While bloat is a fairly common (even deadly) ailment, it is not another way to say a pup is overweight! Much like pharyngeal gag reflexes (aka, reverse sneezes), it has a serious scientific name: gastric torsion. 
This occurs when a deep-chested dog has a full tum (of food or water) and then engages in vigorous activity or exercise. Pups like this Great Dane have stomachs that are not attached to their ribcages, so when it's heavy and full (the "before"), it can flip around and block the intestinal track (the "after").
What other breeds are commonly bothered and how can you prevent this? Find out when you read more.
Help combat bloat before it happens:
- Feed multiple, smaller meals throughout the day instead of one large meal.
- Make sure pets rest for 45 minutes to one hour after eating before any vigorous exercise.
- If you notice your pup gulps food or water, consider a "slowing bowl" like the Drink Better or DogPause.
This typically affects the Akita, Great Dane, German Shepherd, Saint Bernard, Irish Wolfhound, Irish Setter, Doberman Pinscher, Weimaraner, Bloodhound, and other large mixed breed dogs.
Prada
Ben Sherman
Heine
this is what Marley (in Marley and Me) had, right?
I need to get one of those special bowls. We have a big barrel chested dog and he drinks a whole bowl of water in like 30 seconds. It scares me after reading that book.
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