You keep talking about bloat and how it’s such a problem in big dogs. I have a Mastiff – what the heck is bloat and why should I be worried about it?
Bloat may sound like a once-monthly problem women deal with, but the condition is fairly different in dogs. Rather than being simply uncomfortable, bloat in dogs can be deadly. It’s actually the combination of two conditions, bloat itself (also called dilatation) and stomach rotation (also called stomach torsion).

In essence, bloat is the presence of a huge bubble of air in the body. It keeps food from getting in or out of the stomach. The entire torso swells, and the dog drools, gags, and wander listlessly. If untreated, shock develops. If you have even the slightest concern that your dog has bloat, get to the vet or an emergency clinic immediately. This is a life-threatening condition in which moments can literally mean the difference between life and death.

The veterinarian will confirm the condition with an X-ray and try to run a tube down the esophagus to reduce the pressure on your pup’s stomach. If this is unsuccessful, he or she will use a large needle inserted directly into the stomach for a quicker means of removing air. The vet may also use intravenous drugs and anti-inflammatory medications to cut down on the risk of lasting damage to the tissues surrounding the abdomen, and immediate surgery to rotate the stomach back into its normal position is nearly always necessary. Your dog’s spleen may also be removed.

Bloat is not a condition that discriminates between overweight and healthy dogs. Big, barrel-chested dogs may be great to hug, but owners have an additional responsibility when it comes to preventing this extremely painful and often fatal condition. First, place your dog’s food dish on an elevated platform. This not only makes it easier on her joints, it means she’s bobbing up and down less and likely inhaling less air. Second, restrict her from drinking an hour before and after a meal or strenuous workout and always restrict her from drinking large quantities of water. Finally, don’t allow her to roll around for at least two hours after eating. If she needs her back scratched, give her the luxury of doing it for her.