Bloat.....Know the symptoms

labradorgirl · Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 11:17 am Post subject:

Very interesting, thanks.

Unfortunately i know 1st hand about bloat, as even though my beloved Irishwolf Hound was diagnosed with heart failure we lost him 4 months later to bloat.

I have just read about the raised feeding bowls which now am totally confused as i did read somewhere that raised can prevent bloat, i am just wondering now wether is is only raised bowls for giant breed dogs and not for large as in Labradors.?

Can anyone help me out on this, as i was going to go out to buy raised bowls for Harvey and was only talking about it the other day to OH, not to sure what i am going to do now.

_Lorna_ · Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 12:01 pm Post subject:

the raised bowl bit has confused me too

lorna

Topseyt · Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 12:55 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the further replies, Heidi and Jules. Very Happy

Heidi, what you were saying was almost word for word what was explained to us in a canine care course I have recently completed (about dry food being more risky if not soaked). Apart from Charlie being a bolter, it is the other main reason why I have been soaking his food. Actually I just use cold drinking water out of the tap and leave it to sit until it is soft and bulked out.

I feed Burns. I don't think I have seen citric acid on the list of ingredients. Off to check now! Very Happy

I too am sure that I read of raised bowls being a help in avoiding bloat, though can't remember where. I would have thought that for dogs who are old, or have arthritis or something then it could be a must. You could soak the food too. In all probability it would be OK if the other precautions are observed too??

Basil · Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 1:58 pm Post subject:

I think there's mixed view on the raised bowls, some articles say they help and some say they increase the risk - it was the lack of evidence either way that stopped me buying them tbh.

Mollydolly · Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 1:59 pm Post subject:

Topseyt · Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 2:02 pm Post subject:

I have just looked on the Burns website, and they don't list citric acid in the ingredients for any of their dry foods as far as I can see. Very Happy

I shall continue to soak, as I do presently. It seems generally better all around.

I don't use a raised bowl, btw. Its just if injury or illness forced me to change then I probably would.

Mollydolly · Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 2:04 pm Post subject:

Burns Nutritional helpline 0800 083 66 96

I have just phoned them and nutritionist has said it is all to do with the quality of the food and how easy it is to digest. She doesnt think that raised bowls cause bloat, but should help prevent the dog gulping air.

Her advice regarding the citric acid: if the food contains citric acid dont soak it.

Burns does not contain citric acid. So therefore it doesnt matter either way if it is soaked or not.

hth

Topseyt · Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 2:07 pm Post subject:

Thanks, Heidi. Very Happy

Bella85 · Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2009 12:50 pm Post subject:

this is very helpful... Thank you!

tjlab · Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 6:23 pm Post subject:

Just wanting to give this a bump.

Sadly we lost a Leonberger in the kennels to this a couple of weeks ago, during the night and I must say he was fine and had no symptoms when I left him at 10.00pm. He belonged to a local vet and so she fully understood these things happen, devastating for everyone concerned. She believes that you do not need to high feed.

Really all I wanted to do is alert any newbies or new owners to the problem, please read through all the symptoms and if you are in any doubt got your dog to the vet asap.

Trace x