Your Cart is Empty
< Continue Shopping
-
Dog Bloat and Torsion
Signs of Bloat and Torsion
Hyper-salivation, restlessness, pacing, distended abdomen, non-productive vomiting and shock. Learn to recognize these signs, which are life-threatening.
What causes bloat and torsion?
The exact cause is unknown. It is more common in deep-chested large and giant dogs. Bloat and torsion are thought to be associated with eating large meals, exercising just before or after eating, and gorging on large amounts of food or water.
Learn lifesaving skills in just 35 minutes! Sign up for our online Cat and Dog First Aid Online course today.
Emergency Steps
1Check the dog’s ABCs and perform CPR as needed.
2Take your dog to a veterinary hospital immediately!
- Your dog must have aggressive fluid therapy, be assessed for stomach rotation (by x-ray), and have her stomach decompressed, and have surgery if twisted.
Dog Bloat and Torsion FAQs
How can I prevent this?
There is no foolproof way to prevent bloat, but these things may help:
- Feed your dog more than once daily (two meals of equal size).
- Do not allow your dog to exercise immediately before/after eating.
- Do not give your dog access to large food sources.
- Do not allow your dog to drink large volumes of water at the same time.
Does my dog need surgery?
Emergency surgery is needed for any dog with a rotated stomach, once your dog is stable.
What happens with bloat?
Your dog's stomach overfills with air or food (bloat); as it worsens, the stomach turns around on itself and misplaces the spleen (torsion). This cuts off blood supply to these organs and prevents blood from returning to the heart leading to life threatening shock.
Download the FREE Red Cross Pet First Aid App
The American Red Cross Pet First Aid app puts veterinary advice for everyday emergencies in the palm of your hand. With videos, interactive quizzes, and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know pet first aid. Get the app and be prepared to act when called upon. iOS App, Google Play, or text "GETPET" to 90999.
Help Save Pet Lives with an American Red Cross Pet First Aid Class
Be prepared for any pet emergency! Sign up for our 35-minute Cat and Dog First Aid Online course. Learn the basics in caring for cats and dogs through a variety of topics – from understanding and checking your pet's vital signs, to preventative care for cats and dogs, to caring for the most critical emergency situations - including breathing and cardiac emergencies, wounds, bleeding, and seizures.
Our pet first aid online course can be good for: Pet Owners, Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers, and Dog Trainers, Animal Shelter Staff & Volunteers, Groomers, Pet Retail Employees, Other Pet Care Providers, and more!
Information Provided Deborah C. Mandell, BS, VMD
Pet First Aid information provided by Dr. Debbie Mandell, Professor of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; American Red Cross National Pet Care Advisor for the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Visit redcross.org/take-a-class/scientific-advisory-council to see how we work, members, sub councils, scientific reviews, and recent research.
About Red Cross Training Services
More than 4.6M people turn to us, the trusted training provider for First Aid, CPR, BLS and more, every year to gain lifesaving skills. Trust us to deliver unmatched lifesaving training that will provide you the confidence and skills to act when moments matter. Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross with the mission to spread knowledge and educate as many members of the national community in lifesaving procedures. Our services include training courses for CPR and AED, First Aid, BLS (Basic Life Support), Babysitting, Caregiving, Lifeguarding Water Safety, and more.