The Greyhound May be Prone to Bloat

This condition is most often found in large, deep chested dog breeds, like the Greyhound. While the cause of Bloat is unknown, many people agree that multiple small meals per day versus one large meal as well as preventing vigorous exercise around meal times can help reduce the risk of Bloat.

Bloating is a condition caused by a twisting of the stomach and thus trapping the stomach contents and gases resulting in a rapid swelling of the abdomen accompanied by pain and eventual death if untreated. It is an emergency, requiring immediate veterinary action. Have readily available the name and phone number of emergency clinics and/or after-hours Veterinarians.

Symptoms can be subtle. You should learn to recognize them:

* Continuous pacing and/or lying down in odd places
* Salivating, panting, whining
* Unable to get comfortable
* Acting agitated
* Unproductive vomiting or retching (may produce frothy foamy vomit in small quantities)
* Excessive drooling, usually accompanied by retching noises
* Swelling in abdominal area (may or may not be noticeable)

If ANY combinations of these symptoms are noticed, CALL YOUR VET and get the dog there as fast as possible. Bloat can be LIFE-THREATENING.