questions about bloat

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I didn't want to start this discussion on Kari's about her experience and her loss of Ari.
I read what was written on what not to do. My question is about the raised bowls. Charli is 28" tall at her shoulder. For her to have a bowl on the floor she was to spread her front legs so wide it hurts me to watch her. The other 2 aren't as tall but for them to have their bowls on the floor doesn't make eating easy.
My doodles chew their food, will go over and get a little water and come back to finish their dinner

I appreciate your suggestions.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Don't horses have feed bags? And elevated troughs?

[BG and Gavin]

Horses that are turned out to pasture eat grass off the ground (graze).  Our races horses were kept in the barn.  Feed and water was in a pail about chest level and a section of hay was tied up in a hay bag about the same level.

[Adina P]

That's what I was thinking of.  Lot of horses eat grass off the ground.  My dogs eat grass off the ground.  Do dogs that look uncomfortable eating from bowls on the floor also tend to not stick their nose on the ground either?  No grass eating?  No sniffing for crumbs?  I realize chewing/swallowing is different than sniffing, but given how fast Boca eats, it's not too different for her.  She's no giant though.  Rosco is and he doesn't look awkward eating.  I almost want to see photos of the other dogs eating off the ground...to see if they just have a different body type, neck length thing going on.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Barn kept horses usually eat from raised feeders/ in their stalls or tubs on the ground. Some of the causes of colic are too much spring grass, especially after a rain, mold in the hay (that you might or might not see), hay that's too green, overeating --an unlatched stall door and an open feed bin -- and changes in weather. But sometimes you can't pinpoint a cause. Interesting that a horse that colics is prone to colic again. It's one of the most frequent calls to the vet. Also, I tried to keep the horse moving until the vet arrived. Laying down increased the chances their gut would twist. I've never heard that with a dog. Just get him to the vet.

[F, Calla & Luca]

You have a good point Adina. Nose to the ground is a frequent position around here too.

[Marianne *OZZY & ZOEY]

Ozzy always lays down to eat.  I had the raised bowls once and not sure how it happened but he somehow got the bowl out and his head stuck in the hole..he really freaked out...He was so scared I did not even think of taking a picture.  Ozzy most of the time will lay down to drink as well.  Sorry can't help..the vet just told me not to let him run crazy after he eats.

Hugs to you.

[BG and Gavin]

One more thing, after eating or drinking anything Gavin seeks out the nearest human has a good belch.  He also has a deep stretch every morning and expels gas from the other end.  Are these gas releases a good sign or a bad sign?

[Adina P]

Cas, our border collie, used to do that.  Come for a ear massage and belch in your face. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Good sign that he's getting rid of it but it would be best not to get it. The gas belched up is swallowed air, no one needs that : )

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Well meaning people always put water down when the dogs are having a play date...Finn gulps it down then throws it up 10 minutes later. No more of that. I wonder if it's really hot if it's ok to have a little bit of water or an ice cube.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Small amounts of ice water is what JD's internal medicine specialist recommends when he's been regurgitating. Supposedly helps.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Thanks Karen. Good to know.