07/09/2026
🐾 TAKE THE LEAD – TOPIC OF THE WEEK
⚠️ BLOAT (GDV) – Why feeding before a walk can be dangerous.
This week we're talking about bloat, also known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). It’s something every dog owner should be aware of because it can become a life-threatening emergency very quickly.
🐶 What is bloat?
Bloat happens when a dog's stomach fills with gas, food or fluid and becomes enlarged. In the most serious cases, the stomach can twist, trapping the contents and cutting off blood supply to vital organs. Without urgent veterinary treatment, GDV can be fatal.
🍽️ Why shouldn't dogs eat immediately before exercise?
Exercising soon after a meal is considered a risk factor for bloat. Veterinary organisations recommend leaving a period between meals and strenuous exercise. Blue Cross recommends at least one hour between meals and exercise, and specifically recommends two hours after a meal before running with your dog.
At Take the Lead, we therefore ask owners not to feed their dog for around 1½–2 hours before their walk. This gives their meal time to settle before they're running, playing and exercising.
It's a simple precaution that can help keep the dogs in our care safe. ❤️
