i know certain breeds are prone to bloat, like irish setters and GSD, so is there anything you can do to prevent bloat, in a breed that is prone to it?

Hi Guest, I lost an Irish Setter to bloat in Nov 2002. It was not the first time it had happened, in fact he bloated badly three times in total, although he bloated to a lesser degree every couple of weeks. On these minor occasions I walked him gently on lead until he eventually passed the gas one way or the other. I think you could say he was 'prone to it'.

As you rightly say, some breeds are, and also some individuals are too. I have another Irish Setter that has never bloated, and they were both treated the same. I took every precaution thought to help, and still Cassidy bloated. I decided to have him put to sleep that 3rd time because I was afraid that the next time would be in the middle of the night, or some other time when I was not there to help him.

So no, I do not believe that you can prevent bloat from happening, if it's going to happen it will.
Dawn R.

yes, bloat is extremely life-threatening.  one thing that can help prevent your dog from gettiing bloat is to make sure he/she doesn't eat at least 1.5 hours before and after vigorous exercise.  hard running can cause bloat if the dog has a full stomach.  also, feed your dog on some kind of aproximate schedule.  don't change the routine too much. oh, and don't over feed your dog. 

No excercise for upto 1 and a half hrs after exercise, never excercise directly before eating, feed atleast 2 meals per day instead of one big one (obviously the same amount just split up) and apparently they are saying that raising the bowl off the floor so its more there level to feed from.
Its all deep chested large breed dogs that are prone to it, i dont think any small dog has ever had it??

Water is a key issue with bloat. Don't allow huge drinks in one go.
Dawn R.

No one knows the real cause behind every case of bloat or torsion but it is believed that allowing a minimum of 1 - 2 hours between feeding and exercise is a given.  Many people have changed over to raw feeding as it is considered lower risk, large amounts of water should not be allowed just post hard exercise either.  It is now considered less risky to feed from the floor rather than from elevated bowls however again this is a personal choice.  Feeding at least twice a day is a plus.

A regular schedule of feeding has not as yet been found to have anything to do with bloat and in fact those of us who compete would find it hard in many cases so to do.

I have known a jack russell die of gastric torsion in its sleep :(

HTH

while researching bloat on the internet, i found a chart that listed the dogs most prone to bloat.  dachsunds were number 1.  weimerrauners were 3rd. 
there are also bloat kits you can make or get from your vet that can be  lifesaving emergency equipment. 
oh, and i did read that regular feeding schedule DOES make a difference in avoiding bloat.  keeping your dog on a somewhat regular schedule. 

and i have not heard that about the raw food diet.  i wonder what that would have to do with bloat?  it is still substance in their bellies.  do you have any info on that?  just curious because i considered the barf diet, but decided it against it for a multitude of health hazards.

http://www.vet.purdue.edu/epi/bloat.htm

Like everything there is a lot of contradictory advice about, all we can do is arm ourselves with facts, informed opinions and do what we think is best for our dogs; after all that is all any of us can do.

Bloat kits are all very well if it IS only bloat, unfortunately they will not help if it is torsion.  The trouble with torsion is that it can present in many ways depending on the dog and the signs can be "atypical"; torsion requires immediate veterinary help.

Feeding species appropriate food is essential to avoid all life from suffering unecessary digestive problems.  Commercial foods contain lots of ingredients that can cause gas which is of course the prime trigger of bloat/torsion hence why the raw regime is recommended as it is grain free fermentation is avoided at all stages through the alimentary canal.

The health hazards associated with raw food pale into insignificance with those associated with commercial foods.

None of mine nor any of the many, many people I personally know have ever been ill on raw food, quite the contrary.

But it is a personal choice.