[CorkyMax]

Here is a very good site on this subject---important to know for a lot of different breeds mentioned. This is life-threatening!! A lot of do's and don'ts to try to keep this from happening!
Bloat in Dogs

PLEASE SCROLL UP TO TOP OF THIS ARTICLE AFTER 1ST GETTING INTO THIS SITE!!

thx for the info!

[CorkyMax]

This thread is worth bringing to the 'forefront' and here are links to a true story that actually happened to Brigitte Smith--person who emails a newsletter on caring for dogs (I have recently posted articles and links to this newsletter!). This 1st link is her true story on her dog that got GDV (bloat) and nearly died. The 2nd link is on signs of bloat and what to do--which can be mistaken for other things--BUT this is an emergency that needs quick response or your dog could die very quickly!

GDV | Dog Health Care by Dog Health Enthusiast Brigitte Smith

GDV – Some Frightening Facts | Dog Health Care by Dog Health Enthusiast Brigitte Smith

[shandwill]

I've read quite a bit about this topic, as I have two large/giant breed dogs that fit the "at risk" model. However, some of the information has been conflicting. Do I elevate the food and water bowls or not? With my 5-year-old, I read that I WAS supposed to, so he has always ate from an elevated bowl. However, I'm now brushing up on my knowledge with my new 9-month-old, and I am unsure. I started feeding her from a elevated bowl, but the past two days I have fed her on the ground. She seemed to have more trouble eating this way and even vomited a little after her breakfast this morning. He previous owners said she vomited every now and then, but they thought it was due to feeding her large kibble. I moisten my dogs' food and place "obstacles" in their bowls and neither of them have had any trouble (until this morning). They do burp occasionally after eating or drinking but do not appear uncomfortable, restless, etc. I also know to let them rest after eating before going out to play. I just want to make sure I'm doing as much to prevent bloat as possible!

[CorkyMax]

I don't know if this will help or not--Like you said a lot of controversy on this question. It prob. won't give you a positive answer but some info you may not know and some statistics too: How an Elevated Dog Feeder Could Lead to Bloat I put this in my browser to find the above link: dogs/bloat/elevated bowls. There were many sites listed but I did not read anymore. Your choice.

[CorkyMax]

Glad to find an excuse to bring this subject back to 'the front lines!'---Maybe will help save a poor dog's life if that dog's owner reads up on this!
Here is a bit more info I just seen on this subject-- But please go back also to the beginning of this thread and 'bone up!'
Remedy for Bloat?
Dogs who are bloated either have food bloat or life-threatening GDV, gastric dilatation, in which the stomach twists on its axis.
Jon Geller, DVM

Q. I read somewhere that mineral oil can be used as an interim remedy for bloat. Because it's an emergency situation, is this something that can be helpful while getting access to a vet?

Dr. Jon GellerA. Please, please, please, never give mineral oil to your dog if you think its stomach looks bloated!

Mineral oil can be effective in horses if they have colic due to some kind of intestinal obstruction.

Dogs that are bloated either have food bloat (they overate big time) or life-threatening GDV, gastric dilatation and volvulus, in which the stomach twists on its axis.

It's not possible to tell the difference between the two conditions without taking X-rays, so please always take your dog immediately to the veterinarian if you think its stomach looks bloated. It's not unusual for us to get a call at our emergency clinic from someone who had been watching their dog at home after its stomach looked bloated, only to find the dog dead in the yard.

Luckily, dogs that weigh less than 25 pounds rarely have GDV, but it does occasionally happen. Deep-chested dogs, such as Great Danes, Rottweilers and Afghan Hounds, are particularly at risk.