Avoiding bloat

[catseyes]

Any tips? Lumpkin is my first newf and although i have owned a deep chested breed before i am very aware these are more prone.

He is currently still on 4 meals a day and will stay so for another few months, we have a slow feeder bowl on the floor no raised bowls.

We try to keep him calm after eating but him and my other dog go crazy for play after meals so we are trying to keep them apart for a while after eating as we want him to get into the habit of being calm after eating.

We know the rules on no exercise for 2 hours before and after food. I have read about gas products and probiotics and wondered if there is anything else i should know as articles are all well and good but nothing beats advice from other owners!
Thank you!!

 

[YorkvilleNewfie]

Gastropexy performed while under for neutering (hopefully at no earlier than 18 months of age, optimally at 24 months+). Can even be performed laprocopically now. Educating yourself on identifying signs of bloat and not wasting any time in the event of bloat/suspicion of bloat and getting the dog STRAIGHT TO THE VET, including not bothering with Gas-X or any of the other "home remedies".

 

[catseyes]

Gastropexy performed while under for neutering (hopefully at no earlier than 18 months of age, optimally at 24 months+). Can even be performed laprocopically now. Educating yourself on identifying signs of bloat and not wasting any time in the event of bloat/suspicion of bloat and getting the dog STRAIGHT TO THE VET, including not bothering with Gas-X or any of the other "home remedies".

Thank you, i have done a lot of reading and watched some awful youtube vidoes of dogs experiencing bloat to know what to look for. I am in the uk so am unsure if our vets would perform the gastroplexy whilst neutering but it is something i will discuss with them nearer the time as we ideally dont plan on neutering until 24 months.

 

[Brandie&Maggie]

There is a great bloat chart on a sticky on the Maladies and Diseases section. Print that out and post it somewhere.

 

[catseyes]

There is a great bloat chart on a sticky on the Maladies and Diseases section. Print that out and post it somewhere.

Thank you i will x

 

[Cutiemus Maximus]

I started out by crating Admiral after every meal. Now that she's older she knows the drill and relaxes in her "place" (a blanket on the ground in the living room) until I release her. I can luckily use her dose of Crananidin each time as a special treat, and I give her an antler to chew and pass the time if she doesn't feel like sleeping. Crating was key, at first, though.

 

[catseyes]

I started out by crating Admiral after every meal. Now that she's older she knows the drill and relaxes in her "place" (a blanket on the ground in the living room) until I release her. I can luckily use her dose of Crananidin each time as a special treat, and I give her an antler to chew and pass the time if she doesn't feel like sleeping. Crating was key, at first, though.

Thank you, i have been sitting with him and trying to just keep him vaguely calm he hates the crate so much which makes it more difficult!

 

[R Taft]

You also have to realize that some bloats can be caused by stress....so do not stress too much yourself. It is important to know the signs, but still you all have to live a happy life. keep withthe few possibly preventative rules, but also know that there are many newfies who never have bloat. I have had newfies since the 80's in multiples and i have only ever had one bloat episode, which was a stress bloat after surgery....So you need to relax and enjoy your dog, knowledge is your friend and quick trips to the vet if you are worried. I know a lot of first aid, becuase i live a great distance from vets, but most peopled don't. Look for signs you can put on your fridge and be aware what is normal and what is not.......

 

[cmorgan.1505]

I've read that if your pup is a good burp-er that this is a great sign and is good to help lessen the risk of bloat.