Tuesday 3 March 2009

Lhasa Apso and Bloat [Gastric Torsion]

Though bloat is more a problem to which deep chested large dogs are prone, it can occur in any breed... so forewarned is forearmed. It is a killer, and treatment by your vet is essential, and will be required immediately.

Please refer to the link below for the full article - here I will just add some hints for prevention...

First - Feed two small meals daily, instead of one large one. [We have to feed our rescue dog 4 very small meals each day... but that is a long story.]

Second - Do not allow exercise immediately before or after feeding... a quiet rest is needed instead.

Third - Do not allow your pet to drink vast amounts of water after a meal.

Fourth - Feed off the ground at an appropriate height for your dog so that he or she does not need to bend down to eat. Put the bowl on a chair, stool, sofa, or bowl stand.

Fifth - Do not allow your pet to gulp down the food too quickly, as they will ingest loads of air at the same time. You could try a ring mould type of cake tin as a feed bowl.

Other suggestions include pre-soaking dried food, and not allowing the dog to over eat.
.....................................................................................
Resources:

Monday, March 19th, 2007 is the date to look for to access the vital informational post on Gastric Dilatation/Torsion, more commonly known perhaps as Bloat.

No comments:

Post a Comment