Bloat in Large and Giant Breed Dogs

There is been a great deal of discussion on one of my trainers' listservs about bloat.

Bloat is a condition in which there is a rapid accumulation of air in the stomach. Torsion occurs when the dilated stomach twists, cutting off contact with the esophagus at one end and the small intestine at the other. This isolates the stomach and traps the air. The result is deadly.

Tips:

• feed your dog multiple small meals, not one large meal
• if your dog gulps his food (Labs are notorious for this), do what you have to do to slow him down
• do not elevate your dog's food bowl

For more detailed information, go to: http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/2788/bloat.htm