Bloat: a serious issue.

Bloat is a very serious health issue for dogs. Many dogs owners, (including me) thought bloat was just a bad case of tummy trouble. But surprisingly, it is the 2nd killer of dogs besides for cancer. Bloat can happen from a host of things, but the main cause is almost always your dog eating or drinking to quick. Exercising right before or after eating can also cause bloat. When your dog eats or drinks to quick he tends to lap up air, the normal cause of bloat (solids and fluids can also contribute though).When the excess air builds up in his stomach, it swells, blocking blood flow to his vital organs, smashing nerves/organs, and dangerous twisting of the stomach.Ultimately, this combination leads to death. Slowing your dog while eating or drinking will be a near impossible task, but there are solutions. A simple solution (if your dog will ignore it) would be to place a tennis ball in your dogs food bowl, which should slow him down a bit. Slow feeder bowls contain built in obstacles, such as prongs, ridges, or bumps, that slows your dog down. These obstacles don't make it hard for your dog to eat, they just prohibit him from eating his whole bowl in 30 seconds. Anti-gulping water bowls contain a large floating disc with holes in it, where adequate amounts of water pass through. Owners benefit as they also prevent wet messes from your dog. With this in mind, try a tennis ball, but if that doesn't work you can find slow feeder and anti-gulping bowls at your local PETCO. Likewise, view online the Eatbetter® and Drinkbetter® product line. For more information on bloat and its causes, visit http://www.globalspan.net/bloat.htm or talk to your vet next checkup. Have a great Thankgiving!