adding stuff to the dog's diet, wanted to hear your thoughts

[lizbud]

If something is not digestable, it will cause gas in the gut. In a large breed dog, this can put too much gas in the intestine- one of the leading factors of bloat. Beet is also dangerious- unless the sugar is removed or it is in a cooked type combination.
I have been studying dog foods for over 20 years. .. .. .. ...

Is gas in the gut the same as a person being full of hot air?

[borzoimom]

Is gas in the gut the same as a person being full of hot air?

VERY GOOD question- .. Gas in the gut can cause the gut to twist- ie bloat, GDV.
If there is too much gas there, the stomach can twist. Its not the same as " being full of hot air. " Full of hot air" is like the bowel- like indigestion or " passing gas". Its not the same. ..
That was a good question. Maybe people do not understand the difference. I am copying a link what GDV is.. "What Is Canine Bloat?
The topic of GDV (the canine bloat) is very real and frightening to any dog owner. Although most dog lovers out there are fairly educated about the subject, I feel that we all need a refresher course once in a while.

Canine Bloat (Gastric Dilation or GDV) is a very dangerous disorder of the canine digestive system. Unfortunately the reasons behind this disorder seem to be somewhat puzzling and not so clear, but we have gathered some information about the disorder and the symptoms that may be helpful for all dog lovers.

We also touch on the subject of getting the proper medical help in case of an emergency and you will also find a few suggestions that may or may not be helpful in preventing bloat. We do follow all the suggestions provided here since our German Shepherd Mundo has a very sensitive digestive system.

Once again observation is the key element of course and we all must learn to read canine body language since they just cannot express themselves verbally.

What is Bloat "Gastric Dilation": The condition is rapidly fatal in dogs, causing shock, coma, and death within 6-12 hours. Always consult your dog's vet as he or she can take x-rays of the abdomen to confirm the diagnosis. It is characterized by stomach enlargement due to extreme gas and or dilation.

Dilation may follow by "volvulus" a twisting rotation of the stomach. This closes both the esophagus and pylorus preventing the dog's stomach from relieving gas by belching; it also blocks the food to advance into the intestines and stops the suffering dog from getting ride of the food by vomiting.

We have also found out that this twist compresses one of the major veins carrying blood to the heart and causes abnormal blood circulation through out the dog's body, which causes shock and death.

What breeds are prone to bloat? Bloat seems to affect deep-chested, large or extra large dogs between the ages of 4 to 10 years.

German Shepherd
Great Dane
Standard Poodle
Rottweiler
Akita
Bloodhound
Great Pyrenees
Irish Setter
Old English Sheepdog
Boxer
Golden Retriever
Irish Wolfhound
St. Bernards
Labrador Retriever
Newfoundland
Doberman
What are some of the bloat symptoms: Common symptoms of bloat are:

major anxiety
abdominal swelling after meals
gagging
whining
heavy salivating
pacing
dry vomiting
heavy panting
shallow breathing
restlessness
excessive heartbeat
weak pulse with off colored (blue, dark red, white) gums
Initially affected dogs show some of the symptoms above and are not interested in food or water. After 30-60 minutes the dog begins to appear swollen in its midsection due to accumulation of gas in the stomach than begin to pant heavily and breathing becomes rapid and shallow. Keep in mind that the gagging and vomitting is always unproductive.

What to do in case of an emergency: Dogs showing any of the above symptoms must be observed carefully and taken to a veterinarian immediately.

Some helpful suggestions: Below are some suggestions to decrease the chances of bloat. These suggestions we follow for our boss dog Mundo (German Shepherd) may or may not help detecting or preventing canine bloat, but observation and being canine-connected will help you understand and help your loyal pooch!

Never feed your dog immediately before or after heavy work out or training session. We try to allow 2-3 hours of rest time after feeding our dogs.
Do not allow your dog to become overweight.
Be canine-connected and watch for odd symptoms, abdominal swelling, dry vomiting, strange gagging, extreme restlessness, etc.
Feed several small meals throughout the day instead of one large meal. Our German Shepherd Mundo gets 2 meals and a snack for lunch.
If you have a nervous dog, feed her/him in a quite relaxed atmosphere. Our poodle Cinnamon was pretty nervous during feeding, so we set her dish in the kitchen and leaft her alone during her meals.
If you plan on changing your dogs diet, start slowly please. Sudden diet changes will cause gastric problems. The adjustment period for Mundo (find out what Mundo eats) when we got her on a holistic diet was 2 months. She was extremely frail so this time frame was longer than usual. Please check with your vet when changing diets, a vet will be able to guide you better since he or she is familiar with your dogs physical and psychological make up.
What may cause Bloat? It is thought that the following factors may contribute to bloat, although there are no definite answers.

Eating Habits
Exercise
Stress
Heredity
Disposition
Immediately contact your dog's veterinarian in case you feel that your dog may have GDV. Please note that GDV is a life-threatening emergency and we urge you or anyone you know not to attempt home treatments, but seek professional help instead!

Be alert, use caution and ask your vet in case you have any doubts. You and your dog deserve to live a happy and healthy life. With a little understanding of dangerous illnesses such as the canine bloat, you are taking a step toward insuring your dog's future and health.

Stay healthy and happy...

Sevi Kay © 2000 Mundo L.L.C "
http://www.cybercanine.com/bloat.htm

[finn's mom]

I know it's typical Pet Talk debating, but I'd like to try to keep this particular thread clean and serene (that rhymed!). I'm all for debate and differing opinions, which there doesn't appear to be debate, just the same opinion worded differently. Maybe I'm naive, but I get enough negativity in "real life", I'd like to keep this place pretty and like a big ray of sunshine. Please take the dark clouds to pm, if you don't mind.

All the actual information that has been supplied in this thread has been great, though, so thank you to those who have offered it!

[borzoimom]

Just answering as presented before me.. Sorry Finn's Mom.. It got kidnapped.. lol

[lizbud]

I know it's typical Pet Talk debating, but I'd like to try to keep this particular thread clean and serene (that rhymed!). I'm all for debate and differing opinions, which there doesn't appear to be debate, just the same opinion worded differently. Maybe I'm naive, but I get enough negativity in "real life", I'd like to keep this place pretty and like a big ray of sunshine.

mea copa, Let the info keep flowing.

[Ceph]

I have a question -


When I get my puppy I am planning on feeding him or her mainly raw. What supplements should I plan on adding to the feed to make sure the puppy is getting everything he needs. I want him to grow up healthy and happy and awsome, so I am worrying a but about the feed.

And how should the diet morph and change as he gets older and larger?

[borzoimom]

I have a question -


When I get my puppy I am planning on feeding him or her mainly raw. What supplements should I plan on adding to the feed to make sure the puppy is getting everything he needs. I want him to grow up healthy and happy and awsome, so I am worrying a but about the feed.

And how should the diet morph and change as he gets older and larger?

With a puppy on raw, unless the pup is thin or a 'giant breed', there is no reason to add supplments other than vitamins. I use missing link. I can pm you a receipe for your puppy- but I need to know the breed, and the age..

[Ceph]

lol, It's my BBS puppy...so probably between 40 and 60 pounds...they're smaller in europe then they are in the states, and he'll probably start out with me at 2.5 months.

[caseysmom]

Is gas in the gut the same as a person being full of hot air?

Lizbud...I am glad I had not food in my mouth