The signs of bloat:

• your dog's belly is swollen

• he tries to vomit, but nothing comes up

• he is drooling heavily

• his gums are white or grey

• his tummy is making gurgling noises

• he refuses to eat, with one of the above signs

Although bloat can be serious, the remedies to help prevent it are really quite simple.  Here is what veterinarians advise.

Feed yogurt

Your dog's digestive tract contains bacteria that help food digest properly.  When there aren't enough of these bacteria, bloat-causing gas may accumulate.  To improve digestion and prevent gas, it is suggested giving plain yogurt with no artificial sweeteners.  Dogs over 15 pounds can have a teaspoon of live-culture yogurt once a day, while smaller dogs can have between one-quarter and one-half teaspoon daily.

Add some digestive enzymes

Another way to improve digestion is to give your dog digestive enzymes once a day.  I highly recommend MSE Hypo Defense, which I give each of my Boxers daily.  The MSE Microbial Paste is a must-have at home if you own a breed prone to bloat, just in case...  Read more about the importance of digestive enzymes and probiotics here.

Divide the meals

Dogs that gobble their food all at once are much more likely to get bloat than those that eat more slowly and more often.  Small meals, more frequently throughout the day, are recommended.  Try feeding your pet twice a day, and if he is still having problems, increase the frequency to three times a day.

Let him eat in peace

Dogs will often bolt their food because they are afraid that other pets in the family might get to it first.  This type of anxious eating can cause gas.  Give him his own space to eat in.

Switch to an all natural food

Holistic veterinarians often recommend that dogs prone to bloat be fed an all natural food without fillers.  Too many popular commercial foods on the market today contain fillers, which absorb tremendous amounts of water in the stomach, causing it to suddenly swell.  There is no doubt in my own mind that the popular and so-called 'premium' food I was feeding Sammi (Boxer girl) years ago, was the direct cause of her bloating and leaving me.  If you're still feeding one of those popular brands, it is suggested to moisten the dry food with water and let it sit for a few minutes before letting your dog eat.  This will allow the food to expand before it goes into his stomach.  I highly recommend you learn more about HealthyPetnet's Life's Abundance, an all natural, high quality food formulated by holistic veterinarian, Dr. Jane Bicks.  Life's Abundance contains no fillers, no toxic preservatives, no wheat, no corn and no dairy, and is formulated for all ages, from puppies to seniors.

Start cooking at home

Research has shown that dogs given a healthful, homemade diet are less likely to bloat.  There are many resources on the internet to learn more about home cooking for your dog, but if you're interested in feeding your dog a raw diet, I highly suggest you start here to learn more.

Calm the tummy with chamomile

A healing herb long used for digestive problems, chamomile may help prevent bloat.  Just make a cup of chamomile tea as you would for yourself, then cool it to room temperature.  Give dogs under 15 pounds one-half teaspoon of chamomile tea a day.  Dogs 15 pounds and over can have one tablespoon a day.  You can mix the tea in their food or put it in their mouths before meals with a needleless syringe.

Work it out

Food can ferment in sluggish intestines, causing gas to accumulate.  Sometimes the problem is lack of conditioning.  It is worth taking your dog for a brisk walk at least once a day.  Just be sure to exercise him before - NOT AFTER - he eats, because vigorous exercise after meals may actually cause bloat.  Wait at least two hours after meals before exercising.

Nix it with Nux

The homeopathic remedy Nux vomica can help reverse buildups of gas right away.  Give two pellets of a 30C dose every half-hour or two pellets of a 6C dose every 15 minutes when your dog seems to be bloating. 

When to call the vet

The scary things about bloat is that it can occur very quickly, sometimes causing the stomach to expand and twist (a condition called torsion or volvulus) in an hour or less.  That's why it's critical to know the warning signs of bloat before it goes too far.  Dogs with sudden bloat will get a hard, swollen abdomen, which, if you tap it with your finger, will thump like a drum.  They wil also be uncomfortable and will arch their backs, lick their lips, drool heavily, and try to swallow.  They will try to vomit, although nothing will come out.  These symptoms mean that your dog is seriously ill, and you will need to get him to your vet or an emergency clinic immediately.

What happens during bloat?

As the condition accelerates, the abdomen begins to swell noticeably from the accumulation of gas in the stomach. In most cases of GDV, the stomach twists 180-360 degrees making it impossible for the pressure to be released without medical intervention. The condition is rapidly fatal, causing shock, coma, and death within minutes or hours.

If your dog exhibits any of the above mentioned symptoms, transport the animal to your vet or to an Emergency Clinic without delay. Treatment is aimed at stabilizing shock, and relieving gas pressure. Surgery should be performed to turn the stomach back to its normal position, remove necrotic tissue and finally, to tack the stomach (gastropexy) to prevent a recurrence of torsion. Once a dog bloats, it will bloat again and torsion or twisting will recur if surgery is not performed following the first GDV episode.

Twenty-nine to thirty-three percent of all dogs with GDV die. Survival depends on how quickly the owners get the dog in for emergency care, how experienced your veterinarian is in treating the disease and luck. Shock, heart arrhythmias, a build-up of metabolic poisons and post-operative infection are the primary causes of death with GDV. These dangerous post-bloat effects can occur for at least 7 days following the GDV episode and surgery.

Risk factors include eating habits, exercise, genetic predisposition, behavior or lifestyle, and environmental influences. The only chance a dog has to make it through GDV depends on the owner's awareness of the condition, observation of symptoms and a swift response. Be sure you know what hours your vet is open and exactly where the closest Emergency Clinic can be found. You should discuss medical emergencies with your vet BEFORE they occur so you can be prepared.