A Happy Rottweiler (but no food before or after Exercise)

A BIT ON BLOAT

Oz at the park yesterday.  As we all know or should know a happy dog is an active dog. Especially a working breed like the Rottweiler.  They need to get outside for a walk, jog, or swim, everyday!  When you talk them on their daily excursions it is a great time to work on your training too!  Oz and I continuously do trainging.  HE LOVES IT!

EXERCISE AND BLOAT

Do NOT allow vigorous exercise at least one hour before or 3 hours after your dogs has eatten. However, exercise is only one contributer to Bloat in dogs.  Dogs that eat fast and drink large amounts of water after eatting.  Deep chested dogs with smaller waists have the highest incidence like Great Danes but also St Bernards, Rottweilers, Weimaraners, Irish Setters, German Shepards, Doberman Pinchers, Wolfhounds, Bloodhounds, etc...  But Bloat can affect dogs of all sizes. 

This is a very serious and life threatening situation.  This condition involves swelling of the stomach from gas, fluid, or both.

If you think your dog has bloat it is a Veterinary EMERGENCY! 

SEEK VETERINARY HELP IMMEDIATELY as Bloat can often lead to death!

Symptoms to look for in your dog - they can be subtle (there is no HOME REMEDY)

* Panting 

* Excessive drooling

* Whining

* Cannot get comfortable

* Pacing

* Agitated

* Stomach is swollen

* Can't get comfortable, pacing

* The act of vomiting but produces no vomit (except maybe frothy foam, but small amounts)

HOW CAN I HELP PREVENT BLOAT? This however does not guarantee prevention from bloat but can help to decrease the risk of your dog getting bloat.

*  Dry foods that expand in the stomach and this is a major contributor to bloat.

So if you feed a dry dog food go to a reputable dog food store with a knowledgeable staff that can help you find a dry food that DOES NOT EXPAND WHEN MIXED WITH WATER.  

* Feed your dog a breakfast and dinner.  Even better feed them 3 times a day.  Do not feed one large meal a day.

* Do NOT allow your dog to drink large amounts of water after eating his meal.

*  Do NOT allow vigorous exercise for at least one hour before or 3 hours  
 after the dog has eaten.

* If you have a dog that is at risk of Bloat be sure you know of a REPUTABLE Emergency vet along with their number and address posted in a place you will not forget along with your Veterinarian.