How You Can Avoid Dog Bloat This Holiday Season

With food-heavy events like Halloween and Thanksgiving, you might be busy cooking up a storm…and watching your dog snarf up any treats, candy, or bits of dropped food from the floor. Which, as funny as it might be to watch, could lead to them overeating or eating too fast – and ending up with a bad case of dog bloat. (Resulting in a ruined Thanksgiving dinner or Halloween party as you rush your buddy to an emergency vet clinic instead of enjoying your evening.)

Dog bloat, sadly, is a potentially life-threatening condition. So it’s important to know the signs and symptoms to watch out for – and to figure out where your buddy’s been sneaking in those extra bites, licks, and tastes. Let’s dive right in.

What is dog bloat?

Dog bloat happens when a dog’s stomach fills with gas, fluid, or food – causing it to expand.¹ As it does, the stomach puts pressure on other organs, which can lead to:

• Your dog’s heart’s blood supply getting cut off
• A rupture in the wall of your dog’s stomach
• Difficulties breathing
• A twisting of your dog’s stomach, called gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) – which can even send your dog into shock.

⚠️ All of which count as a medical emergency that needs immediate attention. Plus, there isn’t one specific food that causes dog bloat.² What’s important is HOW your buddy’s eaten it – which we’ll cover just a bit further below.

Dog bloat symptoms: What to watch out for

Spotting the signs of dog bloat early can potentially save your buddy’s life. So keep an eye out for:

• A swollen, distended belly
• Attempts to barf – often unsuccessful – which might turn up as coughing or gagging
• Rapid breathing, shortness of breath, or panting, especially if your dog’s stomach is putting pressure on their organs
• Weakness or lethargy, which may signal your dog going into shock
• Excessive drooling,
• Restless pacing,
• Stretching with their butt in the air and their front half down
• Pale gums,
• An elevated heartbeat, higher than 60-140 beats per minute

…especially after a big meal.

⚠️ Left untreated, dog bloat can be potentially fatal since it progresses quickly – sometimes within hours.³ So it’s crucial to act fast and get your buddy to a vet right on time.

Is your dog a sneaky snacker?

Now if you’ve fed your dog their regular meals – and they still seem bloated or uncomfortably full, then it makes sense to figure out if your buddy’s been sneaking some extra snacks and treats on the sly. Which, in the case of a primarily indoor dog, could be from your kitchen counters, under dining tables, from rifling through your trash, or even begging for food from your friends, family, or even neighbors

But for a dog that spends any amount of time unsupervised outdoors, could be just about anywhere. Including spots you’d rather not have your dog sneaking in any bites, licks, or tastes from – like:

• Your neighbors’ barbecue grill,
• The local hotdog stand,
• The local dog park or picnic areas,
• Any nearby hunting grounds,
• Or even nearby restaurants and cafes

⚠️ All places your buddy might end up overeating, eating too fast, or just eating something that might make them very sick.

Common causes of dog bloat & what steps you can take

Eating too much food (and too quickly)

Overeating can trigger bloat – which can occur in a couple of ways. Like, if for example your dog:

• Eats just one big meal a day,
• Eats their meal in just a few bites (which can lead to them gulping down air along with food)
• Eats more than what’s recommended for their weight

In fact, how much you should feed your dog can depend on how much they weigh.

💡 Steps you can take

• Consider breaking up your dog’s total food intake into smaller meals (and smaller portion sizes) at regular intervals throughout the day. 
• Use a slow feeder bowl or a puzzle feeder that dispenses treats at less frequent intervals – so they can pace their eating slower. This can help prevent overfeeding in one go – and any potential stomach trouble down the line.
• Set some kind but firm boundaries with housemates (and guests) regarding giving your dog any extra treats.
• Supervise your dog extra while in the kitchen. In fact, it’s better to keep them distracted elsewhere with a toy, game, or even some dog TV while you’re busy meal prepping.

Drinking too much water

Much like food, drinking too much water all at once can also trigger dog bloat. But in general, a change in your dog’s water intake may be a concerning sign – especially if it isn’t hot outdoors. Here’s an infographic summarizing just how much water most dogs need, depending on their size:

💡Steps you can take

If your dog’s drinking more water than usual for their weight and factors like exercise and heat aren’t the cause – it may be time for a checkup at the vet.

“Most (dogs) need about an ounce of fluids per pound of body weight per day, so a 10-pound dog needs a bit over a cup of clean water daily.

If your dog drinks a lot more than that, it may signal a health problem.”

– Web MD⁴

Your dog’s age, size & breed

Sadly, your dog’s genetics can also play a role in whether they’re at risk for developing bloat.⁵ For example:

• Senior dogs are generally more vulnerable to bloat – with the risk increasing after age 3-5 for larger and giant breeds.
• Bigger dogs may be at higher risk, including Great Danes, Irish Setters, and Saint Bernards.
• Dogs with deep, narrow chests have more room for stomach movements in their abdomens, increasing their risk for bloat. Including Boxers, Basset Hounds, German Shepherds, and Akitas.
• Ironically enough, dogs on the leaner side may be at higher risk for bloat than overweight dogs. Trimmer dogs might have less fat in their abdomens, which means their stomach has more room to move around than those of overweight dogs.
• If your dog has a sibling or parent that’s suffered from bloat, they’re at a higher risk of developing it themselves.
• Male dogs might be slightly more at risk for bloat than female dogs.

💡Steps you can take

Your vet can best advise you whether your buddy’s at risk for bloating because of their age, the way they’re built, or their genetic history. Besides, you could also check with your dog’s adoption center or shelter and ask them about your buddy’s canine relatives. If one of your dog’s littermates or even parents had a case of bloat, it’s possible your buddy might develop it too.

How & what you’re feeding your dog

A 2003 study found that there’s been a whopping 1500% increase in dog bloat over the previous 30 years.⁶ How come? One of the risk factors coming up quite often was the exact type of food dogs were eating. Specifically, dry foods containing fat.

If your buddy’s fond of dry kibble or dry dog food in general, it’s a good idea to check the labels and packaging carefully. If the commercial brands you’ve been feeding them include fat among its first four ingredients, they’re at a 170% higher risk for dog bloat. Likewise, if it contains citric acid and the food’s been moistened before your dog eats, this risk jumps up to 320%!

💡Steps you can take

On the bright side, the same study found that feeding dogs dry food with a rendered meat-and-bone meal actually reduced the risk of bloat. Likewise for mixing table food or canned food into dry food.

Likewise, feeding your dog from a raised food or water bowl can actually raise their risk for bloat. So it may be better to keep their feeding bowls at ground level.

Your dog’s temperament

Your dog might be at higher risk for dog bloat if their personality leans towards nervous, fearful, or even aggressive. Compared to dogs described as having “happy” temperaments, flighty dogs that tend to spook – or go into “fight mode” more easily – may be at a higher risk for bloat.⁷

And a key factor involved seems to be stress. Like after a long car ride, a trip to the vet’s clinic, or if you’ve kept them in an “unfamiliar” environment – like a kennel or a boarding facility – for a while.

💡 Steps you can take

Keep an eye out for when your dog tends to show any signs of stress, fear, or anxiety. A comforting indoor environment, plenty of cuddles, and some play time together can work wonders in helping your buddy feel calmer.

• In some cases, like if your dog tends to spook easily, counter-conditioning them against say, the sound of thunder or even fireworks can help.
• Or, in the case of separation anxiety, practicing gradual departures can help your dog slowly learn you aren’t abandoning them forever.
• Else, your vet can best advise you whether your dog could benefit from anti-anxiety medication – or the support of a professional dog behavioral specialist. 

Other conditions that might resemble dog bloat

Now besides eating too much or too quickly, a bunch of other health conditions might cause your buddy’s stomach to swell.⁸ Including:

• Peritonitis, which is an infection caused by a rupture of your dog’s stomach, gallbladder, or intestine. It could be due to tumors, ulcers, or even bone splinters.
• Cushing’s syndrome, which can develop due to too much of the hormone cortisol. It’s more common among senior dogs and might include symptoms like eating and drinking more than usual, hair loss, and excessive panting.
• Ascites, or the buildup of fluid in your dog’s belly. Which could signal heart failure, liver disease, intestinal or kidney problems.

⚠️ All of which count as a medical emergency and need immediate attention. So if your dog’s stomach seems tender to touch, hot, lumpy, or swollen – get them to your vet right away for a checkup.

How your vet might treat a case of dog bloat

If you suspect your buddy might be bloated, you’re in good hands once you’ve gotten them to your vet. They’ll usually:

• Perform a physical exam for any bloat or take an X-ray to check for any stomach twisting.
• Release any buildup or pressure from your dog’s stomach by gently pushing a tube down your dog’s throat.⁹
• Put a hollow needle through your dog’s belly to release pressure from any stomach twisting. (We know this sounds painful, but don’t worry – your dog is in good hands!)
• Put your dog on intravenous fluids and antibiotics, if they’re in shock.

In more serious cases, your dog might need emergency surgery to get rid of any stomach twisting. Your vet is also likely to tack or stitch your dog’s stomach to the inside of their belly to prevent any twisting in the future.

All of which, if you ask us, are reasons to prevent your buddy from developing dog bloat in the first place.

How to figure out where your dog’s been getting extra “snacks”

Now you could monitor your dog’s every move like a hawk – keeping them busy indoors to prevent them from haranguing your guests or sneaking outdoors. (Until you get too busy taking care of cooking, partying, or just wanting to enjoy your evening, that is.)

💡 But here’s an emergency measure you might not have considered – strapping a GPS tracker to your dog’s collar. Helping you check where your dog’s been spending most of their time, with just a glance at your phone.

🐶 Loved by pet parents around the world, your trusty Tractive GPS helps you figure out where your dog’s been wandering:

• In real-time,
• Over an unlimited range,
• Over a Heat Map of their favorite, most frequented spots – both in your backyard or beyond,
• And even while on vacation (or 175 countries, if you’re on a Premium subscription)

All with just a glance at your phone.

So you can figure out where your buddy’s been coming home a little…extra well-fed. Like from your neighbors’ – or elsewhere.

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Say bye to the bloat & keep those holiday treats out of reach

Dog bloat can be scary to manage – especially since it can land your buddy at an emergency vet ward quicker than your dog can snarf down a fallen snack. But if you keep an eye out for these dog bloat symptoms, you’re that much more likely to pick up on it early – and get your dog the help they need, right when they need it:

• A swollen, distended belly
• Unsuccessful vomiting attempts, which might turn up as coughing or gagging
• Rapid breathing, shortness of breath, or panting
• Weakness or lethargy
• Excessive drooling,
• Restless pacing,
• Stretching with their butt in the air and their front half down
• Pale gums,
• An elevated heartbeat
• A stomach that’s swollen, tender, or hot to the touch

How can I prevent my dog from developing bloat?

By staying informed about the reasons your dog might develop bloat, you’re that much better-prepared to take steps to prevent it.

Causes of dog bloat	Steps you can take
Eating too much food – and too fast	– Feed your dog small meals throughout the day. – Avoid feeding your dog one big meal. – Use a slow feeder to dispense treats at longer intervals.
Drinking too much water	Get in touch with your vet if exercise or the heat aren’t factors.
Your dog’s genetics	– Get in touch with your vet if your dog is at risk due to their age, size, or breed. – Check with your dog’s adoption center or shelter if any of their canine relatives had a case of dog bloat.
How & what you’re feeding your dog	– Avoid using raised food and water bowls. – Try and avoid dry dog food that includes fat and citric acid. – Gradually make the shift towards other dog food alternatives.
Your dog’s temperament	– Keep an eye out for when your dog tends to get stressed out, scared, or anxious. – Set up a comforting indoor environment and spend enough quality time with your dog. – Get in touch with your vet whether anti-anxiety medication can help.
Other medical conditions	Gently examine your dog’s belly for any swelling, lumps, or heat. Drop by your vet for a checkup right away if you do encounter these.

And most importantly…

• Keep an eye out for any food-motivated outdoor wandering.

If your dog is spending any amount of time outdoors – whether supervised or unsupervised – it’s possible they’ll run into a few extra bites, licks, and tastes here and there. Which could lead to a case of accidental (or not so accidental) overeating – or just eating too quickly and ending up swallowing more air than necessary. All of which can land you two at the vet’s clinic at the blink of an eye.

💡 But with the knowledge of where your dog’s off wandering, you’re that much better-informed what they’re likely to encounter. Like if you check your buddy’s Heat Map and Location History:

With just a glance at your phone, you can figure out if your buddy’s wandering somewhere nearby – or further away – they might be fed something off-limits for dogs entirely by accident.

So you can either:

• Mark these spots as “no-go zones” on your Tractive mobile app,
• Warn other pet parents about them,
• Steer clear of these spots altogether,
• And take a more active role in your buddy’s health, safety, and wellbeing

🐶 All this in one device – made with love for dogs and for your peace of mind as a dog parent.

“We don’t have fencing around our property and our adventurous dog regularly gallivanted around our local town, inevitably ending up having eaten something horrendous.

Since putting the Tractive tag on her collar, we have had no trouble driving straight to her, wherever she might be, intercepting her before she can do herself any harm.”

– Ryan, AU (Source: Trustpilot)

Always know where your dog is

Follow every step in real-time with unlimited range. Get alerts if they wander too far. Keep them happy & healthy with Wellness Monitoring. And let others – like walkers or sitters – keep an eye on your dog too.

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Curious about how vets diagnose dog bloat and stomach twisting? Here’s Dr. Krista Magnifico, DVM walking you through the process:

And if you’ve liked this post, share it with a friend or a loved one – and let’s build a safer, kinder world for our furry friends together. Happy holidays!

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Your furry friend’s health and wellbeing means as much as to us as it does to you. So we’ve made it a priority to only share medically-relevant content on our blog.

This post was checked, double-checked, and medically verified by Georgia-based vet, Dr. Dwight Alleyne.

Originally from Long Island, New York, Dr. Alleyne began his career at a no-kill animal shelter before becoming a licensed veterinary technician. He graduated from Cornell University Veterinary College in 2006 and completed an internship at Purdue University.

Now practicing in Georgia, Dr. Alleyne specializes in soft tissue surgery and ultrasounds. He also writes pet health articles on his website, “The Animal Doctor Blog” (www.anmldrblog.com).