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Dog Bloated Stomach Home Remedies [Tips & Prevention Guide]

Dog Bloated Stomach Home Remedies [Tips & Prevention Guide]

Aug 6, 2024

By Diego Ochoa

Dog Bloated Stomach Home Remedies [Tips & Prevention Guide]

If you own a dog or are around them often you may notice they flatulate just like us. Besides the pungent smell, there is nothing wrong with a little gas. However, gas builds up pressure, and if it can't release, issues may arise. If the gas can't release it causes bloat. This can be a dangerous situation for dogs if not handled urgently by a professional.

Becoming aware of the symptoms and what you can do to help may prove vital if your dog experiences bloat. Luckily, there are some home remedies for dogs who tend to have a bloated stomach. And being proactive might be the best way to combat this problem.

What Exactly is Bloat in Dogs?

Bloat usually begins when a dog's stomach or gastrointestinal tract gets distended with gas, which can cause it to twist. As the twisting occurs, the esophagus closes up, not allowing the dog to relieve the pressure by vomiting, burping or passing gas. With bloat comes added pressure, infection, or inflammation to the veins and organs, including the spleen, liver, and pancreas.

Because these veins are incapable of performing their necessary functions, there is an insufficient amount of blood reaching the heart. The pressure makes dogs susceptible to undergoing cardiac arrest or shock, among possible abdominal pain and diarrhea. Bloat can be harmful because a twisted stomach shuts off the blood supply, which causes issues in the cells of the stomach lining.

During the damage of these cells, harmful toxins, which can cause blood poisoning, are released. On some occasions, bloat will cause a dog's stomach to rupture. If you think your dog is hurting from stomach bloat, you should take them to a vet immediately for medication or therapy.

What Are the Causes of Bloated Stomachs in Dogs?

Generally, several reasons cause dogs to develop bloat. Although many reasons are unknown, there are certain links between dogs with stomach bloat and factors like:

Breeds

There are links that connect stomach bloat with the type and size of a dog. Larger dogs are said to be more susceptible to experiencing bloat than smaller dogs. Some larger dog breeds that are more likely to develop bloat include German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, Great Danes, Akitas, Sheepdogs, and Basset Hounds.

Studies show that pure-bred dogs are also 2.5 times more prone to develop bloat when compared to mixed breeds. According to the World Canine Association, there are 340 different types of dog breeds, unfortunately, some breeds are healthier than others.

Gender and Age

Dogs between 2 and 10 years old are at higher risk of developing bloat. Male dogs are also twice as likely to experience it when compared to female dogs.

Eating Habits

Certain eating habits can lead to stomach bloat in dogs. Dogs that eat too fast or eat once a day are said to be twice as likely to develop it compared to those who eat slower (slow feed bowls can help) and eat twice a day. Eating smaller, spaced-out meals helps a dog not be too hungry, which supports slower eating.

Allergy

Allergies are another significant cause of bloating in dogs, often resulting from adverse reactions to certain foods or environmental factors. When a dog has a food allergy, their immune system mistakenly identifies a specific protein as harmful, triggering an inflammatory response. This can lead to gastrointestinal distress, including bloating, gas, and discomfort.

Common food allergens include beef, dairy, wheat, chicken, and soy. Environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and mold can also contribute to allergic reactions, manifesting in various symptoms, including digestive issues. Dogs with allergies might show signs like itching, ear infections, vomiting, and diarrhea in addition to bloating. Managing allergies involves identifying and eliminating the allergen from the dog's environment or diet, often through an elimination diet or allergy testing.

Temperament

Just like in humans, stress can cause a world of trouble for dogs including abdomen discomfort and bloat. Dogs who are overly stressed, fearful, or are aggressive tend to contract bloat easier. To combat this some owners try promoting a calm state of mind and body by giving their dog natural calming remedies, like Chamomile, L-Theanine, or CBD dog treats to relax the mind and body.

Type of Food

Dry dog food or food that expands in the dog's stomach can cause bloat. Although there isn't much research surrounding the effects of homemade dog food and bloat, several holistic veterinarians have said meals prepared at home can significantly reduce stomach bloat in dogs.

However, you need to be selective about what ingredients you feed dogs because certain foods can actually cause excess gas and lead to bloat, like beans and cheese. Some research suggests that organic dog food may result in less stomach issues than non-organic although you should still be selective to avoid gas-promoting foods and foods that are harmful for dogs.

Exercise

Dogs that are too hyper or become active too fast right after a meal might also be at risk of developing stomach bloat. Remember, since bloat can be harmful, it's best not to try and diagnose the problem or cause on your own. If your dog's abdomen looks swollen, take your dog to an animal hospital or emergency veterinarian as soon as possible. After diagnosis, if you know your dog is susceptible, ask your vet advice about any home remedies that may reduce a dog's bloated stomach.

Adverse Health Issues

One of the critical adverse health issues that can lead to bloating in dogs is gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), commonly referred to as bloat or twisted stomach. This condition is a life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and subsequently twists upon itself. The exact cause of GDV is not fully understood, but it is known to result in severe gastric distension and can obstruct blood flow, leading to tissue damage and shock.

Large, deep-chested breeds such as Great Danes, German Shepherds, and Standard Poodles are particularly predisposed to this condition. Symptoms of GDV include a distended abdomen, unproductive retching, restlessness, and signs of pain such as whining or pacing. Immediate veterinary intervention is crucial, as GDV can rapidly become fatal without prompt treatment.

The condition typically requires surgical correction to untwist the stomach and may involve procedures to prevent recurrence. Prevention strategies include feeding smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding vigorous exercise around feeding times, and in some cases, prophylactic gastropexy surgery.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Bloat in Dogs?

The symptoms of stomach bloat in dogs are different for each dog. Sometimes the symptoms of canine bloat aren't immediately visible. It might take the condition to be in its later stages for a dog's stomach to be noticeably distended or swollen. Symptoms that a dog has bloat can include:

Acting restless
Pacing without stopping
Drooling and salivating
Stressed
A swollen stomach
Gagging or trying to vomit without success

Some of the most common things to notice for stomach bloat in dogs are gagging, excessive salivating and restlessness. Their stomach is swollen, and when touched, the dog might groan or yelp from the pain. The dog might also start to pace while trying to vomit without success. If a dog with stomach bloat is frantically walking around some signs to watch out for are a hanging head, stiff-leggedness, and displays of discomfort.

Another way to find out whether a dog has bloat or not is if there's a hollow sound coming from their abdomen after gently touching it. Dogs should have a trim enough figure so that when you stand above them, their waist is visibly noticeable. Even looking at them from the sides, their waist should be visible, tucked behind their hind legs.

If you can't see their waste from any direction, your dog might be overweight and looking for stomach bloat can be a bit more complicated. However, if the stomach size suddenly and drastically increases, a dog could be experiencing bloat. Signs that stomach bloat has progressed in a dog include the gums and tongue appearing pale, a weak pulse or an increased heart rate. Usually, at this stage, dogs might have difficulty breathing, become weak, and could go into shock.

Additionally, edema, or swelling caused by fluid accumulation, might be present, indicating severe distress. Contact a professional right away for proper use of veterinary medicine, which may include administering antibiotics if an infection and bacteria is suspected or as part of the treatment for complications arising from bloat.

How to Prevent Bloat in Dogs

Avoiding bloat in dogs altogether can be tricky since there's a lot of moving parts to the condition. Switching your dog to a raw diet, noticing poor eating habits and monitoring their exercise times can all be beneficial.

Raw Diet

The digestive tract in dogs is ideal for breaking down protein, and not so much for grains and starches. Processed dog food like kibble, premixes, and synthetic vitamins contain carbs your dog doesn't need. Research suggests dog food that features rendered meat meal with bone and fat in the first four ingredients drastically increases your dog's risk of developing bloat.

These benefits make raw diets optimal for preventing bloat. Raw bones also offer many nutrients that are great for cleaning a dog's teeth. Some bones help strengthen a dog's stomach muscles, which can improve digestion and reduce gas buildup.

Elevated Bowls

Interestingly, there is a lot of controversy surrounding the topic of using raised bowls. While there's no evidence backing elevated bowls, there is a study that found that "in 20% of cases among large breed dogs and in 52% of cases among giant breed dogs, the bloat was actually directly related to having a raised food bowl."

Exercise

Exercise is essential, but it might not be when it comes to bloating. All dogs need it, but the level and type vary depending on the dog. Although several people swim after they eat and live to tell the story, that same line of thinking might not work for dogs. When their stomachs are full, it's more likely to move and twist, which can lead to issues in their digestive systems, like bloat. Allowing them to become too active right after a meal is not a good idea. Most research suggests waiting at least 30 minutes before high activity or exercise.

Home Remedies for Bloated Stomach in Dogs

Because the cause and explanation of bloat are not clear, narrowing down specific home remedies for stomach bloat in dogs can be tough. What we do know is bloat happens when the stomach gets filled with too much gas. Unlike with balloons, there is little to no room for expansion when it comes to the stomach. Gas inside a dog's stomach has little space to sit, causing uncomfortable pressure on other internal organs. When it comes to using home remedies to prevent stomach bloat naturally, here are a few things you can try:

Using a slow feed bowl if your dog tends to eat too fast
Opting for smaller, spaced out meals
Keep their level of activity to a minimum right after meals

Owners know their dogs better than anyone. So, it's really up to them to notice any abnormalities in their behavior due to illness. When it comes to dog bloat, having doubts is understandable, but it's also not a reason to leave those doubts unattended. If you have doubts, go with your gut and take the steps you think are in the best interest of your dog's health.

Other Helpful Home Remedies

In addition to professional care, there are several home remedies that can help alleviate mild bloating in dogs. Here are some effective strategies to consider:

Smaller, Frequent Meals: Feeding your dog smaller, more frequent meals can help prevent the buildup of gas in the stomach.
Probiotics: Incorporating probiotics into your dog's diet can promote healthy digestion and reduce bloating.
Gentle Exercise: Light walks after meals can help stimulate digestion and prevent gas accumulation.
Avoiding Trigger Foods: Identifying and eliminating foods that cause gas in your dog’s diet can help reduce bloating episodes.
Simethicone: Over-the-counter simethicone, with veterinary approval, can be used alongside water to reduce gas and bloating.

Final Thoughts - Dog Bloated Stomach Home Remedies

While home remedies can provide temporary relief for a dog’s bloated stomach, they should not replace professional veterinary care, especially in cases of severe or persistent bloating. Simple measures such as adjusting feeding practices, providing gentle exercise, and administering vet-approved over-the-counter remedies can help manage mild cases.

If you think your pet has a medical emergency, call or visit your veterinarian or your local veterinary emergency hospital immediately. This Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. Read more info here.