This photo shows a beautiful boy, Genesis Dasher who recently passed away passed away from bloat/torsion.He had spend an amazing day playing frisbee in the garden with his family, had just graduated Top Dog in his obedience class and was a happy, healthy, much loved family member. They woke in the morning to discover Dasher already gone.
We want to take a moment to honour this handsome, gentle soul by bringing this condition to everyone's attention. Maybe, in his own way, Dasher can help save another dog from the same fate.
Dogs most at risk for bloat are deep chested animals, not necessarily wide across the chest but deep from back to sternum. Dogs with a family member who has had bloat have a higher risk. Usually dogs don't bloat until the are upwards of 6+ years but it can happen much younger, as is evidenced by Dasher.
Risks can be greatly reduced.
1. Feed your dog at least 2 meals a day and do NOT use raised food dishes as they increase the change of bloat, despite recent advertising to the contrary. Dogs dishes should be on the floor.
2. If you are feeding moistened kibble moisten it with canned food, NOT water as water can react with certain preservatives and increase the risk of bloat.
3. Adding a bit of canned food tends to lower the risk.
4. Encourage your dog to eat slowly, gulping down food quickly has been known to contribute to bloat. If your dog is a gobbler, break their meals into smaller, more frequent portions.
5. Do not allow your dog to exercise immediately following a meal, and
6. Limit water supply when they are very active.
According to a recent study done in Florida, the three main contributors to bloat are:
1. Breed of dog. Shepherds are on the list of dogs who regularly bloat.
2. Family member having bloated.
3. Raised food bowls.
Also, although 20% of large breed dogs will bloat in their lifetime, not all will die from bloat. If you see your dog drooling , acting restless, thirsty but unable to keep down water, or licking or pawing at their abdomen take him to the vet immediately. Bloat is life threatening. Sometimes, but not always, you can see the build up of gas in the dog.
Perhaps by raising awareness, and each of us taking a few extra precautions, Dasher's very sad death might in fact save another dog.
Rest in peace Dasher.
