Canine Bloat: What to Look for & What to Do
Howdy pack, and welcome back to Al’s Dog Training Tips!
Today’s topic isn’t a training tip in the traditional sense, but it’s something that every dog owner absolutely must be aware of: Canine Bloat, also known as Gastric Torsion or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV).
This is a life-threatening emergency that can come on quickly and have fatal consequences if not treated immediately. As someone who works with dogs every single day, their health and safety are my top priorities. That’s why I’m dedicating this episode to helping you recognize, prevent, and act quickly in the face of bloat.
What is Canine Bloat?
Canine bloat occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with gas and may twist (torsion), cutting off blood flow to vital organs. Without immediate veterinary care, it can be fatal within hours.
These aren’t just theoretical risks; bloat is a very real and very dangerous condition. But the good news is, while you can’t eliminate the risk entirely, there are steps you can take to reduce it and respond appropriately if it ever happens.
Al’s 6 Tips to Help Prevent Canine Bloat
1. Be Prepared with an Emergency Vet Contact
Know the location and phone number of your nearest emergency veterinary clinic. Program it into your phone today. In a bloat situation, every second counts. Don’t waste precious time looking it up in a panic.
2. Watch Water Intake After Exercise
After heavy activity, allow your dog to calm down and return to a normal breathing rate before offering water. Chugging large amounts of water immediately after exercise can contribute to stomach distension.
3. Avoid Meals Right Before or After Exercise
Don’t feed your dog a full meal an hour before or after intense activity. A full stomach combined with movement increases the chance of the stomach twisting. Give time for digestion.
4. Be Mindful of Evening Routines
Avoid heavy meals, vigorous exercise, or lots of water intake late at night. If bloat happens while you’re asleep, you might miss the early warning signs—delaying critical care.
5. Know What ‘Normal’ Feels Like
Gently feel your dog’s stomach after meals or water intake so you become familiar with what’s normal. This way, you’ll more easily recognize unusual tightness or swelling that could indicate bloat.
6. Plan for Emergency Transport
In an emergency, can you physically lift your dog and get them into a vehicle? If not, have a backup plan—know who to call and make sure they’re available. This is not something you want to figure out during a crisis.
Signs of Bloat: Know What to Look For
If you notice any of the following signs, do not wait—get to an emergency vet immediately:
Restlessness or pacing
Inability to settle or get comfortable
Unproductive retching (trying to vomit but nothing comes out)
Excessive drooling
A tight, swollen, or distended abdomen
You don’t need to see all of these symptoms—just one could be cause for concern. When in doubt, act fast.
Don’t Try to Handle This at Home!
If you suspect your dog has bloat, go to the emergency vet immediately. Time is critical, and trying to treat bloat at home could cost your dog their life.
Final Thoughts
Please take this seriously. Program your emergency vet’s number into your phone. Think through your plan for getting your dog to help, and share this information with every dog owner you know. This knowledge could literally save a life.
Thanks for tuning in to Al’s Dog Training Tips. While this episode wasn’t about obedience or behavior, I hope it helps you be a more informed and prepared dog owner.
Stay safe out there, and see you next time!
