How to Prevent a Twisted Gut in Dogs

Clinically known as gastric torsion, and also commonly called bloat, a twisted gut in dogs occurs when the dog̵7;s stomach fills with gas and then twists around, blocking the passages in and out. The number two killer of dogs in the United States after cancer, bloat can be fatal within a few hours and up to 33 percent of dogs that contract it will die. The exact reasons why a dog's stomach fills with gas are unknown, although some breeds are more likely to suffer the condition, according to PetMD.

  1. Predisposition

    • Certain dog breeds are genetically predisposed to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Large, deep-chested dogs, such as great Danes and Saint Bernards, rank highest on the scale of risk, with German shepherd dogs in the 12th position. Dogs born to parents with particularly deep and narrow chests have an increased chance of experiencing bloat, which also is more likely to occur in male dogs over the age of 7 years than in female dogs, younger dogs and puppies. Identifying whether your dog̵7;s breed is a risk factor will enable you to take steps to prevent the condition.

    Consumption

    • Prevent the dog from ingesting large quantities of food or water at a time. Feed large and at-risk breeds two or three meals per day instead of one large meal, because dogs that eat once a day are more likely to suffer GDV, according to the Pet Education website. Feed the dog separately from other pets if it has a tendency to gobble its food, and feed from a bowl placed at floor level. Veterinarians recommend that dry food should not be moistened before serving, although this has not been identified conclusively as a cause of bloat.

    Elimination

    • Keep a close watch on your dog̵7;s bowel movements, and train him to eliminate directly after each meal. The longer the food from the previous meal remains in the stomach, the greater the chances are of the gut twisting. In at-risk dogs, training to eliminate on command at any age is beneficial, and you can do this by taking the dog out to the potty area immediately after he finishes eating. Stay with him until he goes, and reward him afterwards with praise and a small treat. Dogs are creatures of habit, and after a few weeks of regular post-dining potty breaks, he will be accustomed to going after his meal.

    Activity

    • Discourage the dog from taking part in energetic activities too soon after eating. Give him at least an hour in which to digest his meal, and encourage him to lie quietly during this time. Limit his exposure to any excitement or stress until the hour has passed, as this could cause a gastric reaction that results in the development of gas and the dilatation of the stomach. Without the bloating effect of the gas, the dog̵7;s risk of the gut twisting or flipping is reduced.