05/21/2026
Bloat: What You Need to Know
By Jason Wallington II
We can all agree puppies are adorable. They are little balls of fur running and jumping wherever the wind blows. Unfortunately, they also relieve themselves wherever they think the wind blows until they learn proper habits. For some owners, this can be frustrating. For others who establish consistency and structure early, it becomes much easier.
Schedules are important for far more than house training. They help with obedience, reduce stress and anxiety, create healthy routines, and provide dogs with structure, working time, play time, and proper rest. Most importantly, schedules can also help protect dogs from serious health risks.
One of the main reasons I keep my dogs on a schedule is for their health, and that brings us to today’s topic: Bloat, also known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV).
GDV is one of the most dangerous medical emergencies a dog can experience. Without immediate veterinary treatment, it can become fatal within hours.
Bloat occurs when the stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid and begins to expand. In more severe cases, the stomach can twist on itself, trapping the contents inside and cutting off both entry and exit points. Once twisted, the condition rapidly becomes life-threatening.
As the stomach expands, pressure builds inside the abdomen. This pressure compresses the diaphragm, making it difficult for the dog to breathe. At the same time, major blood vessels returning blood to the heart can become restricted, reducing circulation throughout the body and sending the dog into shock.
Without proper blood flow, tissues in the stomach begin to die. In severe cases, the stomach can rupture. The spleen may also twist along with the stomach, causing additional tissue damage and complications.
Despite years of research, veterinarians still do not know one exact cause of bloat. However, studies have identified several factors that increase risk. GDV is seen more commonly in:
Large and giant breed dogs
Deep-chested breeds such as Great Danes, German Shepherds, Standard Poodles, and Weimaraners
Middle-aged and older dogs
Male dogs more often than females
Dogs that eat rapidly
Dogs that consume large meals followed by strenuous activity
That said, no breed is completely exempt. Bloat can occur in dogs of any size.
Many dogs that experience bloat have a history of eating or drinking large amounts and then becoming highly active shortly afterward. This is where schedules become extremely important.
Structured feeding schedules allow owners to monitor exactly when their dog eats and drinks. Instead of allowing constant grazing throughout the day, scheduled meals make it easier to provide proper digestion time before intense exercise, rough play, running, or training sessions.
Additional ways to help reduce the risk of bloat include:
Feeding multiple smaller meals throughout the day instead of one large meal
Slowing down fast eaters with slow-feed bowls or food puzzles
Avoiding heavy exercise immediately before and after meals
Reducing stress and anxiety around feeding times
Avoiding excessive water intake immediately after intense exercise
Maintaining a healthy body condition and weight
Some older recommendations suggested elevated food bowls for large dogs, but more recent studies have shown elevated feeding may actually increase the risk of GDV in some dogs.
Symptoms of bloat can appear suddenly and worsen very quickly. Signs may include:
A swollen or tight abdomen
Excessive drooling
Panting or difficulty breathing
Restlessness or pacing
Signs of pain or distress
Repeated unsuccessful attempts to vomit
Weakness or collapse
Many owners describe their dog acting uncomfortable, unable to settle down, or trying repeatedly to vomit with little or nothing coming up.
If you believe your dog may be experiencing bloat, do not attempt home treatment. Do not “wait and see.” Do not wait until morning.
Get your dog to a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately.
Minutes matter with GDV.
Your dog’s life may depend on it.
Sources
petmd.com�
Elizabeth Xu, DVM
acvs.org�
vcahospitals.com�
Dr. Katie Grzyb discusses what causes bloat in dogs, including symptoms and common underlying conditions. She also discusses how to manage bloat with medication and when surgery is necessary.
