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Post by Pepper(Hot Stepper) on Dec 1, 2012 9:00:22 GMT
I know that bloat is a serious issue so I always let Pepper rest as long as she wants/needs after eating. However, some websites say you even need to avoid exercise an hour BEFORE eating!? Is that really the case? And what is considered exercise? Would a 15-20 minute outing to the nearby park to wee be considered exercise?
I'm finding it tricky figuring out a routine that will work with our schedules with all these constraints. Especially in the morning.
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Post by patricksparents on Dec 1, 2012 9:46:05 GMT
I am not sure what the time frame is for exercise and bloat but this is what usually happens in our house........weetabix and a bowl of water for breakfast usually between 6 and 7, we then have our breakfast and then hubby takes Patrick for a 20-30 minute walk. After his evening meal (usually around 6-7), Peter will take him out at about 9 for 20 mins. That way we don't get woken in the night for wees.........we've never had any problem with bloating so it's probably a case of trial and error til you find what works for you.
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Post by davidbailey on Dec 1, 2012 9:46:22 GMT
I know that bloat is a serious issue so I always let Pepper rest as long as she wants/needs after eating. However, some websites say you even need to avoid exercise an hour BEFORE eating!? Is that really the case? And what is considered exercise? Would a 15-20 minute outing to the nearby park to wee be considered exercise? I'm finding it tricky figuring out a routine that will work with our schedules with all these constraints. Especially in the morning. Personally I treat my dog's like dogs. I never worry unduly about things I read on forums, because if you did you would be worried 24/7. My dog's are always off the lead and enjoy themselves, especially Fonzie and even more so when my friend turns up with her two. Her Fidget and Fonzie are on a mission to try and take every squirrel over Pishiobury Park by surprise and gobble them up. Up to date though they have caught exactly zilch, but run they certainly do. I always give my dog's the second part of their dinner when we return home, and up to now there has never been any reaction to my doing so. However, all dogs just like people are different and there may well be greyhounds it may effect, but up to now I have never heard of any that have been. I think that any greyhound that has suffered from bloat is a very unlucky greyhound, so you can't go on worrying about things that may never happen. If we took on board everything we have ever heard that could effect a greyhound, we would wrap them up in cotton wool and never take them out. So my advice would be to treat your hound like a dog, because they certainly haven't been up to the point where we take them home, and give them the life they so richly deserve. |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2012 11:41:15 GMT
I absolutely agree David! Just think that if us humans took note of everything that was said to be bad for us we would have to live in a germ free bubble for our entire life! Life is all about living and enjoying, not continually questioning what is right or wrong. I lost my last dog through something that was totally unavoidable even though I cared for her in every way that was good. As for bloating, I don't have that problem with Ted as he immediately takes himself off to bed after every meal - even breakfast when he hasn't even been out for a wee!!  |
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Post by sueb on Dec 2, 2012 9:54:26 GMT
I take a slightly different view, in that I have a couple of books on re-homing retired greyhounds and both refer to avoiding the danger of bloat. I seem to recall that an RGT leaflet also advises about an hours gap between eating and exercising. When my daughter was at vet school, she also heard of a dog which died of it and it was horrible.
Knowing that I believe I have a duty to be cautious in this area and take that advice from experts. I know some advice shared about some things is based upon peoples experiences and agree we should not wrap our dogs in cotton wool, but I personally will never take a risk and not follow advice about something with such serious consequences.
We walk our 2 as soon as are up and leave an hour between them getting back and giving them their breakfast. We're lucky in that we work at home quite a lot so can do this, but on days when I need to get out, I just pull on clothes and then shower, breakfast etc upon my return, which is usually enough time for the hour, to give them breakfast just before going out.
(Sorry that's too much information and now my secret's out, but at least I don't go out in my PJs and wellies and it does mean I can feed them within the timeframe!) Like most greyhounds i know they just sleep when they've just eaten.
If for some reason I can't maintain the hours gap, I have taken them in the garden on leads, for them to relieve themselves and so they cannot run around.
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Post by davidbailey on Dec 2, 2012 17:09:44 GMT
Bloat In Greyhounds
Like all large dogs, greyhounds are also susceptible to bloat. This condition is fatal if not treated quickly enough. Bloating can occur without notice and might even be mistaken for indigestion. It can sometimes have the appearance of a bloated belly, which is where the name comes from, and you may even see the stomach twisting and turning. However, you can't be sure that it will be that noticeable. Once the stomach starts to twist and turn it can torsion, which can be fatal. It cuts off the circulation in the stomach and blood gets pushed into the main organs while the stomach dies.
No one really knows what causes bloat but there have been some behaviors that appear to accompany dogs that experience bloat. Nervous or high-strung dogs can be susceptible to bloat and there is an indication that stress plays a part in the disease. Dogs that are fed dried dog food in large quantities also may experience bloat more than others. Whether this is due to some food allergy or sensitivity is not known.
Dogs that drink a large amount of water with their meals also can experience bloat more than others. You will want to limit the amount of water a dog takes with its meals. It might be due to the additional air that is taken in with the food that causes bloat or some other unknown factor.
In general, a natural food diet seems to be beneficial for dogs that experience bloat. At least try to avoid cereal-based kibble and stick with something that is more wholesome. Instead of feeding the dog a large meal once a day, seek to feed the dog more frequently but in smaller quantities.
Exercise may also contribute to bloat if done just prior to eating or directly after eating. Try to exercise you dog in between meals and not close to meal times. You can still walk the dog close to meal times, but no excessive vigorous exercise should be undertaken one to two hours before and after meals.
Above all, if you have any question whether your dog is torsioning take them immediately to the veterinarian. You can try to give the dog a bit of water to see if it comes right back at you. If it does, this is a very good indication that the dog is bloating. However, even without that indication, your dog's life may be in danger if it is torsioning. It might need to undergo surgery to relieve the distress as quickly as possible. This should only be done at your veterinarian's. Some owners may try to relieve the pressure on the stomach by poking holes in the dogs skin, but this can easily cause a greyhound's skin to rupture. Do not attempt to relieve the dog's distress if you are not someone who knows how to do this without hurting the dog.
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