Bloat paranoia and upset tummies

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

So... last night Luna started excessively licking her lips and making hiccupping/gagging noises... and her tummy felt a bit tense.  My first thought was "OH NO, it's bloat!".  We rushed her to the local vet E.R. (5 minutes from our house!)

After a thorough check (and $170) she was just having an upset tummy (she's a bit of a garbage can - probably ate something on a walk that didn't agree with her).  The vet "prescribed" us to go get some Pepcid AC from the drug store and feed her rice/ground beef for a day or so. She also gave us a really good description of what a dog with bloat seems like.  (Can't really type it out... she basically impersonated/acted out being a dog with bloat for us!)

She seems fine now - she has asked to play and is in good spirits.  I think all these dire tales I've seen of dogs getting bloat has turned me a bit paranoid.  At least now I have some Pepcid AC for the next time she eats something that doesn't agree with her ;)

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I think you did the right thing and I am so glad sweet Luna is fine.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I would have done the same thing as I'm terrified of bloat.  Riley used to lip smack as soon as we got into the car and sometimes threw up if he had eaten so I know it is a sign of nausea but recently he has stopped doing it and now car rides, no matter how long are "chuck up free".  I am trying to find simethicone here for my emergency kit and it's on my list for the vet check up in a few weeks time.

So glad that Luna is fine.

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

I am paranoid about bloat so I too would have rushed to the vet. Better safe than sorry. I live in the country, the nearest vet is 30 min drive away (and thats going the fastest I can without getting caught for excessive speeding). and I worry that wouldnt be quick enough to save Cooper. I cant wait til we move into town

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm glad Luna is okay, and I don't blame you a bit for rushing to the ER; I would have done the same if I thought my dog was bloating.

Pick up a bottle of Gas-X (simethicone) to keep in the house; in actual cases of bloat, it will buy you some time before you get to the ER.

The symptoms you describe indicate nausea. If that continues, you may want to have your regular vet check her out. Pancreatitis can start with lip-licking; Jack's first symtpoms of IBD started with lip-smacking and gagging. I never knew that lip-smacking was a sign of nausea in dogs until he got sick.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Maybe you could video that vet's imitation of a dog with bloat for us, J. At least it would be entertaining if not really, really helpful. ;o)

So glad Luna is okay now. Bloat scares me spitless, tool

[F, Calla & Luca]

Whew, I am glad Luna is fine.