Quote Originally Posted by zippy-kat View Post
At first I thought Staci made a thread about me....
LOL! Oh Tonya!

Seriously, though, as the owner of a standard poodle (high on the list for bloat) and having had a previous standard who died of bloat, this is a subject that creates great fear in me. Thankfully Bella is not a fast eater. I have heard of placing the rocks in the bowl but haven't needed to slow her down. I am careful about not exercising her before and after meals, etc. I have read of a genetic component playing a role, and the breeder of one of my former poodles felt strongly that genetics played a large role. Stress also can contribute, i.e., a trip to the groomers or being boarded, both of which I avoid. I do my own grooming and have my dogs watched by a neighbor in my home if I go away. My granddog, Dale, a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, also died from bloat at age 2. As I said, this whole topic creates great anxiety for me.