Bloat in dogs is one of the most common causes of death.  This condition occurs when your dog’s stomach swells due to excess fluid or gas.  It can be life-threatening in under an hour.  So, what exactly causes this condition?

Causes

There are a few things that can cause dog bloat.  Your dog can develop it if he exercises too soon before or after he eats.  Eating from a raised food bowl can also cause this condition.  Stress and gulping too much air are also common causes.

Symptoms

Unfortunately, the symptoms of bloat in dogs can be difficult to notice easily.  The abdominal area will be swollen, but maybe not enough for you to tell if you’re not looking carefully.  

In addition to the abdominal swelling, a dog with bloat will also salivate and pant excessively.  He will also whine a lot and appear agitated.  Dogs also attempt to vomit, but won’t produce anything.

Diagnosis

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, dog bloat can be fatal in less than an hour.  Therefore, your veterinarian may begin treatment even before he makes a definitive diagnosis.  Once treatment has already begun, x-rays and blood tests will help determine if your dog truly has bloat.

Treatment

Since this condition is caused by the buildup of excess fluid or gas, it will have to be removed.  The veterinarian will insert a tube down your dog’s throat so that the gas or fluid can be released.  However, this method is unsuccessful sometimes.  

If the tube doesn’t work, then your dog will have to undergo emergency surgery.  The vet will make a cut into the stomach to give the fluid or gas a means for escape.  Your dog may also need to take various medications while battling this condition.  They include antibiotics, steroids, and anti-arrythmics to deal with heart problems.

D Swain
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-bloat-owners-guide-to-bloat-in-dogs-673679.html

I unfortunately gave my cat a dose of dog flea treatment. It wasn’t in the box and I didn’t read the label. After I realized what it was, I found another box of dog flea medicine and read the warning. I tried to wipe it off and thought he was fine. I woke up 2 hours ago to him falling down the stairs. He is shaking uncontrolably. I gave him a bath in Dawn dishsoap like the emergency vet said, buy he is still shaking. My vets office doesn’t open for another 4 hours. Is there anything I can do? Will he die?

that much is poisonous, call a 24 hr animal hospital. he will die if u dont.

My 7 year old beagle has just been tested positive for heartworm. She has been coughing for three weeks and tires easily. I am trying to find someone that has had a dog with the same symptoms (coughing and heavy breathing) that went ahead and seeked the treatment. If so was it successful?

Have your dog’s heart x-rayed or ultrasounded so that the damage can be evaluated. The damage to the heart is most likely permanent. However the damage can be less if the dog is treated and the adult heart worms are eliminated from the heart.

Bloat in dogs is one of the most common causes of death.  This condition occurs when your dog’s stomach swells due to excess fluid or gas.  It can be life-threatening in under an hour.  So, what exactly causes this condition?

Causes

There are a few things that can cause dog bloat.  Your dog can develop it if he exercises too soon before or after he eats.  Eating from a raised food bowl can also cause this condition.  Stress and gulping too much air are also common causes.

Symptoms

Unfortunately, the symptoms of bloat in dogs can be difficult to notice easily.  The abdominal area will be swollen, but maybe not enough for you to tell if you’re not looking carefully.  

In addition to the abdominal swelling, a dog with bloat will also salivate and pant excessively.  He will also whine a lot and appear agitated.  Dogs also attempt to vomit, but won’t produce anything.

Diagnosis

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, dog bloat can be fatal in less than an hour.  Therefore, your veterinarian may begin treatment even before he makes a definitive diagnosis.  Once treatment has already begun, x-rays and blood tests will help determine if your dog truly has bloat.

Treatment

Since this condition is caused by the buildup of excess fluid or gas, it will have to be removed.  The veterinarian will insert a tube down your dog’s throat so that the gas or fluid can be released.  However, this method is unsuccessful sometimes.  

If the tube doesn’t work, then your dog will have to undergo emergency surgery.  The vet will make a cut into the stomach to give the fluid or gas a means for escape.  Your dog may also need to take various medications while battling this condition.  They include antibiotics, steroids, and anti-arrythmics to deal with heart problems.

D Swain
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-bloat-owners-guide-to-bloat-in-dogs-673679.html

Hi,
I’ve been sick for the last few days and now my dog is sniffling, and sneezing as well, he’s also more tired than usual (but not listless or anything). Could he have caught a cold from me? Also what kind of treatment should I get for my dog? My vet is on vacation… can I let the cold run its course or should I take him to another vet? Any over the counter drugs? He’s only 5 months and a small breed (12 pounds). Thanks!

He can’t catch your cold, but he could have a respitory or sinus infection. Any discharge when he sneezes? Going back and forth from inside to outside when its hot and the AC is on can cause the sneezes too. I hate it too when I have to take them in to a different vet.
If there is no discharge, he could probably wait unitl your vet is back. But if he has a snotty nose you need to get him in to see someone right away.