Bloating and flatulence problems in a dog are unpleasant for any pet owner and equally embarrassing if guests are around.

Gastric Dilation-Volvulus. That’s a mouthful of words. These three words are the medical term for bloating and gas problems that frequently affect dogs. Bloating occurs when a dog’s stomach becomes dilated, sometimes resulting in the twisting or turning of the stomach.

Flatulence on the other hand, is the accumulation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract and if it’s persistent or excessive, it can cause a lot of discomfort to a dog.

Bloating
Bloating is very common in dogs like Dobermans, German Shepherds, and Great Danes who have big chests, and is caused by the accumulation of gas and fluid in their stomachs. When the stomach becomes enlarged it can obstruct the veins in the abdomen and result is unusually low blood pressure and shock. When accompanied by dilation of the stomach, it can also trap air, food and water in the stomach and the result can be fatal. Should this occur in your pet, you should get immediate medical help.

Dogs that eat their food very fast, or who exercise immediately after they eat are more likely to suffer from bloating. Older dogs are more susceptible to bloating than younger ones and male dogs more than females.

Here’s how to recognize the symptoms of bloating in your dog:
* Swollen belly
* Retching
* Rapid breathing
* Weak pulse
* Rapid heart rate
* Restlessness
* Pain in the abdomen

You can help prevent bloating by not exercising your dog immediately after it has eaten. And if your dog has a tendency to bloat, you shouldn’t give it water immediately after a meal.

Flatulence
Dogs of all ages and breeds are susceptible to suffering from flatulence, and almost all cases are caused by the dog’s eating habits. Some dogs eat their food really fast and gulp in air with their food. This ends up giving them flatulence.

Symptoms of Flatulence
* Bloating
* Belching
* Pain in the abdomen
* Passing Gas
* Bloating

How to prevent your dog from passing gas
If your dog usually gulps down its food, begin feeding it smaller meals at regular intervals instead of two larger meals. Feed your dog the best quality food you can, and if possible, occasionally add a small amount of raw and unprocessed food products. Also, ensure that your pet has plenty of fresh water. Add a regular exercise routine to help keep bloating and flatulence problems at a minimum.