Question:
I want to tell you how much I enjoy your column. The public certainly needs a better understanding of and education on animal care -- you're providing a terrific service. I have an inquiry regarding the question on bloat by the woman who recently lost her German shepherd. You mentioned soaking the kibble; feeding more frequent, smaller meals; and preventing vigorous physical activity after meals. I've also read that putting a large chain in the feeding bowl will help slow down dogs that eat too fast. I'm surprised, however, that you didn't mention what I thought was an important bloat-prevention method: elevating the feeding bowl. I am just now seeing that an article was published in the January Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association against raising the bowl! Could you please confirm or refute the raising of the bowl as a valid measure to help stave off bloat?.
L.F., Houston, TX Dec 12, 2004
Answer:
According to my reading, the jury is still out regarding the necessity of elevating food bowls to make it easier for large dogs to eat and to help prevent bloat. Some dogs do like to have their food bowls elevated, while many large dogs like to lie down and eat (which is a normal posture often assumed by wolves eating the remains of their prey).Soaking kibble, avoiding high corn and soybean dog foods (which are better for cows and pigs), feeding several small meals and avoiding strenuous physical exercise soon after eating -- these are the best preventives for bloat.
Subscribe