If there is a problem that worries all of us who live with dogs above the rest, it is that our dear four-legged friend has a gastric torsionThis torsion occurs when the stomach has made an excessive effort and, therefore, ligament weakness that support it, rotates on itself.
It is a very serious problem, because if you do not act quickly, there is only one 40% chance of survival. For this reason, it is important to know How to prevent stomach torsion in dogs and recognize its signs in time.
Divide your food into multiple shots
One of the things to do is give him the amount of food he needs according to his weight and age, but spread over several takes. This, in addition to reducing the risk of the animal having a gastric torsion, can also serve to control your appetite and weight. Add tools that force you to eat more slowly, such as anti-voracity feeders, puzzles or kong, and adapts the food size to encourage chewing and prevent swallowing.
And by the way allow at least 2 hours to pass before doing any physical activity, such as running or taking a long walk. After heavy meals, the stomach is heavier and the aerophagia increases, raising the risk.
Avoid stress and anxiety
When a dog is stressed or anxious, especially for a long time, he or she may also develop a stomach torsion. Stress can cause eat with eagerness and swallow air. Therefore, for the health of your digestive system and your well-being, it is necessary that everything possible is done to keep him calm: predictable routines, environmental enrichment, quality walks and calm feeding in a place without interruptions.
Drink during exercise, yes, but in moderation
Too much water intake before, during and after exercise can be fatal. For this reason, it is essential to give it water, but with moderationOn long outings, offer it frequent small sips and prevent him from emptying his bowl in one sitting. If you are going on a hike, it is better to give him water by pouring it into his drinking bowl than to let him drink from the dog water bottle, since it is easier to control the quantity.
With these tips, you can largely avoid twisting and your friend has to undergo surgery.
What is stomach twisting?
La gastric dilatation–volvulus (GDV) It is an emergency in which the stomach is distends with gas, liquid and food and can rotate, blocking entry and exit. Dilation compresses abdominal organs and major vessels (such as the vena cava), which can cause shock, arrhythmias, respiratory distress, necrosis of the gastric wall and up to peritonitis if there is perforation. It most frequently affects large, deep-chested breeds already middle-aged and advanced dogs.
Risk factors you should know
- Copious meals or a single daily dose; intake quick and eager. Why do they eat without chewing?
- Drink a lot of water suddenly, especially after eating dry food.
- intense exercise immediately before or after eating.
- Stress, nervousness or a very active character that favors aerophagia.
- Large/giant breeds, deep chest, edad advanced and possible genetic predisposition.
- Under weight In giant breeds (deeper chest), previous heavy digestion.
- Avoid the raised bowls unless specifically indicated by a veterinarian, as they may increase the risk in some dogs.
Warning signs: when to go to the emergency room
- Distended, tense, and painful abdomen (drum-like appearance). More about bloated belly
- Non-productive vomiting, nausea, excessive drooling.
- Restlessness, nervousness, refusal of food and water.
- Respiratory distress, pale gums, rapid pulse and weakness or collapse.
In case of suspicion, it is a real urgency: There are no home remedies or time to waste.
What your vet will do
The patient is first stabilized with intravenous fluid therapy and medication; depending on the case, the stomach is decompressed by polls o trocharization. The abdominal x-rays confirm the diagnosis. They may be necessary analytical, ECG and control of blood pressureThe definitive treatment is surgical: reposition the stomach and perform gastropexy (fixing it to the abdominal wall) to reduce recurrences; sometimes the spleenThe usual postoperative period requires hospitalization and monitoring for several days.
Practical prevention at home
- Divide the daily ration in 2–3 takes and use slow feeders or smell games. Dog feeding guide
- Keep fresh water available, encouraging small, frequent sips.
- Evita vigorous exercise 1–2 hours before and after meals.
- Take care of the Healthy weight and a diet of easy digestion (consult your veterinarian).
- In high-risk dogs, assess the prophylactic gastropexy with your professional.
Act quickly on the signs and apply these guidelines significantly reduces the riskIn predisposed dogs, consulting a preventive strategy with your veterinarian can make the difference between safe digestion and a life-threatening emergency.
