Just read about bloat

I don't want B to get bloat. She weights around 50-60 lbs. What,how often and how much should I feed her?

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You are the best judge on how much food you should give your pup. Each dog is different on consumption, depending on size, age and activity level. Ask your vet or breeder how much you should provide.

Whatever the amount of food, I would spread feedings out during the day, especially if your pup is a gobbler. Split the food up into two or three feedings should decrease the possibility of bloat.

I free feed my guy because he picks and eats on crazy schedules. The bowl is filled twice a day.

I recently attended a pretty detailed seminar on bloat. The key is to avoid having your dog eat large quantities quickly while gulping lot of air and to avoid having the dog run around with a full stomach. Based on your description of B's relative inactivity, it does not sound like she's a high risk for bloat, but it is still good to be aware and to try and prevent it.

The recommendations were:

1. Feed your dog 2-3 small meals per day instead of one big meal

2. Don't use an elevated food dish unless other medical reasons call for it (such as difficulty standing)

3. Soak the food with water before you give it to the dog (takes 10-15 minutes to soften)

4. Don't feed the dog when he/she is tired, panting, or out of breath. Wait til she calms down and is breathing normally.

5. Don't let your dog engage in vigorous exercise for 2-3 hours before and after each meal. Keep exercise and feeding as far apart as your schedule permits. A walk around the block is not a problem, but no fetch, dog parks, etc.

6. Don't feed your dog random leftovers from your dinner. The surgeon said that in a huge percentage of cases he has treated, the dog had eaten leftover casserole, lasagna, and other foods that the dog does not normally get to eat.

He also commented that the deeper and skinnier the dog's chest is, the more likely the dog is to bloat.

If you suspect your dog is bloating, it is a medical and surgical emergency and they must be taken to the Vet right away. Signs include the bloated, distended belly, panting, salivating, and discomfort. The surgeon said that nearly all cases of bloat he has treated occurred in the middle of the night. He recommended that if your dog is acting strange in the middle of the night, to take it seriously.

Thanks for all the extra information-- what I'd read in dog books didn't go that far into it. It's no wonder sheepdogs are more prone to it than other breeds-- Harley's chest is extremely deep and skinny, like most other sheepies.

Quote:

2. Don't use an elevated food dish unless other medical reasons call for it (such as difficulty standing)

Very interesting! I have often heard that a raised dish is a good
way to help prevent bloat. I have considered getting a raised
dish for that very reason - glad I didn't now!

Shellie

Shellie wrote:

Quote:

2. Don't use an elevated food dish unless other medical reasons call for it (such as difficulty standing)

Very interesting! I have often heard that a raised dish is a good
way to help prevent bloat. I have considered getting a raised
dish for that very reason - glad I didn't now!

Shellie

Yeah, the surgeon talked about how initially, everyone thought they would help but actually, the raised food bowl makes it easier for the gulpers to gulp. If your dog doesn't inhale food, it is probably ok to use one but it is no longer recommended.

Just remembered two more things.

The Vet said to avoid competitive eating situations where the dog feels like he has to quickly scarf down his food or else someone else is going to take it.

Also, you want to avoid giving your dog huge quantities of water right before or after active exercise. If you dog is running around, you don't want a big bowl of water sloshing around in his tummy.

Here is a great link to have stored on your computer, it also details signs of a dog bloating. Elevated feeders are not recommended at all it is mentioned here on this link too. Also information on helping to prevent bloat too.

http://www.globalspan.net/bloat.htm

Yet another reason I prefer free feeding...

Bloat can happen in the middle of the day , I had my shepherd Hitchiker at obedience class . It was a hot day and a strenuious class and after a drive of about 25 mins when we got home he went to his water bowl and drank , he then went and laid down in the back corner of the yard with his face away from the house which was unusual and wouldn't get up when I went to him so we took him straight to the vet and he operated right away but it was to late and we lost our wonderful pet. since then I guard the water bowl very carefully and my dogs have all the water they need but I make sure they have no chance of drinking it right after a hard workout or play.

jean wrote:

That's so sad Jean

I only heard about water causing bloat recently, here on the forum... I think it was Bosley's Mom who mentioned it?

Willowsprite wrote:

Yet another reason I prefer free feeding...

Us too. I use elevated feeders because we have grazers. Bear is so big though, even his elevated one still requires a significant amount of bending over. Both the boys are so lazy that even when they have to eat from the floor, they just lay down with the bowl between their paws and jam their heads in it.

jean wrote:

Jean that is so sad!

I didn't mean to suggest that it wouldn't happen during the day. I think the doctor had wanted to emphasize that if your sheepie is acting strange at night, you should act quickly and not wait til your regular Vet's office opens.

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