Advice/tips on dog bloat, please

[tx_dane_mom]

I don't know how much truth there is to it, but there are alot of people who believe lineage has alot to do with the likelyhood a dane will bloat/torsion. Also, structure. I have been at a show where a judge has told someone 'That grump's owner needs to have her tacked ASAP b/c she's bound to torsion any day.' If you're in these giant breeds for years you learn what to watch for. Stress is a HUGE factor. I personally, won't breed to a dog who died of bloat who has alot of others in the pedigree who have. I have heard all about elevated feeding, etc, etc. I have had danes for 6.5 yrs now (very short time compared to MANY I know) but have had MANY danes come through my home (rescue as well as now show dogs) and my dogs usually eat 1 meal a day off the floor, sometimes 2 meals.
You ought to read up on Solid Gold dog food. Her theory is the ingredients in American kibble vs. European as their dogs don't bloat near as frequently as ours. So many different theories, I am just glad your boy is ok. There is also an acupunture point you can use I use to have a link for. But, the phazyme/gas-x (getting in in the dropper for babies is probably the easiest on the dog and fastest ingestion) is the best I know of in a quick pinch for bloat alone. Now, torsion....I have heard of very *few* dogs even surviving the surgery for that.
HTH,
Kristi

 

[FlightsofFancy]

I am so sorry to hear about you dog! I hope everything turns out ok!!
I have had a life time of education on this subject. Seems my family and I choose breeds predisposed to this (English Pointers, Labradors, Boxers) and I have very close friends with highly competitive sport dogs (Border Collies). I am also a dog groomer, so all the more exposure.
I agree with a lot of what has already been said and I have found that smaller meals, slowing down the eating (I recommend tennis balls, NOT rocks!) and your food choice to be keys for success.
The food of choice among my competitive friends and myself is Flint River Ranch. It is a highly digestible, baked food so it does not expand in the gut causing bloat. You can feed it dry or add water to make an instant gravy. It is also all natural human grade ingredients and made in the USA! Another great convenience about Flint River is that it ships directly to your door, usually with in 24 hours.
I am very passionate about this food as I have seen some pretty amazing results in my own dogs and my clients pets, too.
www.frrco.com/122566
Please contact me if you would like a sample or if I can answer any questions.