Frequently asked questions about Brake Fast
- What are the risk factors for bloat (GDV)?
- What is bloat/GDV?
- What are the symptoms of bloat/GDV?
- Why is there no non slip edging on the Brake fast Bowl?
- How do I stop my dog from eating the bowl?
- What are the risk factors for bloat (GDV)?
-
High risk age group (large dogs and older than 5 years or ‘giant’ dogs and older than 3 years)
Deep, narrow chest compared with other dogs in the same breed
Having any first degree relative with history of GDV
Using a raised food bowl
Being a faster eater compared with other dogs
To reduce the risks, that owners can control, we recommend to split feeding (morning and evening meals), and use brake-fast™ bowls on the ground. - What is bloat/GDV?
- GDV is life threatening it is when a dogs stomach distends with air to the point that their stomach goes into shock. When the stomach is distended with air but is located in the correct place in the abdomen, this is known as Dilatation. Volvulus means that the distention is associated with a twisting of the stomach on its longitudinal axis.
- What are the symptoms of bloat/GDV?
- Common symptoms include (but not necessarily all) of the below:
- Unsuccessful vomiting attempts occurring every 5-30mins
- Out of sorts, not acting like their usual selves
- Significant restlessness and anxiety
- Hunched up appearance
- Lack of normal digestive sounds in the tummy
- Bloated abdomen that may feel tight like a drum
- Pale or off colour gums
- Coughing
- Heavy drooling or salivating
- Non-productive gagging
- Non-productive attempts to defecate
- Foamy mucus in vomit or foamy mucus around the lips
- Air licking
- Pacing
- Whining
- Hiding
- Looking at their side as a place of discomfort
- Unwillingness to sit or lie down
- Standing spread legged
- Curling up in a ball or crouched position
- Attempting to eat small stones or twigs
- Excessive drinking
- Rapid/Heavy panting
- Shallow breathing
- Apparent weakness, i.e struggling to stand
- Accelerated heartbeat
- Weak pulse
- Collapse
The key thing is to know your dog and know when they are not acting right. - Why is there no non slip edging on the Brake fast bowl?
- The bowl is designed to slide across the floor to discourage aggressive eaters. The more forceful they eat their food, the more the food will move away. Once they relax their approach to eating then the bowl (and food) will no longer move away from them.
- How do I stop my dog from eating the bowl?
- Simple. If your dog is a chewer then the best thing to do is to lift the bowl up on to the side out of your dog's reach once they have finished eating.