How to treat bloat in dogs?

During the warm time of raising pets, the health of dogs always touches our heartstrings. When we find that dogs are troubled by bloating, the heart-wrenching feeling is like a haze covering our hearts. Dog bloating is by no means a trivial matter. It may cause great pain to dogs and even endanger their lives, so it is urgent to explore effective treatment methods. ​

Dog bloating, medically known as gastric dilatation-volvulus syndrome, is usually caused by dogs consuming a large amount of food or water in a short period of time, and then exercising vigorously after eating, causing the stomach to over-expand and twist. Once this happens, the dog will show obvious discomfort. It may be restless and pace constantly, and the abdomen will swell rapidly, looking several times larger than usual, and feel tight when touched. Some dogs will also frequently retch, but cannot vomit anything, and make painful whimpers. Seeing the dog who is usually lively and energetic so uncomfortable, the owner's heart is broken. ​

When you suspect that your dog has bloating, it is crucial to send it to a professional pet hospital as soon as possible. On the way to the hospital, try to keep the dog quiet and avoid bumps to reduce its pain. The veterinarian will conduct a comprehensive and detailed examination. First, feel the condition of the dog's abdomen through palpation to determine the degree of bloating. At the same time, X-rays or ultrasound examinations may be arranged. These examinations are like taking accurate "photos" of the dog's body, helping the doctor to clearly see the position, shape and whether the stomach is twisted. This step of the examination is extremely critical, and it is like opening the door to the correct treatment plan. ​

Treating dog bloating often requires every second. For dogs with milder conditions and no stomach twisting, the doctor may try to insert a gastric tube to discharge the gas and fluid accumulated in the stomach and relieve stomach pressure. This process requires the doctor's superb skills and full patience, because the slightest carelessness may cause additional pain to the dog. When the gastric tube is successfully inserted, the dog's abdomen gradually returns to normal size after seeing the gas and fluid slowly discharged, and the owner's hanging heart can be slightly relieved. But even so, it cannot be taken lightly, and the dog's subsequent reaction needs to be closely observed.​

If the dog's stomach has twisted, the situation is very critical and usually requires immediate surgery. The purpose of the surgery is to reset the twisted stomach and fix it in its normal position to prevent it from twisting again. This is a race against time, and every minute is related to the dog's life and death. Outside the operating room, the owner paced anxiously, his heart full of worry and prayer. At this time, the deep love and trust for the dog supported the owner, and he hoped that the doctor could bring the dog back to health. During the operation, the doctors were fully focused, relying on their professional knowledge and rich experience to carefully operate each step, just like carving a precious work of art, striving for every movement to be accurate. ​

Postoperative care should not be underestimated either. This is a critical stage to help the dog recover. The dog needs to recuperate in a quiet, warm and comfortable environment and avoid strenuous exercise. The owner should strictly follow the doctor's instructions, feed the dog special easily digestible food regularly, control the amount of food, and follow the principle of eating small meals frequently. Every feeding is full of the owner's full love, hoping that these foods can become a source of energy for the dog to recover. At the same time, we should closely observe the healing of the dog's wound to prevent infection. Gently wipe the wound area for it every day, change the clean gauze, and watch the dog gradually recover from weakness, the owner's heart is full of relief. ​

Emotional support also plays an important role in the treatment and rehabilitation of dogs. Dogs can keenly feel the emotions of their owners. The gentle touch and soft comfort of the owner can give them great courage and strength. When the dog is in pain, the owner accompanies it, communicates with it softly, and tells it "it will get better soon". This kind of emotional transmission can make the dog find a little comfort in anxiety. And every small progress of the dog, such as starting to eat actively and getting a little better in spirit, will make the owner ecstatic, as if seeing the dawn of hope. ​

Treating dog bloating is a challenging battle, but as long as we work hand in hand with pet doctors, with professional knowledge, endless patience and deep love, it is possible to help dogs overcome the disease and return to a healthy and happy life. When we see the dog wagging its tail happily again and running and playing around us energetically, we will find that all our efforts are worth it, because the love and companionship that the dog gives us are the most precious gifts in life.