Great Danes are ranked #1 in bloat risk.
The Problem
The problem is gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly known as BLOAT. When I first heard the term “bloat” it didn’t sound like something that would be a big deal. I mean after eating a Thanksgiving dinner I always feel like I have bloat, but after a short nap I feel better and am back at the pecan pie.
Our first dog – a Dalmatian named Bobbi.
The term, “bloat” sounds kind of funny, but I soon learned that this condition was no laughing matter when Bobbi, our Dalmatian, developed a case of bloat. Just a few days before Christmas, Bobbi was clearly uncomfortable and drooling—not something Dalmatians normally do. It was a Saturday night, so we had to take her to the Urgent Care vet. (Why do these things always happen on an evening or weekend when the normal vet is closed!? But I digress.)
I figured she just ate something out of the garbage that didn’t agree with her, so I was shocked when the vet came out and told me that Bobbi had GDV and would likely die within a few hours unless she had immediate surgery.
We’d had Bobbi since she was a tiny pup and she was a part of the family. So even though the cost of the surgery was not in our budget, Grandpa kicked in and our story had a happy ending.
The surgery gave us many more fun-filled years with Bobbi in our family, but it was a wakeup call for us to learn more about bloat, especially when our next several dogs after Bobbi were Great Danes, the top-ranked dog for risk of GDV.
So What Exactly is Bloat?
Gastric dilatation-volvulus is a condition that affects the gastrointestinal system when the stomach gets twisted and flipped causing blockage that leads to the stomach filling with gas and distending. As the stomach distends it presses on the diaphragm making it difficult to breath. The pressure can also lead to shock as blood flow is restricted to the coronary system. Left untreated it will lead to shock and death.
What Causes Bloat?
Hot food, cold food, too much food, too much exercise after eating, drinking ice water, drinking water after eating, anxiety, big kibble, little kibble, and the list goes on. The problem is that no one has been able to put a definitive finger on the exact causes of the condition. There is no shortage of opinions and folklore, but even the AKC admits “This question has perplexed veterinarians since they first identified the disease.”
One long-standing opinion on the prevention of bloat in Great Danes has been the practice of using raised feeding bowls.
One long-standing opinion on the prevention of bloat in Great Danes has been the practice of using raised feeding bowls. The logic being that the raised bowl puts the food in a more comfortable position making it easier for the Dane to eat. This is what we were taught and have practiced for many years. However, there is scientific information that may debunk this age-old piece of wisdom.
Does a Raised Feeding Bowl INCREASE the risk of Bloat!?
A study performed by the School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University says, “Yes” a raised feeding bowl is a contributing factor to bloat in large breed dogs. (This study was done in 2000, on 1,637 large and giant breed dogs, not exclusively Great Danes.)
Below is an extract from the report of the study as published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association: (emphasis mine)
Factors significantly associated with an increased risk of GDV were increasing age, having a first-degree relative with a history of GDV, having a faster speed of eating, and having a raised feeding bowl. Approximately 20 and 52% of cases of GDV among the large breed and giant breed dogs, respectively, were attributed to having a raised feed bowl.
(J Am Vet Med Assoc 2000;217:1492–1499)
That’s 52% of cases in giant breed dogs were attributed to having a raised feeding bowl!
Whaaat?!
This goes against everything I’ve been told about raised feeding bowls! To put it mildly I was shocked. Even the AKC now holds the position that in light of these findings they can’t make a clear recommendation. It seems that it can no longer be said with any certainty that raised feeding bowls will decrease the risk of bloat. In fact it appears to be quite the opposite!
This study and further research has changed my thinking on using a raised feeding bowl for Lucy. Even though we can’t know exactly what causes bloat, there are some things we can do to reduce the risk.
If an Elevated Feeding Bowl doesn’t Reduce the risk of Bloat, What Will?
We all want to do what’s best for our beloved Great Danes. If the study shows that a raised feeding bowl can now be considered a risk factor, what can I do to reduce the risk?
Based on the study and combined recommendations from the AKC, PetMD and other sources there are a few things we know can reduce the risk of bloat.
- Before buying a Great Dane check the family history for instances of bloat.
- Feed smaller portions, 2-3 times a day rather than one big meal.
- Prevent speed eating or drinking.
- Ensure your Dane gets plenty of exercise and maintains a healthy body weight.
Lucy’s Experience
For us, we’ve fed our Danes from an elevated bowl for years and have subscribed to the traditional wisdom of feeding from a raised bowl, no water after feeding, and limited activity after feeding. However after reading the results of the scientific studies I’m lowering Lucy’s bowl and paying closer attention to how fast she drinks. While she doesn’t eat much or quickly she is fast and furious when it comes to drinking water, which seems to be a contributing factor.
I moved Lucy to a much lower, but still slightly raised feeding bowl. Like the one pictured here. It will move the rim of her bowl from 24″ down to 11″. I feel this is a good compromise between comfort and good health.
The results of this study came as a surprise to me. It has shifted my focus off of certain practices and onto others. I will continue to be a student of this topic and will post any new studies that I find.
The Bottom Line
Be aware of bloat and know the symptoms. In addition to a distended stomach, if you see unproductive retching, restless pacing, or excessive drooling get to a vet as quickly as possible.
Discuss GDV with your vet at your next visit to find out their recommendation on the altitude of your feeding bowl and any other precautions you can take to reduce the risk of bloat in your Great Dane.
Once you know the facts and have discussed the topic with your vet, you’ll have to decide what’s best for your pup, but it looks to me like the long-time practice of a raised bowl is not longer a good idea!
Let me know what you think about this study from Purdue and if it’s changed or affirmed your practices.
Remember, we’re in this together!
P.S. – Checkout this Dog Owner’s Handbook
Over the years I’ve learned many tips and tricks for training and living with dogs of all sizes. “The Dog Solution” offers a lot of good information in their “Dog Owner’s Secret Handbook” for a reasonable price. You might consider picking up a copy a reference on a variety of topics related to life with your fur baby. I didn’t write this book but I’ve used many of the tips contained in it. (If you pick up this publication I will receive a commission and I will be grateful.)
Sources:
Perdue Study results:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11128539/?ncbi_mmode=std
Purdue study PDF
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/7c3a/cf9d8760f876dcaa0ca4844aba19e5d16c84.pdf
AKC position on GVD
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/bloat-in-dogs/
One vet’s experience:
https://www.petmd.com/blogs/fullyvetted/2009/july/raised-bowls-and-bloat-ratcheting-controversy-risk-gdv-dogs-6861
Reduce risk factors:
https://www.amcny.org/blog/2014/07/16/what-causes-bloat-in-dogs
I have friends who own a Great Dane and he is permanently at the vet with some or other ailment. He also has a raised food bowl, but I never thought anything about it until I read your article. I will definitely forward this onto my friend. Do you think if she feeds the dog from a bowl on the ground maybe things will improve? He seems to have a lot of tummy and indigestion troubles.
We have a lovable pavement special, and he never gets sick. I would love to also know why the pedigree animals are more susceptible to sickness than the mongrels are?
Michel,
I think your friend will find this article interesting. According to the study from Purdue, the raised food bowl is only directly connected to bloat, a very serious gastrointestinal condition. There are no “mild” cases of bloat, either they have it and need surgery or don’t.
It’s hard to say if lowering the food bowl would help other tummy troubles, but it would certainly be worth a try.
I’m sorry to hear your friend is having continuous health issues with their Dane. We’ve had 4 Great Danes now and have never had unusual health issues. It pays to research the breeder before buying a Dane. If you work with a breeder with a history of providing healthy dogs you’ll have better odds. They may cost more upfront but will be worth it in the long run.
Our breeder is consistently putting out champion show dogs – we’ve never shown our dogs, nor do we plan to, but I believe getting our dogs from this stock has helped us have healthy dogs with a longer than average life span.
Thanks for taking time to read and comment on the article. Be sure to pass this along to your friend, I think they will find other helpful information on the DaneStuff site.
All the best,
Dave
I have practiced the raised bowl for my beautiful dog for a very long time now, I dont gbjnk my vet knoews about this. Its actually the first time I’m hearing about bload and I feel I dont know enough about my dog like I should. I’m going to talk to my vet about this so he can give me the full information so I can make my choice like you have said. Thank you for this eye opener.
John,
I’d love to hear your vet response to this finding. I haven’t shared this with my vet yet either, but I do plan to sit down with him to discuss.
This report came as a shock to me as well. It was a total reversal of everything I’ve been told and practiced for many years.
It’s helpful to have real scientific information to help us make good decisions.
Remember, we’re in this together!
Dave
Hi there, thanks for sharing such wonderful post. Mosy people are unaware of boat in dogs and I can’t hide the fact that I too am unaware of it myself. Although my buddy doesn’t use an elevated bowl since she was adopted and seeing this post and reading the effect of elevated bowl makes me thankful for not using it. However I’ll love that everyone take the correction and lower the bowl of their pet. Thanks once again.
Chloe,
Bloat is something every dog owner should be aware of, especially large breed dog owners. I’m glad you found this information helpful and hope it will help you keep your dog (or friends dog) happy and healthy.
I have a friend who owns a great Dane and had a similar issue to yours. Interestingly, it also happened on a weekend. The vet asked him to wait till a Sunday though and the dog got a medication to keep him down but he wasn’t taken home. He also had a surgery like you mentioned. I have to agree that very pet owner should learn about bloat and take their beauties to a vet for check up regularly. The debate on the raised bowl or the lowered bowl has been well explicated. Very good post!
It seems like “Murphy’s law” that any and all major medical issues involving a Vet have taken place on a weekend in our house. I’m just glad there’s a 24 Hour Emergency Vet near our home.
It seems like the raised bowl debate will rage on, but I found this scientific report to be the first and only one of it’s kind. Which for me moved the debate from the realm of personal opinion and folk lore, to a question of scientific fact. I’ll continue to monitor the debate.
It’s not about who’s right or wrong – it’s about doing what’s best for our Pups. I’m sure that’s what’s at the core for everyone.
Nice to know there’s a blog out there. I just put a deposit on pup to be born in a week and have never owned a dog period. I’m nervous to read about all the health problems, $$, etc. and feel like there’s not enough positive aspects about the breed. Maybe I’m just worried about it because I’ve never had a dog before.
How would you even stop the dog from eating or drinking too fast? Just smaller portions? Is that realistic everyday throughout it’s life? I will some some times need to have a sitter etc. I’m a really excited for this new journey but all I hear from people is how much work they are and $$ etc….Deep sigh. Any encouragement would be great! ☺️
Patricia,
I understand your apprehension – buying a dog is a big commitment. You don’t have to be scared if you know what to expect. All dogs are not created equal. We’ve had 3 Great Danes and they’ve all had different personalities and different behavioral patterns.
The puppy stage while fun and adorable takes a lot of work. For the first several months we didn’t leave Lucy alone in the house (in her crate) for more than a few hours at a time. As time progressed we could leave her for longer periods before progressing to leaving her out of her crate, but in a confined space.
As far as the “eating or drinking too fast” issue, I wouldn’t worry. You can regulate food and water by when and how long you put it down. When Lucy was a puppy we fed her three times a day – now that she’s grown she gets two meals a day. And we take up her water during feeding and don’t put it back down until at least 30 minutes after she’s finished eating. You’ll develop your own routine based on the needs and behavior or your new pup.
There are a couple other articles on the blog you might find helpful:
First-time Dane Owners Checklist: HERE
or
What Know Before you Buy: Here
Feel free to reach out with other questions anytime.
All the best!
Dave
Wow, I had a dog for 15 years and never had such a problem and to be honest with you I never knew something like this could happen. I guess anyone can never be too prepared. There is so much we don’t know about our little friends that’s shocking. I certainly learned something new today!
This is a condition that only affects larger dogs. I was unusual for our Dalmatian to develop this condition, however now that I’ve studied the topic i recognized that she was a fast eater. It’s good to be aware of this condition and to monitor how your dog eats and drinks. And it’s always a good idea to limit activity for at least 30 minutes after feeding.
I’m glad you fond this info helpful. We all just want to do what’s best for our pups. Feel free to reach out anytime with questions – remember, we’re in this together.
Thanks for such an informative post on caring for your pets. We recently had our first emergency experience with our pet, and of course it happened when the vet was closing. We were thankful for their patience with us and total help and understanding. They encouraged us to phone with any concerns. It is a good idea to know where your pet has been bred and of utmost importance to have a vet who is willing and able to help as needed.
Having a pet is a long-term commitment. It is not to be taken lightly.
Proverbs 12:10 says “a righteous man cares for his animals…” and it indeed takes a commitment on our part to care for them the best we can.
I’m glad you found this information helpful. Please stop by anytime and let me know if you have questions or a topic you’d like to see covered in a future article.
Very informative article about Great Danes and elevated food bowls! I have heard they are susceptible to bloat but I am with you that it seem contrary that a raised bowl would increase bloat! We have friends who are looking to get a Great Dane and will be sharing this article with them. Thank you!
I wish there was more empirical data on this. We’ve used a raised bowl for many years over three Danes and never had a problem with bloat. We do limit water and activity after feeding which i believe is important. I’ve taken a moderate approach and am currently using mid-height raised bowl.
The best we can do is be educated on the science, combine it with our experiences and diligently watch over our pups.
It’s something every Dane owner or potential Dane owner should be aware of and do what they think is best for their pup.
If you or your friends have questions or would like to see an article about a specific topic please let me know. I’m glad to help and share our experiences.