Top 5 Signs of Bloat in Dogs

It's hard not to be concerned when your dog doesn't act like their usual self. Whether you have a hyperactive pup or an old companion who lives on the more mellow side, seeing them uncomfortable and not feeling well is never a good feeling. While you should always consult your vet at the first sign of distress and concern for their health, it can be helpful to know what to look for — especially when it comes to signs of bloat in dogs.

Here are the symptoms to look for and how probiotics for dogs can help prevent issues in the future:

What Causes the Signs of Bloat in Dogs?

There are several causes of bloating issues in dogs. Sometimes the bloat in the belly can be minor, but when left untreated, sometimes dogs' stomachs can inflate to be nearly the size of a basketball.

The culprit is usually food, gas, or liquid caught in the stomach. However, there are several causes for why a dog may be experiencing bloat such as:

• Eating large amounts of food or drinking water too quickly
• Weighing more than 99 pounds increases the risk by about 20 percent
• Old age
• Exercising immediately after eating 
• Eating from an elevated food bowl
• Eating dry food with fat or oil listed in the first four ingredients

Often bloat in dogs can signify an even more severe condition such as gastric dilation volvulus. GDV occurs when a dog's stomach twists inside them. Without treatment, GDV is often fatal in many dogs. 

Know the Signs of Bloat in Dogs

Noticing subtle changes in behavior can be the first step in catching bloat in your dog before it develops into an even more severe condition. You can't always tell visually if your dog is experiencing a bloating issue, especially if they're more oversized or overweight. Bloating conditions can turn serious within two hours of symptoms, so you need to act fast. Here are the first signs to look for and how to know when to contact your veterinarian:

Restlessness and Pacing

One of the first signs of bloat in dogs is usually a change in behavior where your dog is more restless than usual. They may be pacing significantly more. This is due to how uncomfortable the bloating is making them feel. Pay close attention to your dog's typical patterns and if something seems uncharacteristic, call your veterinarian. 

Dry Heaving

Another telltale sign of bloat in dogs is dry heaving. If your dog is experiencing an unproductive dry heave as if they were trying to throw up, but nothing happens, keep a close eye on him. If it keeps happening, you'll need to act fast.

Excessive Drooling, Foam or Mucus

Another early sign of bloat in dogs is excessive drooling. Often this can also look like foam around the mouth or mucus. If your dog is dry heaving and the only thing to be produced is foam or mucus, see a veterinarian immediately.

Trouble Breathing or Collapse

When a dog's stomach bloats, it can push up against their lungs and cause issues with breathing. If your dog is excessively panting in a way that does not seem typical or is experiencing very labored breathing without much exertion, you will need to see medical attention. Collapse can be a result of these breathing issues and another sign of bloat in dogs.

Excessive Whining and Belly Being Sensitive to the Touch

Another change in behavior that can be a sign of bloat in dogs is excessive whining. While dogs are known to whine occasionally, it's vital to know what is a normal amount for your dog so you can be in tune with how they may be feeling to avoid a health crisis. If your dog is whining, acting particularly guarded about their belly, acting sensitive to touch or even relaxing in the downward dog position way more than usual to avoid having their belly touch the ground, you will need to take your dog to seek a medical consult. 

How To Prevent Bloat in Dogs

While not all cases of bloat in dogs are preventable, there are some things you can do to help your dog have better chances of avoiding this kind of medical issue.

Reconsider Your Dog's Bowl

While an elevated bowl seems kind, it could be putting your dog at risk. Even for tall dogs, keeping a bowl on the ground rather than an elevated bowl on a stand can help prevent experiencing the signs of bloat in dogs. 

Space Out Meals

While your dog may be perfectly content to eat all their food in one sitting, this is not the best for their digestive system. Serving smaller meals at least two times a day instead of one large meal decreases your dog's chances of experiencing bloat. 

Consider a Preventative Medical Procedure

If you're extra concerned about your dog experiencing GDV because they have a family history of the medical condition, there are preventive measures you can take to decrease their risk.

A prophylactic surgery called gastropexy anchors the stomach to the inside of the body wall within your dog. This will prevent the stomach from rotating when it becomes distended. The procedure can even be done as a puppy when they are going in to be neutered, or for larger dogs who have already been "fixed," the procedure can be done laparoscopically. 

Probiotics for Dogs Can Help

Probiotics for dogs can have a wide range of positive impacts on your dog's overall health. While they can't treat bloating issues in a moment of emergency, adding probiotics for dogs to your pet's daily regimen can go a long way in preventing digestive issues like bloat from occurring.  

If your dog frequently suffers from digestive distress, you may want to consider a probiotic for dogs. It can help alleviate common digestive issues such as diarrhea, vomiting or gas. By improving your pup's digestive health with probiotics for dogs, you also decrease the risk of bloat. 

Try Swaggy Tail's Digestive Enzymes for Dogs

Seeing the signs of bloat in dogs in your own best friend can be scary. Knowing the symptoms to look out for puts you in a fantastic position to be your dog's advocate and get them the care they need as quickly as possible before bloat conditions can turn deadly.

However, you can also arm your dog's gut health with the proper support it needs to maintain a properly functioning digestive system. Adding probiotics for dogs to your regular mealtimes as a special treat can help give your dog the relief he deserves while also putting your mind at ease. 

Swaggy Tail's Digestive Enzymes for Dogs makes adding probiotics to your dog's healthy diet easy and will quickly become part of your daily routine. Swaggy Tails Digestive Enzymes contain live, naturally occurring microorganisms that aid in digestion and alleviate uncomfortable symptoms like gas and diarrhea. Probiotics for dogs are the perfect preventative measure as they actively produce short-chain fatty acids inside your dog's intestinal tract, which plays a vital role in preventing harmful bacteria from growing in the first place. 

Our Digestive Enzymes for Dog come in soft chews, so it's easy for all dogs of any age to eat and enjoy.