Bloat kills a very high number of Dobermans every year. Unfortunately, this problem is well known to us Doberman owners but what exactly can we do about it? Actually, there’s quite a bit we can do to reduce our dog’s chances of getting bloat. This video discusses seven simple things you can do that will lower the likelihood of your dog suffering from bloat, also known as Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV), twisted stomach, or stomach torsion. We’ll talk about wet vs. dry foods, exercise, stress, meals throughout the day, weight, and how the ingredients in your dog’s food can play a role. We’ll also discuss how at-risk the Doberman breed is for developing bloat and whether or not using a raised food bowl actually makes a difference.
➡️ The best thing you can do to help you keep your Doberman healthy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2y_P3L8Hkw
➡️ Also, take a look at my video on the recent changes I made to Arlo’s diet here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsTX2DYEBD4
As most Doberman owners know all too well, not every dog product works well for this unique breed. That’s why I maintain a list of the best products I’ve found so far for Dobermans here: https://www.dobermanplanet.com/recommended-products/
When you’re ready to decide if owning a Doberman is right for you, make sure you check out: https://www.DobermanPlanet.com
#dobermanpinscher #dobeman #dobermanbloat #dobermanhealth #dobermanplanet #bloat
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SOURCES CITED
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(1) Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus). Dr. Holly Nash, DVM, MS. Accessed: 25 November 2020. http://asdca.org/healrharticlesandpdf/Bloat.pdf
(2) The Purdue Bloat Study. School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University. Accessed: 25 November 2020. https://www.instituteofcaninebiology.org/bloat-purdue-study.html
(3) Gastric Dilatation Volvulus in Large Breed Dogs and its Prevention (Master Theses). Isabella Klara Große Darrelmann. Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Veterinary Academy. Accessed: 25 November 2020. https://www.lsmuni.lt/cris/bitstream/20.500.12512/103928/1/Gastric%20Dilatation%20Volvulus%20in%20large%20breed%20dogs%20and%20its%20prevention.%20Isabella%20Klara%20Gro%c3%9fe%20Darrelmann%20.pdf
(4) The Genetics of Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (Bloat) in Dogs: What Do We Know and Where Are We Going? Claire R. Sharp, BSc, BVMS (Hons), MS, DACVECC. School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA. Accessed: 25 November 2020. https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=12513&meta=generic&catId=51027&id=6976369&ind=31&objTypeID=17
(5) Bloat (or GDV) in Dogs — What It Is and How it’s Treated. Dr. Jeff Grognet. American Kennel Club. Accessed: 25 November 2020. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/bloat-in-dogs/
(6) Preventing Bloat or GDV in your Dog. Animal Hospital of Fairfield. Accessed: 25 November 2020. https://animalhospitaloffairfield.com/preventing-bloat-gastric-dilatation-volvulus-dog/
(7) Gastropexy in Dogs. Michigan Animal Hospital. Accessed: 25 November 2020. http://www.michigananimalhospital.com/page/421552070
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DISCLAIMER
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I am a dog trainer who specializes in the Doberman breed. I have significant knowledge of this breed and provide insight into the breed as a whole, but not on the individual dog. Individual dogs and circumstances vary, and therefore your experience may be different. I am not a veterinarian, canine nutritionist, or behaviorist. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian, canine nutritionist, or other professional before making any decisions regarding the care, health, or diet of your dog. I often rely on the research, studies, and publications of experts while presenting certain related topics outside my field of expertise. This video presents my opinions and personal interpretations of this information only and may contain partial, anecdotal, or incomplete information. Watching this video does not supersede your responsibilities of doing your own research and due diligence.
Use of this video or the information contained within is additionally subject to the terms listed here: https://www.dobermanplanet.com/terms-and-conditions/
Doberman Planet LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We also participate in affiliate programs for ShareASale and other sites. Doberman Planet is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.
© 2021 DOBERMAN PLANET LLC
38 Comments
In the last half minute of the video, you mention a link to a video popping up in the corner which discusses the single most important thing on getting your dog off on the right foot to enjoying a healthy life, but nothing appears in that corner when you point to it — at least not on Jan 4, 2021 when I watched the video.
I have fed all my dogs from raised bowls for more than a decade. Not to prevent bloat but for the spine. I had a Great Dane mix that bloated and got her to the ER within 30 minutes. Leaving the house she could barely walk. At clinic they had to carry her in. She was 85#ish. When they got her to room and sat her down while they prepped for surgery she had a huge burp. Loud and long. Her stomach started going down in front of vet tech. We didn't have to have surgery. The vet and tech said they had never seen it happen before. It seems when lifting her the techs somehow untwisted her stomach. We had planned surgery later on to stitch stomach to avoid it again but found out just days later that she had bone cancer. She was my boy dobe's best friend and he mourned her loss as much as any person I have seen mourn. It was heartbreaking. Bloat is bad. Very bad and we missed a bullet. So happy that none of my dobes have had this happen.
Bloat happened to my 4 yr old German shepherd, I just figured she was a tad over weight. This happened Dec 7th 20 😢 Its even hard to recite this again. Anyhow I have an acre and chain link closer around my home to keep her and my 2 yr old shepherd Zeke safe and free to play etc Anyhow she undid latch and went off to pass on It was absolutely bloat (I searched /read many articles) she had 6 of 8 signs/symptoms omg so sad if I'd known about bloat I'd taken her to vet days b4. So yes she left the pack as to not draw in predators (dogs instincts) Next morning I search everyplace didnt find her, There are many woods I never did find her.I ll look more in spring SO people read about dog bloat!!!! Its a major medical emergency
Deep chested dogs especially pron to bloat ,boxer,Shepherds,g Danes, Dobies…. every Vet in the world should give a pamphlet to owners as their pups R in for 1st shots This would save 1000s of dog deaths which is AVOIDABLE in the first place. It's a 911 condition pet owners!
I'm glad I found your videos! I'm a bit concerned since mine has some of these symptoms, but they have been there for about a year, ever since he had an infection in his mouth and took antibiotics. I've been thinking maybe he needs probiotics. I'm no longer in The US so vet care is limited (they are used to dogs only living 2 or 3 years, they are shocked to find out mine is 9) and I must try to diagnose everything myself. His vet back home in FL has been helping me, but he can only do so much not actually seeing him, it takes my observations and suggestions.
And the water! He won't drink any water, bottled water, filtered water, mineral water nothing, except from puddles and the water from the pool! I don't really like him doing that since it has chlorine, but all the outside dogs we've rescued here, drink it as well and it doesn't seem to bother any of them. He's my 7th Doberman, they have all been great, but 2 have been more than extra special. I actually owe my life to the one I had before him. That's about it. the dog
Could you cover and or recommend supplements/vitamins for the doberman breed? I've looked through a number of different videos and a few of your blogs to try to track that info down but couldn't find anything on it.
Have you ever had problems like these with your dog
Very very informative. I heard a few things I was doing wrong. Thank you so much for your insight👍🏼❤️
I got my Dobie from the humane society and I've never had this breed before. But I've had boxers in the past and they can experience the same digestive problems.
Dingy eats very fast and he gets very hyper after eating. I'm not sure how to stop him from doing this. Any suggestions? That maze food bowl might help a lot. I feed him once first thing in the morning and again in late afternoon. I also mix wet food with his kibble. I'm glad feeding him two smaller meals is helpful because I've always fed my dogs twice per day.
John, I'm looking into the gastropexy procedure (tacking stomach to rib wall to prevent stomach twisting). I know the "pexy" procedure won't stop bloat, but it can prevent the stomach from twisting which buys time to get to a vet before it's too late. I was told that when I get my female Dobie spayed (at age 18 months) it's the perfect time to do a "pexy" because the dog is already under anesthesia, and she already has her abdominal area opened up. I still have a few months to think about it, but it looks like a good preventative measure. Any thoughts on the "pexy" procedure???
You should do a vid looking into hypertrophic osyeodystrophy. My 16 week old pup has been diagnosed with this and had been in icu for 3 days. It affects large breeds like great done, German shepherd, wiermanaer and doberman. The local vets we saw had no idea until we transferred to a specialist so it's very dangerous.
And foaming at the mouth will happen during bloat also. My female died from this and it was a holiday so I couldn't find any vet open and she died in my moms arms on the sidewalk. We finally found a vet willing to come in but my dobie couldn't get in the car. She just collapsed into my mom.
Also, what about using elevated feeding dishes? Yay or nay? I've researched it so much I gave up because its about 50/50 conclusion.
It seems we can't win. You research ANYTHING and its gonna come to 50/50. One study says yes one says no. No clear concrete answers/proof.
When should I walk the dog if I'm feeding 3 times a day and I cant walk or exercise it an hour before and after?
My golderman female sadly died of bloat
So, when they’re done exercising, are they not allowed to have water within that 1 hour rest period?
This is why people need to stop feeding highly processed kibble to their animals. If you wouldnt eat it, your dog shouldnt eat it. In no way at all is it healthy for any animal to eat highly processed foods everyday. Feed a balanced raw meat diet. Theyre carnivores and should be fed accordingly. It baffles me that people still arent sure why these animals have health problems
So would you recommend gastropexy done at the same time with a spay?
Laparoscopic…
my one died the same way i am in grief I saw this video today and by Doberman was just 6 when she died i am now having knowledge about the deses thank you sir
Your videos are always informative and entertaining, but this one in particular is a public service. Sharing the symptoms of bloat the way you did could save a dog’s life. Thank you!
I have a friend that had a Weimaraner that died from that out of nowhere it was not that old very sad.
THANK YOU !! AMAZING CONTENT, +1 SUBSCRIBER
Having lost a beloved female at age 5 nearly 40 years ago, I had my new baby get a gastropexy when she was spayed. This is certainly in addition to proper exercise, diet, and position of feeding bowl.
great video !
I just lost my boy to this. He needed emergency surgery but was too old to survive it. God I miss him.
My dobe is getting neutered in a few weeks, they mentioned getting the GVD surgery to tack the stomach. I’m very cautious about agreeing to this added procedure. Did Cooper or Arlo have this done?
Thanks so much for the content! I’ve always made decisions for my dobe after researching your website .
Another great video with so much info! Thank you!
How to prevent DCM in Dobermann? Don't get a Dobermann.
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Do you recommend gastropexy? At the time of spay/ neutering?
The relief when my dog wasn’t on the list @ 8:30 😭😭😭 thank god lmao.
He is a “mix,” so I guess he technically is..but that’s way down at the bottom anyways 🥺 I’m worried about him 24/7 as it is. I always thought that bloat was pretty dang rare so I didn’t want another thing to add to my list of things to freak out about lol.
Extremely informative video tho! If I had a Doberman, I’d absolutely subscribe. I’m still gonna be watching through some of your videos anyways because I just learned so much! You’re awesome ♥️
I know this isn't about your subject here, but have you done a study on spaying? OSS vs full spaying?
On point, Vettech here for 24 years. Thank you so much for doing this video. The Doberman has always been my breed!
So my Doberman would ignore his indoor waterbowl. He would hit up the outside bowl, with floating daddylongleg spider every time. He was such a goof!
Hi Quick question for you, because I hear lots of mixed things about this, I take my Doberman mountain biking with me nearly every weekend. Sometimes we will go 8 to 10 miles or more and I am very careful to make sure he doesn’t eat food within one hour… But some people say that if I give him too much water during exercise that can cause bloat so my question is during these long mountain bike rides, how much water and how frequent should I give him water?
My favorite Doberman as a kid died of this. As a kid back then there was nothing I could do. It was horrible. I've seen a lot of bad things in my life, but remembering that still brings me to tears.
Is there nothing substantive on raw vs kibble?
My Doberman drinks water like he's living in a desert. Doesn't know when to stop lol
It certainly is sad to see this and how fast it can occur.