Lost my 7 yr old to what we belive was bloat

[JakodaCD OA]

I'm sorry for your loss if anyone even "thinks" their dog is bloating or acting weird, as described above, I would encourage them to get to the vet asap..Sometimes however, it just happens and we don't even see the signs.

I have never had a dog bloat, and hope to god I never do

[Stella's Mom]

Originally Posted by Rott-n-GSDs

I am so very sorry for your loss.

There are many things that cause and are thought to cause bloated, but to my knowledge, tummy rubs are not one of them. In fact, one of the things we've done for excessive gassiness is to give a gentle rub.

It is thought that exercise too close to a meal is a leading cause of bloat. Another thought is an all dry diet can be a risk factor, as well as wetting down certain kinds of food. Elevated feeders are said to prevent bloated, but there are studies that suggest they can actually cause it.

Finally, genetics likely play a big role. Some dogs are just at a higher risk. I believe my Rottweiler is genetically predisposed to bloat, so I take measures to prevent it. He is fed a raw diet with a digestive enzyme, he doesn't get exercised 2 hours before or after he eats, and is watched carefully after a meal. I'm considering a preventative gastropexy, which basically racks the stomach so it won't flip if he does bloat.

We also are very familiar with the signs. The first ones with Apollo are lethargy, drooling, and licking the air. When he starts that, we give him soda crackers, Gas X strips, and apply pressure to the accupressure point (on the rear leg just above where it bends). We then rush immediately to the e-vet, provided he isn't already better. (he usually excels gas or belches with the accupressure point). He has had a handful of bloat scares and one 90 mph trip to the vet. Luckily, he was fine when we arrived.

Again I'm sorry for your loss. This is a lesson to us all... know the signs of bloat and act immediately. Bloat kills quickly.

Thanks for your informative post. I think I will look into getting digestive enzymes too. What do you use?

[Stella's Mom]

So very sorry for your loss. Very heartbreaking. Seven is just too young.
Max you were well loved.

[Rott-n-GSDs]

I use Longevity by Springtime, Inc. It also contains supplements. It makes a huge difference with Apollo's gas.

[1sttimeforgsd]

So sorry for your loss, run free sweet Max run free. He will be waiting for you at the bridge someday.

[Holmeshx2]

Im so sorry for your loss. I highly doubt belly rubs caused this. Like someone already mentioned experts disagree on it constantly one person says something causes it one person says the same thing prevents it. A few things that are simple preventatives are not feeding before or after alot of exercise, if they just ate a meal or even drank alot of water I wouldn't have them lay on their backs for a little bit not saying this causes it but certainly worth not doing for safety sake, do not allow them to comsume large amounts of water at a time or right around (before after) meal time. If your dog is outside running let him have a small amount of water wait a bit then let him have some more. When dogs are super thirsty they gulp and risk swallowing lots of air. DO NOT let them jump around after a meal especially things like jumping for a frisbee etc.. actually even without a meal I wouldn't allow this because their bodies twist and just too many risks of different problems arising.

As mentioned a few times if you notice any signs get them in to a vet immediately. I understand it's expensive but if its minor they can help it from getting worse and if you wait to long you are looking at a nasty vet bill and a major chance of losing your pet which is worse then anything.

A few things to always keep on hand are gas-x strips however I actually prefer phazyme they are little tiny red gel caps that work super quick and have the highest concentration of Simethicone. Definitely put a few (like 8 for an adult) down the throat and rush to the vet obviously if you only get a few its better then nothing but you can safely give more and it helps work quick if you just have a bit of worry I would definitely give it. There has been times Jinx rushed in the door and drank a ton of water which freaks me so I give her a few and within less then a minute she lets out a huge belch which of course makes me happy. Nothing freaks me out more then bloat but the best thing you can do is always walk on the side of caution don't brush things off and definitely as much as everyone has heard of bloat actually read and learn the symptoms and what can be done you can never have too much knowledge on the subject.

[elsie]