[Dailydrool] Scarey X-Mas

Sat Dec 26 16:51:49 PST 2009

Carol,

It definitely sounds like Rosie started to bloat. Waldo bloated at least 4 times in 6.5 years; we learned from the vet that the absolute first thing you do if you suspect bloat is to give Gas-X or generic simethicone. Waldo was about 65 lbs., and I would give him 3 extra-strength Gas-X gelcaps. This is NOT a substitute for vet treatment; it's just triage that may buy you some extra time to get to the vet. You were lucky this time, in that it resolved itself - that may not always be the case. The vet can administer an injection that helps to push the excess gas out, and they will most likely also do x-rays to see if the stomach has started twisting. If it has, surgery will most likely be required. 

I would suggest finding an emergency vet in your area that's open on holidays and weekends now, before you need it. There's enough to panic about when you suspect bloat; not knowing where to go when/if it happens again will only make it worse for you.

I don't mean to sound harsh or scare you even more, but I know from repeated experience that bloat is something to be taken very seriously - you can't just watch and wait, because by the time you realize that it's not going away on its own, it may be too late for the vet to help.

As for food aggression, there are a few things you can do. First, to prevent Rosie from trying to steal Snowflake's food, feed them in their crates (if they have them) or in separate rooms. Do not let either of them out until both are done eating and you've retrieved the empty dishes.

To slow Rosie down and prevent gulping, there's a bowl called the Break-Fast bowl: http://www.brake-fast.net/  You could also get a treat ball and fill it with kibble - that would dispense only one piece at a time. We have this one: http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2753808&cp=2767032.2767187&sr=1

Good luck.

Esther, Basil, and Waldo ATB

----- Original Message ----

   - - - First of all, best wishes for a very Healthy and Happy New Year to all our Fellow Droolers. - - - 

Our Rosie gave me quite a scare last night (X-Mas evening):  

  We are taking care of our neighbor's dog - a very small Havanese (Snowflake) and Rosie is a bit food aggressive lately so she is gobbling her food very quickly in hopes that she can finish hers and then eat what's left of "snowflake's.  

  Well, last night I gave them both some Turkey with their kibble and as usual, Rosie gobbled and then drank her water and this time instead of heading over to Snowflake's bowl she ran for the back door.  We let her our and she started to eat grass, LOTS of grass, I watched her and waited but she didn't throw up.  She wanted to come back in but I was hesitant so I went outside with her and again she ate grass, then we sat a bit and I felt her stomach and it was quite hard, I wanted to take her for a walk but she didn't want to go.  She walked with me a bit around the yard and then then she started to heave and vomit - Four times and still her stomach felt hard.  

   After that more grass...well this continued for about twenty minutes and I was scared and here it is X-Mas and where would I find a Vet.  I was about to run to the Drug store for some GasX when I remembered we had kids Pepto in the house so I put one tablet in a small amount of cream cheese and gave it to her.  She walked around a bit more then she came in and laid down and did some heavy panting.   I put my ear to her stomach and it sounded like a war zone in there.  I gently massaged her stomach and legs and she slept a bit and then I listened again and it was less noisy so I asked her if she wanted a walk and this time she agreed.  We walked awhile and she pooped a small amount,  and then turned to go home.  Her stomach had softened quite a bit, so I put a warm towel on her stomach and she fell fast asleep and I checked her a couple of times during the nite but this morning I was afraid to look.  Well, she survived the nite, went out this am and
 had a good poop and then she came home and insisted on breakfast.  I gave her a small breakfast of cheerios and a little turkey and she's sleeping soundly.  

  That's the closest we've gotten to what I can assume was a slight case of bloat and it was scarey.  I got lucky this time but can't wait for snowflake to go home and will think twice about doing anymore dogsitting favors as I fear I may be putting Rosie's health in jeopardy as she is just too much of a food hound.  Even feeding them seperately at different times doesn't help as I believe Rosie Gobbles because she is afraid the other dog will eat her food.

  Any suggestions on how to stop this food gobbling issue.  She eats quickly when she is alone but when another dog is around it's scarey how fast she consumes her food.  Also, what's the best thing to use to releive gas and how much (Rosie is 75 pounds of Food Hound).

Carol & Rosie in Florida

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