Bloat in dogs happens when a dogs stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid, making it expand and putting pressure on other organs. This can cause the stomach to twist, which is a life-threatening condition known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). The exact cause of bloat is unknown, but there are some factors that can increase a dogs risk for it, including:

• Breed: Large and giant breed dogs with deep chests and narrow waists, such as Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Weimaraners, Irish Setters, Gordon Setters, Standard Poodles, Basset Hounds, Doberman Pinschers, and Old English Sheepdogs, are more prone to bloat.

• Age: The risk of bloat increases as a dog ages.

• Eating habits: Eating from a raised food bowl, having one big meal a day, eating quickly, and a lot of running or playing after eating can increase a dogs risk for bloat.

• Genetics: If a dogs ancestors experienced bloating, they are much more likely to experience it themselves.

• Exercise: Exercising after eating can increase a dogs risk for bloat.

• Stress: Anxious dogs are thought to be more prone to bloat, as are dogs in stressful situations or environments such as boarding kennels.

• Ingesting large amounts of food or water too quickly.

• Weighing more than 99 pounds increases the risk by about 20%.

Signs of bloat in dogs include restlessness, pacing, swollen or distended abdomen, painful abdomen, trying to vomit but nothing comes up, and collapse. If you suspect your dog has bloat, it is important to get them to a veterinarian right away, as the condition can be fatal if left untreated. To prevent bloat, you can:

• Feed smaller meals more frequently, and restrict activity for 1-2 hours after eating.

• Dont use a raised bowl unless your vet says your dog needs one.

• Feed them a well-balanced diet, providing the right amounts of protein and fat.

• Monitor your dog for abdominal distension and nonproductive retching.

• Avoid feeding your dog table scraps intended for humans.