While the term “canine bloat” seems relatively benign, in truth, this life-threatening condition requires immediate medical attention. Do not try to treat this problem at home. Seek emergency veterinary care as soon as possible. As complications from bloat can be fatal in only a few hours, knowing the symptoms is crucial to your pup’s wellbeing.
Canine bloat is seen mainly in larger dog breeds, especially the Great Dane, Saint Bernard, and Borzoi. While the specific cause is unknown, veterinarians have found it linked to particular diet and lifestyle habits.
As with most health issues, the best treatment of bloat is prevention. Learn at-home prevention tips to reduce your pup’s chance of developing canine bloat.
What Is Canine Bloat?
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Colloquially known as canine bloat, gastric dilation occurs when gas or liquid gets trapped inside an animal’s stomach, causing distension. In 75% of these cases, the problem progresses to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), where the stomach twists and flips on its axis, completely blocking entry or exit from the stomach.
This ballooning effect increases pressure on the walls of the stomach, causing restricted blood flow, shock, and death in hours. Even with surgical intervention, GDV has a 20% mortality rate.
Symptoms Of Canine Bloat
Bloat occurs most often in dogs between two and 10 years old. It’s common among large and giant deep-chested dog breeds—the latest data suggests a 3.9% to 36.7% lifetime risk within this group.
You may notice gastric dilation symptoms between two to six hours after eating. Your dog may appear restless. If allowed outside, they may desperately eat grass (many dogs turn to grass-eating when they don’t feel well). As the stomach enlarges with gas and liquid, it may feel tight like a drum. Typically, you’ll notice excessive salivation, drooling, and unsuccessful attempts to vomit.
Other symptoms include:
- Change in temperament and physical activity level
- Cold gums that are dark red (or blue or white in later stages)
- Collapsing to the ground
- Lack of normal digestive sounds (note any differences by placing your ear on your dog’s stomach)
- Licking the air
- Looking at their abdomen
- Shallow breathing
- Standing in a hunched position
- Refusing to lie on their side
- Pacing
- Unable to defecate
- Weak pulse
- Whining
Common Causes Of Canine Bloat
While certain breeds may be genetically predisposed to developing GDV, other risk factors include:
- Advanced age
- Anxiety or stress
- Being overweight
- Drinking too much water too quickly
- Foreign body obstruction (ingesting bones, corn cobs, etc.)
- Having a history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Eating too quickly or overindulging
- Vigorous exercise immediately after eating
How To Help A Bloated Dog (Treatment)
Bloat is an acute medical condition that requires immediate care. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve; get to the vet as soon as possible.
Bloated dogs without volvulus may be treated without surgery. Your vet will first attempt to release the gas by passing a tube into the stomach to release pressure. In cases where the stomach is twisted, surgery is required to repair the stomach, access damaged organs, and remove damaged tissue.
The vet may also surgically “tack” the stomach to the side of the abdominal wall to prevent future stomach twisting—a surgery referred to as gastropexy. For dogs predisposed to GDV, gastropexy may also be performed as a preventative surgery during spay or neutering.
Home Remedies For Bloated Stomach In Dogs
Because canine bloat is a life-threatening medical condition, we do not recommend treating this condition at home. Seek emergency veterinary support.
In his book “Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide To Natural Health For Dogs & Cats,” Dr. Richard H. Pitcairn, DVM, PhD, recommends several homeopathic preparations to dispense if you cannot get veterinary service immediately. These formulas are not a substitute for vet care and will need to be purchased in advance, as they must be taken as soon as possible.
Homeopathic pellets are taken sublingually (under the tongue). This allows them to bypass the stomach and absorb directly into the bloodstream. Pitcairn recommends crushing the pellets between a folded paper towel and placing the remedy on your pet’s tongue. Pitcairn advises three crushed pellets every 30 minutes for three treatments in total.*
- Pulsatilla 30c: Pitcairn notes that this is the most common remedy he uses in cases of bloat
- Belladonna 30c: Used in cases of very sudden, severe symptoms. The dog may appear agitated with dilated pupils and a hot head
- Nux vomica 30c: Best used in cases of GDV. The dog may appear withdrawn and irritable.
- Colchicum autumnale 30c: Used when a dog’s stomach appears extremely distended
- Carbo vegetabilis 30c: The dog’s abdomen may appear distended with gas. Legs and ears are cool to the touch, and gums are bluish. *In this case, the remedy is given as a dose of three crushed pellets every 15 minutes for three treatments total.
Homeopathic remedies are very safe and can be used for young and elderly dogs. So, whether you’re looking for a bloated puppy home remedy or a senior dog bloated stomach home remedy, these formulas will be suitable for your needs.
How To Prevent Bloat In Dogs Naturally
While it is generally thought that both hereditary and lifestyle factors influence canine bloat, there are at-home steps you can do to reduce the chance of your pup developing bloat.
Avoid Elevated Bowls
In a study exploring non-dietary risk factors for GDV in large and giant breeds, researchers found that between 20% and 52% of GDV cases were attributed to having a raised bowl during feeding. While this is only one study, you may consider steering clear of elevated bowls for your furry friend.
Avoid Vigorous Exercise After Meals
While exercise is essential to your pet’s health, you should avoid putting your dog through strenuous exercise immediately after a meal. Full stomachs are more likely to move and twist, which can lead to digestive problems. Instead, opt for gentle exercise that stimulates digestion and prevents gas accumulation. A light walk after mealtime would be the perfect choice.
Consider Diet Changes
A number of diet risk factors have been identified in relation to canine bloat. Veterinarians have found a link between canine bloat and feeding dry kibble. A Purdue study found that dry foods containing fat among the first four ingredients or the preservative citric acid increased the risk of GDV in dogs. Alternatively, dry foods containing rendered meat meal with bone in the first four ingredients reduced the risk of GDV.
To reduce the risk, consider a combination of dry dog food and wet canned food or consider homemade food. Proponents of the raw diet recommend it for those pups predisposed to canine bloat, as it contains live enzymes to help digest food. Restrict water at mealtime and do not moisten dry kibble, as this has been linked to bloat in large-breed dogs.
Practice Slow Feeding
Certain eating habits have been correlated to the development of canine bloat in breeds with a predisposition to the disease. Dogs that eat hastily are much more likely to develop bloat than slow eaters. Consider a slow feeder or snuffle mat for your dog, which can help moderate fast eating.
Those dogs eating one or two large meals per day are also more likely to develop bloat. Instead, feed your pup small, spaced-out meals throughout the day. These scheduled portions will encourage slower eating since your dog won’t get too hungry between meals and gobble down their food.
Supplement Your Dog’s Diet
Researchers are still exploring the link between gastrointestinal motility and GDV; however, delayed gastric emptying and poor gastric motility have been previously described in dogs with GDV. The latest hypothesis suggests that dog genes alter the gut microbiome, autoimmune mechanism, or both. This theory sites the co-occurrence of canine GDV with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IDB is an autoimmune disease associated with an imbalance of gut flora.
A 2018 study supported this hypothesis, showing that specific canine immune-system genes alter the gut microbiome, thus putting certain dogs at a higher risk of developing GDV.
When considering the connection between gut motility, a healthy gut microbiome, and canine bloat, you may consider supplementing your pet’s diet with the following supplements:
- Probiotics: Friendly bacteria that support the immune system, gut health, and more
- Digestive enzymes: Proteins that support the proper breakdown of food, which may help reduce gas and other gastrointestinal symptoms
- Curcumin: An active component in turmeric root well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin affects inflammatory pathways, thus inhibiting autoimmune diseases
Other Prevention Tips
For dogs predisposed to developing GDV, consider the following preventative tips:
- Avoid trigger foods that cause flatulence to prevent gas accumulation
- Restrict water at mealtime to prevent stomach expansion
- Create a relaxed, stress-free environment for your dog
- Ensure your dog maintains a healthy weight
- Consider prophylactic gastropexy, a preventative surgery that can be performed at the same time as spay or neutering
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions we get asked regarding canine bloat. Don’t see yours? Ask us in the comments.
Why Is My Dog’s Belly Hard?
If your dog’s stomach is hard, it could be a sign of bloat or another stomach-related medical issue. If your dog is otherwise acting normally, it could be a case of overeating; however, it’s best to check in with your veterinarian as soon as possible to rule out any serious health problems.
How Do You Relieve Bloat In Dogs?
Your vet will need to use a tube and stomach pump to release the build-up of air inside your pet’s stomach. Do not try to depress your dog’s stomach at home. Get to the emergency clinic right away.
How Long Can Dogs Survive With Bloat?
Complications from bloat occur swiftly. If left untreated, a dog may die in an hour or two.
Pet Insurance May Help Cover Canine Bloat Costs
The cost of a bloat emergency can be expensive, costing between $2,000 to $7,500, depending on care and surgery needs. Pet insurance with accident and illness coverage can give you peace of mind while focusing on your furry friend’s recovery. View our pet insurance comparison charts for a comprehensive look at plans, coverage, waiting periods, cost, and more.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Tara is part of the Canine Journal team, which has over a decade of experience researching, testing, and writing about anything and everything dog-related. She also has 8+ years of experience in the wellness industry, with experience in pet health, nutrition, and supplementation.