Controversial
research findings: do raised dog feeders increase or decrease chances of
canine bloat?
You can find
studies that raised dog feeders increase chances of bloat. You can also
find studies that show raised dog feeders decrease chances of bloat.
Which do you trust?
The studies
that show raised dog feeders to decrease chances of bloat reason that
dogs who eat and drink at head-level elevation swallow less air while
eating and drinking. It also helps to slow down "gulpers."
What has
everyone worried about raised dog feeders is a Purdue study (http://vet.purdue.edu/epi/update2.htm)
in which increased occurrence of bloat was associated with elevated
bowls.
The only
problem with the assertion that raised dog feeders actually increase the
likelihood of bloat is they don't say why. Not even a theory.
Even the doctor
in charge of the study that associated raised dog feeders and bloat
attributed gulping of air as a definite cause, so...
If raised dog
feeders minimize the gulping of air, why wouldn't they decrease the
incidence of bloat?
For puppies
or dogs with mega esophagus, raised dog feeders are a necessity, despite
bloat concerns. Keeping the animal's head level or slightly upturned is
absolutely essential when feeding puppies with this condition.
While you
should read all of the facts and draw your own conclusion, I believe
that raised dog feeders are more comfortable for older and arthritic
dogs. If you have a "gulper," you should place one or more large
objects (too large to swallow, like a rock or paperweight), on top of his food to make him slow
down, thereby decreasing the chances of bloat.
Whether or
not you use raised dog feeders, bloat is very serious, and dogs can die
very quickly from it. If you have a dog who's already had one
experience, you should be even more careful as it is likely to repeat.
Feed him during your vet's hours, just in case. Never take chances. If
you suspect an episode, get him to the vet immediately.
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