My Canine Has Gas & Bloating

While occasional gas is relatively normal in canines, when combined with bloating it can mean a serious health issue is occurring. As a dog owner, it is important to take notice of any changes in behavior of the dog in question. Whenever bloating or excessive gas is occurring, it is vital that the dog's veterinarian is contacted. In some instances, an exam is performed to determine if the dog is suffering from a serious life-threatening issue known as bloat.

  1. Identification: Bloat

    • Bloat (known as gastric dilation-volvulus) is a condition in which the stomach swells up for a number of potentially unknown reasons. This bloating can cause the stomach to rotate and is a dangerous condition, as it puts pressure on the other organs and can also cause the blood supply to be cut off. Once the blood supply to the stomach is cut off, the stomach can actually begin to die, which causes the dog to become extremely ill and deteriorate quickly.

    Symptoms of Bloat

    • The most noticeable sign of bloat is the swelling of the abdominal region of the affected dog. There may also be vomiting or retching, though nothing will come up with the vomit. Some dogs may suffer from rapid, shallow breathing, abdominal pain or restlessness. In severe cases, the dog may salivate excessively. Once the stomach has begun to rotate, the dog may also become pale, have a weakened pulse, rapid heart rate and eventually shock or collapse will occur.

    Treatment

    • To treat canine bloat, the excess gas in the stomach needs to be removed. This is done either using a tube or a large needle, both of which release the gas. This helps stabilize the dog's condition. Once the gas is removed, the dog will be sent immediately to an X-ray to determine if rotation has occurred. If rotation has occurred, abdominal surgery is performed to correct the stomach's position. Throughout this process, the dog may also require anticoagulant medications to prevent small blood clots from developing.

    How to Prevent Excess Gas and Bloating

    • The best way to treat excess gas and bloating is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. To start, dog breeds that are more susceptible to bloat should be fed twice or three times daily instead of just once. Exercise or excitement should be limited for at least one hour before feeding and for at least two hours prior to feeding. Furthermore, if food changes are necessary, they should be done gradually over the course of three to five days, to prevent intestinal upset or discomfort.