Bloat is considered to be the second leading killer of dogs. This life threatening situation is also known as Gastric Dilatation Volvulus. The stomach is not anchored on any tissue inside the body thus the accumulation of air can cause it to turn 90 to 360 degrees and in doing so would trap air, food and water inside the stomach. The twisting of the stomach will cut off blood supply and result to the distention of the stomach so that pressure is placed on the nearby organs. Accumulated air can be expelled if the dog burps or vomits. Unfortunately, when the stomach twists, the esophagus is also closed.
The dog can die within an hour after the occurrence of bloat. There is practically no first aid treatment for bloat. Prompt professional attention is very necessary for a dog with this condition. Bloat though can happen to any dog anytime and anywhere. If it is impossible to get the pet to a vet in 20 or 30 minutes, an owner has to make an effort to administer first aid to save the life of the pet.
A responsible dog owner would always make sure that there is a first aid kit in the car especially if the dog is usually taken on hunting or camping trips. The first aid kit should contain equipments necessary to administer first aid for bloat cases especially if the pet is one of the large breeds prone to have this acute digestive problem. A first aid kit for bloat should have a inch or a inch vinyl tube, an 8 inch wooden block with a hole drilled in the center and a lubricating jelly.
Symptoms of bloat are restlessness, unproductive vomiting, a distended abdomen and excessive salivating. Pale or blue gums and the inability of the dog to stand are signs that the condition of the dog has deteriorated rapidly. Death is imminent unless the dog receives immediate first aid or medical care.
First aid can be administered by positioning the block of wood inside the mouth of the dog and making sure that it is well secured with a gauze or a cord on the dog's lower jaw. Insert through the hole in the block the lubricated end of the tube and firmly slide down the dog's throat. Gently push the tube in little by little as the dog swallows. First point of resistance will be felt when the tube reaches the esophagus. Gently blow on the tube to expand the esophagus and to allow the smooth passage of the tube. When the tube reaches the stomach, gas and fluid will be expelled. With a locked wrist around the dog's abdomen apply pressure to remove all the remaining gas from the stomach.
The dog can die within an hour after the occurrence of bloat. There is practically no first aid treatment for bloat. Prompt professional attention is very necessary for a dog with this condition. Bloat though can happen to any dog anytime and anywhere. If it is impossible to get the pet to a vet in 20 or 30 minutes, an owner has to make an effort to administer first aid to save the life of the pet.
A responsible dog owner would always make sure that there is a first aid kit in the car especially if the dog is usually taken on hunting or camping trips. The first aid kit should contain equipments necessary to administer first aid for bloat cases especially if the pet is one of the large breeds prone to have this acute digestive problem. A first aid kit for bloat should have a inch or a inch vinyl tube, an 8 inch wooden block with a hole drilled in the center and a lubricating jelly.
Symptoms of bloat are restlessness, unproductive vomiting, a distended abdomen and excessive salivating. Pale or blue gums and the inability of the dog to stand are signs that the condition of the dog has deteriorated rapidly. Death is imminent unless the dog receives immediate first aid or medical care.
First aid can be administered by positioning the block of wood inside the mouth of the dog and making sure that it is well secured with a gauze or a cord on the dog's lower jaw. Insert through the hole in the block the lubricated end of the tube and firmly slide down the dog's throat. Gently push the tube in little by little as the dog swallows. First point of resistance will be felt when the tube reaches the esophagus. Gently blow on the tube to expand the esophagus and to allow the smooth passage of the tube. When the tube reaches the stomach, gas and fluid will be expelled. With a locked wrist around the dog's abdomen apply pressure to remove all the remaining gas from the stomach.
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