do here at Dogvills is try and ensure your dog lives a long and happy life.
So, please stay aware of this terrible condition and do everything in your power to avoid it becoming an issue for your dog.
Do you have one of these dog breeds at risk for bloat? Share your experiences and what you’ve learned about bloat prevention.
