There’s a lot that goes into taking care of a dog. In addition to making sure they get plenty of play and exercise, they need to be fed quality food and treats to stay healthy. This might sound easy enough, but a quick internet search and a looksie at the ingredient list on most pet food brands will tell you; keeping your pet healthy takes a lot of homework. Among the hundreds of health issues to worry about in dogs, there is one that often gets overlooked; bloat.

Though bloating in humans is generally pretty harmless, if not uncomfortable, canine bloat is a lot more serious, and can even be deadly.

With that in mind, you might be asking yourself ‘just what is bloat?’

Canine bloat, also known as Gastric Dilation and Volvulus Syndrome, or GDV is what happens as a result of having an overfull belly. It can be caused by too many fluids, a buildup of gas, or too much food. If not taken care of, the stomach can end up twisted and can cut off its blood supply. Similarly, if the stomach becomes too swollen it can press against surrounding blood vessels and other major organs. This can produce a drastic reduction in blood and oxygen flow to them and result in shock, organ failure, and death if not treated right away.

Of course, the best way to deal with canine bloat is to prevent it from ever happening in the first place. Fortunately, there are a lot of helpful tips out there to do that, and we’ve compiled a list of 7 of the best of them.

1. Get rid of the elevated food bowls

Though they were initially touted as helping to prevent canine bloat, recent research has found something else entirely. One in-depth study determined that elevated food bowls caused a 20% risk increase for bloat in large dog breeds and a terrifying 52% risk increase for giant dog breeds.

You don’t have to throw it away, bet you definitely need to stop feeding your dog from it. Maybe repurpose it as a plant stand?

2. Doctor up their dog food

When it comes to feeding your pup a bloat preventative diet, there are several things you can do to improve their grub. You can start by mixing in wet and dry food together to soften it up and make it more digestible.

When looking for quality food, steer clear of brands that list citric acid or any kind of fat within the first 4 ingredients. In addition, you can add in certain enzymes and probiotics to maintain their gut health and prevent gas.

3. Make them rest

If a dog is up and running shortly after eating, the weight of the food can easily jostle their belly and increase the likelihood of your pup twisting their stomach.

To be on the safer side of things, avoid playing with or exercising your pooch for at least one hour before and after mealtime. In fact, letting them rest for up to 2 hours after eating is even better still.

4. Find a way to make them slow it down

If you notice your dog basically inhales their food, it’s time to come up with a creative way to feed them slowly. The problem is that when they eat too quickly, they end up swallowing air which can not only be painful, but also lead to the dreaded bloat.

Consider purchasing a slow feeder (also called a fun feeder) for your pet. These specially designed dog bowls come with meandering or swirling ridges that trap the food so your dog has to work for it. This will force them to slow their feeding while keeping them entertained at the same time.

5. Feed them more frequently with smaller portions

Consider how you feel after consuming a large meal. Your belly is full to the point that it’s uncomfortable and leaves you feeling sluggish and remorseful. It’s no different for our dogs.

By feeding them smaller portions, the belly stays less full and has an easier time digesting than if it’s overloaded. Plus, you’re doggo will love getting an “extra” meal in the day.

6. Simethicone is your dog’s best friend

Preventing gas is the precursor to preventing bloat in dogs. Thankfully, a drug known as Simethicone works wonders in this respect. It is an ingredient in many anti-gas products, including Mylanta Gas, Gas-Z, and Phazyme. Just ask your vet how much to give them at one time, or if they aren’t available, you can read this article for a general rule of thumb.

7. Keep fresh water out at all times, but in small amounts

It’s important for your dog to drink water frequently to stay hydrated. Staying hydrated is equally important to help your dog digest their food. On the other hand, though, if they lap it up too fast the same thing happens as when they inhale their food; they swallow too much air.

You can prevent this by either filling their dish with less water more frequently or purchase a bowl specifically designed to deliver measured amounts of water.

That wraps up our list of tips to keep your dog feeling happy and bloat-free. If you ever do think your dog is bloated, please get in touch with your vet immediately. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. To learn more about canine bloat, how to recognize it, and how to prevent it, watch the informative video below.

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H/T: Relieved