How Can Raised Dog Bowls Cause Bloat?

How can raised dog bowls cause bloat? Let’s dive in and learn more about bloat and how to know if your pet is at risk of getting bloat from a raised dog bowl.
What Is Bloat?
Bloat is a medical condition called gastric dilatation volvulus complex or GDV.
It is a condition in which a dog’s stomach fills with air, building pressure and blocking the blood from the hind legs and abdomen from returning to the heart.
Blood pools at the back end of the body, reducing the working blood volume, and the dog goes into shock.
The stomach often flips, dragging the spleen and pancreas along with it. This cuts off blood flow, and the oxygen-starved pancreas creates toxic hormones. One hormone specifically can stop the heart.
The dog may undergo successful treatments and be doing better, yet this hormone can suddenly stop the heart.
Who Is At Risk For Bloat?
Bloat is often connected to chest conformation.
Dogs with deep, narrow chests, who are rather broad and tall, are most at risk for bloat.
Great Danes, who have a high height-to-width ratio, are five to eight times more likely to bloat than other breeds of dogs with a lower height-to-width ratio.
If a dog has relatives (for instance, parents, siblings, or offspring) who have suffered from bloat, there is a higher chance that he will also be at risk.
Do Raised Dog Bowls Cause Bloat?
The American Veterinary Medical Association posted a study showing that a small percentage of large dogs were more susceptible to bloat while using raised dog bowls.
These breeds included: Akita, Bloodhound, Collie, Great Dane, Irish Setter, Irish Wolfhound, Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard, Standard Poodle, and Weimaraner.
Other factors that increased risk were:
- Increasing age
- First-degree relative with a history of GDV
- Speed eating
This study shows that a small percentage of large dogs (6%) are at risk of bloat while using elevated dog bowls.
A raised dog bowl can cause bloat when a large dog eats too quickly, inhales too much air, or is stressed during mealtime.
Are Elevated Dog Bowls Good For My Dog?
While raised dog bowls are an excellent, safe choice for most pets, you may want to consult your veterinarian to ensure it is a good decision for your pet.
The risk of bloat while using an elevated dog bowl is low and seems prevalent only in select breeds, but you want to ensure that you’re making a healthy, wise choice for your furry friend.
The risk is almost nonexistent if you have a small or medium-sized dog, and your pet is a perfect candidate for raised dog bowls!
Most dogs thrive with elevated dog bowls that improve posture, encourage digestion, and take stress off their hips and joints.
We hope you enjoyed learning about how raised dog bowls can cause bloat. We wish you and your pet the healthiest and happiest future.