Worried about Bailey- please help

[Bailey's mum]

Hello doodle lovers, can you please help me?
Bailey isn't feeling well and I don't know why. He hasn't been himself today, not coming to welcome me when I got home for example. His stomach feels weird, hard and swollen like a ballon. He drinks more water than normal. Also he started whining today and showing he wanted to go outside. Even though it wasn't long since his last pee, I took him outside. He pulled my leech and immediately lifted his leg. He's usually very picky about his peeing spots. He peed for a very long time and for just an hour ago he did the same thing again. Does anyone know what might be happening?

[Three Doodle Life]

So happy to hear that Bailey is doing well!

[Debbie & Gibbs]

I've got a question about Bloat. Is it something that affects larger dogs? Does size and weight play a factor in rather a dog suffers bloat? Does bloat usually occur after eating, and if so, do you usually keep your dogs quiet for a period of time after meal time? Sorry for so many questions, but I've always had small dogs up until Gibbs and have zero knowledge about bloat. Thanks!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Here's a good article which explains bloat and describes the risk factors. It's more about build than overall size; age plays a role, too. It is important not to allow your dog to exercise strenuously both before and after eating.  

Bloat- the mother of all emergencies

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

Thank you for posting that! I needed to know the symptoms and I imagine others do as well.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

We have a lot of info here on DK about bloat as well, including a featured discussion in the Health Group which has links to videos and also to an article on an emergency bloat kit to use if you cannot get to an ER fast enough. It's important to note that time is of the absolute essence with bloat. So much so that they advise that someone call ahead to the ER because they will meet you in the parking lot with a gurney. 

Here's the Health group page with the links: http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/bloat-or-twisted-stomach?g...

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

This was a good review for all of us. Murphy is now 7 yo and has a deep narrow chest. He is an anxious dog who eats so fast when other dogs are around that I think about bloat everytime i see him do it.  He fits all the criteria of a typical bloat prone dog.  We do have a tube and block ready, and I just hope I have help and the foresight to use it on the way to the Vet, 15 min away. 

Thanks for this.

[Cheryl]

If you truly suspect bloat (twisted gut) don't take time to post. Call and get to your Vet. If you do catch in time treatment success is iffy. Don't waste precious minutes.