Index
What is Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV)?
4 Steps to Prevent Stomach Bloat and GDV in Dogs
Daisy's Story: A Dog Who Still Makes a Difference
Daisy was the sort of dog who made an impression wherever she went. A Standard Poodle with a gentle face and a tail that never stopped wagging, she was a regular at my veterinary practice.
Her human mom, Jennifer, often brought her in—not always because Daisy was unwell, but because the visits gave Jennifer a bit of comfort after her husband passed away. Over time, our appointments became more than just checkups; they were a chance to share a cup of tea, swap stories, and enjoy a bit of company.
Then, one winter weekend, I received a call from Jennifer. I was away visiting my sister, but the urgency in Jennifer’s voice was unmistakable. Daisy, who had been perfectly fine just an hour earlier, was suddenly in serious trouble. She was struggling to breathe, and her belly was swollen and tight. Jennifer described the symptoms as best she could, and I knew right away it sounded like gastric dilatation-volvulus—GDV, or bloat—a condition every vet dreads.
I told Jennifer to get Daisy to the emergency clinic immediately. With GDV, time is critical. The stomach twists, trapping gas and cutting off blood supply, and every minute counts. Jennifer did exactly what she needed to do, but sometimes, even when everyone does everything right, things don’t work out.
Daisy didn’t survive the surgery. The news hit hard—for Jennifer, and for me too. Daisy was more than just a patient; she was a friend.
Even now, years later, I still think about Daisy. Sadly, GDV remains a common and preventable cause of death in dogs, especially in larger breeds. That’s why I decided to share Daisy’s story.
If her story helps only one dog avoid the same fate, it would be worth the time writing this article, but I know many more dogs will be saved.
So, if you have a dog—especially a deep-chested breed—take a moment to learn about GDV. Sometimes, knowing what to look for and acting quickly can save a life.
I hope this helps you keep your own beloved companion safe and healthy for years to come.
What is Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV)?
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) is a serious and life-threatening condition in dogs where the stomach rapidly fills with gas and then twists. This twisting traps gas and food inside the stomach, causing it to become dangerously enlarged and cutting off blood flow to vital organs. GDV most often affects large, deep-chested breeds, but it can happen to any dog. It requires immediate veterinary attention, as it can quickly become fatal without prompt treatment.
Bloat vs. GDV: What’s the Difference?
It’s important to understand that while the terms bloat and GDV are often used together, they’re not identical.
Bloat refers to the accumulation of gas or food in the stomach, causing it to expand—but not twist. Saying this, bloat also generally requires medical intervention as it may, in some cases, progress to GDV.
4 Steps to Prevent Stomach Bloat and GDV in Dogs
STEP 1: Feed a minimally processed diet
Dogs are designed to eat whole, raw foods—meat, bones, organs.
In nature, dogs evolved to digest the carcasses of prey. They have a highly effective set of teeth for ripping, shearing, crushing, and crunching meat and bones. Their digestive system is perfectly designed for raw foods, and the acidic pH of their stomach protects them from harmful bacteria. These strong stomach acids are also why dogs are capable of digesting raw bones.
Unfortunately, many dogs today are fed kibble—a highly processed and ground-up food that turns into a slimy porridge soon after it reaches the stomach.
Over time, the stomach muscles grow weak. Because there’s no natural roughage like bones and meat to work on, the stomach doesn’t have to contract as powerfully.
I often compare this to a couch potato: the less work the stomach does, the more sluggish and flabby it becomes. This "kibble stomach" is far more prone to bloating and distention.
And that’s not all—kibble, especially grain and carbohydrate-based varieties, is much more likely to ferment and cause gas build-up. This makes the risk of bloat even higher.
Solution: Feed a raw or gently cooked homemade diet. You’ll not only support digestion but also strengthen the digestive system itself.
STEP 2: Wait to exercise!
Exercising your dog after meals significantly increases the risk of stomach torsion. The general rule: wait at least four hours after eating before any vigorous activity.
Too many people still take their dogs for a walk or run right after a meal. Please help spread the word—timing matters!
I personally feed my dog Pax after the morning dog walk, so he can snooze and digest while I work, and go for a second walk later on in the day.
STEP 3: Ensure essential nutrients are being met
One of the most overlooked causes of bloat is nutrient deficiency—especially when it comes to vitamins, minerals, omega oils, and a healthy gut microbiome. A strong stomach starts with proper cellular nutrition. This is what I recommend:
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Organic multi-vitamins play a crucial role in cellular repair and the strength of digestive muscles, including the stomach wall. When the body is nourished properly, the stomach functions more efficiently and resists abnormal distention. I use a food-based multivitamin like SoulFood to support this process.
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Omega-3 oils contribute to tissue elasticity while reducing inflammation throughout the body—including the digestive tract. A heavy metal and toxin-free omega oil like FeelGood Omega supports healthy cell membranes, among a variety of other health benefits for your dog.
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Plant-based minerals are often overlooked, however with our soils being depleted in essential amino acids and minerals, this means dogs (and humans!) aren’t getting these essential nutrients from food alone. A clean, plant-based supplement like GreenMin helps fill these crucial gaps.
- A balanced microbiome is key to supporting a healthy gut and preventing gas build-up. Dogs need beneficial bacteria that are specific to their species, which is why I recommend a canine-targeted probiotic like GutSense.
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Organic multi-vitamins play a crucial role in cellular repair and the strength of digestive muscles, including the stomach wall. When the body is nourished properly, the stomach functions more efficiently and resists abnormal distention. I use a food-based multivitamin like SoulFood to support this process.
STEP 4: Keep the back healthy
Over the years, I’ve noticed a very close connection between the thoracic-lumbar junction of the spine—just behind the last rib—and the health of the stomach.
Dogs prone to digestive issues or stomach upsets often show inflammation or sensitivity in this area, and in some cases, this can lead to spondylosis, a form of spinal arthritis. Interestingly, a few emergency veterinarians shared withy me they also see frequent signs of spondylosis at this exact location in dogs who present with GDV.
Remember that healthy spine supports a healthy stomach.
If your dog shows tension, heat, or discomfort along the spine behind the last rib, it may be a sign of energy imbalance or structural strain that could affect the stomach. Regular monthly check-ups can help detect and address these issues early.
There are many helpful modalities to support spinal health—physiotherapy, chiropractic care, osteopathy, massage, acupuncture, and intramuscular needle stimulation (IMS), to name a few. The results often depend on the skill of the practitioner, but when done well, these therapies can make a significant difference in overall well-being and digestive function.
Recently, new research has confirmed that muscle tone also decreases after animals are spayed and neutered by conventional methods. If you have a young intact dog, here is information on hormone sparing sterilization.
What to Do If You Suspect Bloat or GDV
If your dog shows these symptoms:
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- A swollen or distended abdomen
- Restlessness, pacing, or signs of pain
- Shallow breathing or rapid panting
- Excessive drooling or attempts to vomit
- Pale gums or signs of collapse
- A swollen or distended abdomen
Drive to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic immediately!
On the way, give Nux Vomica or Carbo Vegetabilis in 30C or 200C potency as a homeopathic first-aid remedy.
These can sometimes ease symptoms and buy a little time—but they are not a substitute for professional treatment.
Bloat (without torsion):
If the stomach is distended with gas but has not twisted, your vet may be able to relieve the pressure using a stomach tube passed through the mouth and into the stomach. If this isn’t possible, a large needle may be inserted directly into the abdomen to release gas.
This step can often resolve simple bloat quickly, without the need for surgery. Your dog will have to be hospitalized and monitored to ensure the condition doesn’t progress.
GDV (with torsion):
If your veterinarian diagnoses a stomach torsion (GDV), emergency surgery is usually the only way to save your dog’s life.
Your dog will also be treated for shock and circulatory collapse, which are the most dangerous aspects of GDV. Intensive monitoring, IV fluids, and medications will follow, and recovery may take several days.
Is Preventive Surgery (Gastropexy) Worth It?
Gastropexy is a commonly recommended preventive procedure, where the stomach wall is attached to the inside of the rib cage to prevent the stomach from flipping.
While this does prevent the twisting associated with Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV), it does not prevent bloat.
Personally, I'm not in favor of gastropexy because it restricts the natural movement and function of the stomach. Also, any surgical intervention affects the body’s energy meridians, and preserving the natural state of the body is what I prefer.
The Best Prevention of Bloat
I feel very grateful that since Daisy’s passing, not a single one of my patients has suffered from GDV. Her loss was heartbreaking, but it also opened the door to deeper understanding and awareness—something I’ve been committed to sharing ever since.
Awareness is one of the most powerful tools we have. GDV isn’t always preventable, but there are simple, meaningful steps you can take to greatly reduce the risk.
Step by Step Summary of GDV and Bloat Prevention:
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Feed a natural raw or gently cooked diet, along with raw bones to strengthen digestion.
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Avoid exercise right after meals, giving your dog at least four hours to digest.
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Support your dog with essential nutrients—natural vitamins, minerals, omega oils, and probiotics.
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Ensure good spinal alignment and energy flow, especially around the area just behind the last rib.
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Consider hormone replacement therapy in spayed and neutered dogs.
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Feed a natural raw or gently cooked diet, along with raw bones to strengthen digestion.
This strategy have become the foundation of my approach to preventing bloat.
Thank you for sharing this important article and give your dog a hug for me.
