Coming from someone who has gone through this experience... nothing is worth losing a dog over G.D.V.. Especially when it could have been potentially avoided.
I lost my girl to it on 2020, wish I knew the warning signs back then. Completely broke me, the scene of carrying her limp body into the vet will be etched into my brain forever. She could have lived so much longer too
🚨⚠️⚠️
**Feeding from a raised bowl significantly increases the risk of GDV**.
Studies indicated that dogs fed from an elevated feeder had a significantly higher risk of GDV than dogs that ate from bowls on the floor. In fact, study results suggest that the use of an elevated feeders **double the risk of GVD in large - and giant-breed dogs** (adjusted relative risk 2.10, 95% confidence interval: 1.4 – 3.30, P = 0.001). Large breeds (n = 889): The relative risk posed by feeding from a raised feeder was 2.17 (95% confidence interval: 1.27 – 3.71; P = 0.01).
Bloat is a very serious and life-threatening medical condition in dogs. It occurs when a dog's stomach expands. It can happen with **ANY** dog at **ANY** age.
[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.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11128539/)
- Elevated feeders were made for dogs with orthopedic conditions, joint disorders, spinal conditions, arthritis, or senior dogs with limited mobility.
If your dog struggles to eat, because of these reasons, you should discuss your dog's risk factors with your veterinarian before deciding whether an elevated feeder is appropriate for your dog.
**It is crucial to discuss your dog's risk factors with your veterinarian before deciding whether an elevated feeder is appropriate.**
#—
The condition is called **BLOAT** or **Intussusception** also known, more scientifically, as **Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)**.
BLOAT **occurs when a dog's stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid and subsequently twists**. GDV develops without warning and can progress rapidly and quickly lead to life-threatening shock if left untreated.
The condition is most common in large, deep chested breeds. It can affect these dogs at any age. Although 80 percent of intussusception cases occur in dogs **under the age of one year old.** Generally, the affected puppy will be under three months.
Bloat is a medical emergency and one of the most rapidly life-threatening conditions that vets treat in dogs. Without treatment, in only an hour or two, your dog will likely go into shock. The heart rate will rise and the pulse will get weaker, leading to death. It is always an emergency.
Pet owners should be familiar with their nearest veterinary emergency facility in the event that their regular veterinarian is not available after hours or does not have experience handling this condition.
If your dog shows signs of bloat, take him to a veterinarian or an emergency pet clinic immediately.
[Bloat/GDV (Gastric dilatation and volvulus) in Dogs: What Is it and How is it Treated? —AKC](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/bloat-in-dogs/)
[Bloat: Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus in Dogs —VCA](https://vcacanada.com/know-your-pet/bloat-gastric-dilatation-and-volvulus-in-dogs)
–
###IMPORTANT
**Those who eat/drink quickly, eat from raised bowls, eat a single large meal each day, have exercised right before/after a meal, having a fearful, anxious, or nervous temperament, history of bloat or large breeds who have deep chests are more at risk for bloat.**
*Using slow feeder bowls*
- Slow feeder dog bowls are designed with ridges, mazes, or other obstacles that make it harder for dogs to eat quickly. This design encourages dogs to take their time and chew their food properly, promoting better digestion.
*It is not recommended to use an elevated feeder if you have or suspect you have a dog that is susceptible to bloat.*
- the higher head position causes the dog to swallow more air as they eat. You do not want this.
*As a general rule, young puppies should be fed three times a day (in some cases even four!) until they're six months old. Adult dogs should eat at least two meals each day.*
- Feeding young puppies' regular small meals is important for a few reasons. Firstly, it prevents their tummies from getting overloaded with food and bloated.
*Do **not** feed your dog **right** before or **right** after any exercise.*
- Light exercise, such as walking your dog straight after eating can cause a buildup of gas in the stomach, which causes a feeling of heaviness and bloatedness, as their guts swell like a balloon. **A general rule of thumb** is to not feed dogs an hour **before** and an hour **after** exercising. This gives your dog's digestive system time to adjust and avoid digestive problems.
I hope you never see this disease, but learning about what it is, why it happens, how it’s treated and by
implementing some of the above techniques, you may be able to reduce your dog's risk.
**
Whether one is aware of this or not, sharing this knowledge is crucial to avoid any potential situations.
One may be trying to help their dog or to avoid spills. Nonetheless, for large deep-chested breeds like the German Shepherd that is already predisposed to BLOAT, it is NOT... I REPEAT *NOT* worth the risk.
I read that it’s good for them to be ‘in line’ to eat. My malinois used to lay down at her bowl to eat so I did a bit of research. Her bowls are on the floor and she no longer lays down so I’m not worried but was it a problem when she did it?
Wow thank you. I have always made my dogs chill after eating, but never knew about the raised bowl. I thought it was better for them. One needs it (senior with orthopedic issues) but I’m going to remove it now from the young one and def discuss with my vet. Thanks for this info.
To add to this: Make sure you know a vet that is willing and able to twist the stomach back in place. Not all vets will do so and the extra minutes you'd have to spend driving to a different vet could mean the difference between life and death.
>Pet owners should be familiar with their nearest veterinary emergency facility in the event that their regular veterinarian is not available after hours or does not have experience handling this condition.
You are correct. This is important to know.
Great and informative post! Thank you for taking the time!
I actually learned something new! I was familiar with most of the information you gave but I did not know, that you also should not feed right *after* exercise! Normally our dog is fed after the morning walk and after the evening walk. And he rests after being fed. We will change our routine and have him rest before and after in the future!
I have the normal neater feeder too, but my shep is also huge (130lbs), and so his neck is still bent down when he eats or drinks. I feel like bloat is the same as hip dysplasia for GSDs - meaning you should know about them, but they will not happen to every shepherd out there and there are other factors to consider (like if your dog eats fast or not).
That blurb above also talks about not allowing your dog to exercise before or after eating; that’s the first I’d heard of that rule. Im not sure how seriously to take that part - my dog is extremely active in the mornings and there isn’t really a time where he isn’t doing some form of exercise (even if it’s just playing by himself in the backyard). Like do I really need to crate my dog an hour before or after eating, as I put that thing away 2 years ago. Curious if anyone else actually does this every day…
>That blurb above also talks about not allowing your dog to exercise before or after eating; that’s the first I’d heard of that rule. Im not sure how seriously to take that part
There's a first for everything! GDV is probably one of the most serious non-traumatic conditions seen in dogs. Immediate veterinary attention (within minutes to a few hours) is required to save the dog's life. Any preventative measure should be taken seriously to keep your dog alive. These facts concern the existence, reality, or truth about a subject matter.
If it's recommended for us to wait to exercise 1-2 hours after eating a moderate sized-meal, the same rule applies to our dogs.
>Like do I really need to crate my dog an hour before or after eating, as I put that thing away 2 years ago.
All up to the owners preference. If you think your dogs' crate would be beneficial in taking the preventative measures, so be it. Although crating isn't necessary. Letting your dog free roam around the house or backyard is perfectly fine. Just don't be throwing their toy around that cause them to intentionally do physical activities.
- While exercise is crucial for a dog's overall health, it often impacts how well their food is digested. Dogs' digestive systems, for instance, they are not able to handle dog food as rapidly as they normally can when they exercise too much. This means that food will probably take longer to digest, which can result in digestive upset and even bloat in some circumstances, both of which can be very detrimental to dogs. Moreover, too much exercise can dehydrate your dog, which can also cause digestive problems.
Dismissing facts and proven studies would be beyond comprehension.
Yes, sorry! I was eventually going to reply.
Anything that is off the ground is believed to cause bloat in dogs, especially large deep-chested breeds. I do believe it provides the same risks since it is still elevated. If your dog struggles to eat, due to old age or etc, you should discuss your dog's risk factors with your veterinarian before deciding whether an elevated feeder is appropriate for your dog.
It is surprising to me when people are already aware of this disorder, because so many are unknown to it. Don't feel guilty if this is new to you. Oftentimes, people learn by having to go through it, which is so very unfortunate. It's definitely knowledge one should/want to know ahead of time.
I never said I was not going to take it seriously, all I said was it was the first time I’ve heard about the not exercising before or after eating part, and that I wasn’t sure how crucial that part was (I have definitely heard about the negatives of using high food dishes). I’ve never seen any mention of this on the GSD subreddit, GSD websites, which is why I brought it up.
People also say you aren’t supposed to swim an hour after eating but there is no science backing that up, which is why I asked the question related to dogs eating and exercising in the first place - there is a lot of misinformation out there about a lot of different things.
And I was truly curious if people truly do crate their dogs before and after every meal for an hour. My vet has never mentioned not allowing any exercise before or after eating.
I have a standing bowl for my dog. It’s actually a plant stand. He’s a working like GSD. Pure bred (not that it matters much) but he’s incredibly big. He stands close to the size of a female Great Dane.
When he was a puppy I noticed him having trouble eating. Making a gulping sound and then coughing after similar to how my last dog would. I switched him to a standing bowl with a slow feeder then transitioned him back to a normal bowl. I am admittedly worried about bloat long term but he seems to avoid playing afterwards. I never feed him before active days. I wait until after we’ve rested a bit and he’s back to being calm so he can nap after eating. So what I’m wondering is because my GSD is so lanky. A big ol long legged boy. Is a standing bowl an alright choice long term? (He’s turning 3 in a few weeks)
https://preview.redd.it/c9z58wth82pc1.jpeg?width=2216&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3ad25af9bf9c5bb85ff358db90b30963afee28c4
We kept bowls on the floor as a more natural feeding and drinking position per our own vet, but be sure to ask the vet you trust, as opinions vary.
We put a washable rubber backed throw rug down under it, and keep an extra washcloth folded on the floor next to it that we can kick about with a foot to catch any occasional water dripped. Works for us and the wood floor has made it through ok!
My dog just survived bloat and he ate out of a raised bowl. There are many opinions out there on this matter. My pups now eat from the floor. I’ve never felt so lost in my life when the vet told me he had bloat and how bad off he was. We got lucky. Do whatever you can to prevent that from happening.
The only study I read followed over 1000 dogs throughout their life and found those that ate from elevated bowls were twice as likely to die of bloat.
I can find and post the link, but no other study has refuted that study.
Please ignore if you already know this and are following a doctors advice.
I feed my GSDs on the ground on baking sheets.
Also no more than 1 cup kibble at a time.
I wait both an hour after exercise and don’t let them exercise for an hour after their meal.
I feed 3 to 4 small meals rather than one or two big ones.
My dogs haven’t died of bloat but my God-dog (I was to take care of him if his parents died) did. It crushed his parents and they never got another GSD.
I've got no experience of feeding GSDs from a raised surface, but it does look too high for comfort to me. I think water dribbles are just one of those things you have to accept if you have a dog 🤷♂️. We keep a towel next to the water bowl and do a quick mop up when we pass.
My vet said absolutely not to any sort of raised bowl for my dogs. But I have deep chested dogs. First a husky and now 2 German shepherds. All 3 are built deep chested. She said no because of bloat.
But also, my shepherds leak so much water it’s insane. If they’d just freakin swallow what’s in their mouth. But no. They’re in a hurry to do whatever else and boom it’s slung from the kitchen to the living room. So, I can tell you what I’ve done. I trained them to stay for a moment after drinking water. At first I had several pee pads taped together to give a big area. But now I have 2 small bathroom mats made to soak up water when you step out of the bath or shower. 1 dog is a puppy so she’s still learning. If I’m not inside or I’m busy, forget about it. Water everywhere. So I got “mop socks” off Amazon! 10/10!
Fuckin eh!
My biggest pet peeve is getting criticized by my parents for wanting to eat with my hands on my own plate... in my own home. Their reasoning is that it's improper and not our culture. It is so taboo.
Little do they know, eating with hands is way more healthier and beneficial for the gut and body, as compared to eating with cutlery!!
They're so far from wolves at this point, it doesn't even bear saying. They might share a gene or two. They're highly - highly- domesticated. People should read the studies, talk with their vet, and make up their own mind.
The two species share 98.8% of the same DNA.
Studies indicated that dogs fed from an elevated feeder had a significantly higher risk of GDV than dogs that ate from bowls on the floor. In fact, study results suggest that the use of an elevated feeders **double the risk of GVD in large - and giant-breed dogs**.
- Elevated feeders were made for orthopedic conditions, joint disorders, spinal conditions, arthritis, or senior dogs with limited mobility.
Healthy dogs, that do not struggle *should not* use an elevated feeder. Elevated feeders cause the dog to swallow much more air as they are eating and drinking. Hence, the reason dogs are naturally born to eat off the floor.
Facts are concerning the existence, reality, or truth about a subject matter. If the studies prove that elevated feeders increase the risk of bloat, you shouldn't have to talk to your vet to understand this serious condition. This decision is a no-brainer.
You're putting your dog at risk of developing bloat by having their food and water bowls elevated that high. Especially being a large breed GSD. Both bowls should be on the floor or close to it. There's no issue with your dog bending their neck down to eat as this is how dogs eat. They are in a natural horizontal position so it's really not a problem.
You're increasing the risk of bloat. Put the bowls back on the floor and use a slow-feeder dish for the kibble.
Something like this:
[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0787KPCPX/](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0787KPCPX/)
https://preview.redd.it/orh4b3v6x2pc1.jpeg?width=1487&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1c8d7090823dc4843ba9bd457752d05367f26d0f
https://www.basispet.com/pages/elevated-feeders-and-bloat#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20study%2C%20%E2%80%9Capproximately,having%20a%20raised%20feed%20bowl.%E2%80%9D
Not a solid study but I wouldn't be risking it 👌
Too high in my own personal opinion.
https://preview.redd.it/i73yqskuk3pc1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a85d6afaeb00691de22230186a5c2491e3f6c9c8
It applies as well.
If your dog likely intakes a lot of air if they are drinking water too quickly, it can cause bloat.
For example;
My girl was playing in the river. Since she was active, it caused her to pant. Since the running around made her thirsty she was drinking water while panting. So, that led to taking in too much air and water at the same time.
Get the Slopper Stopper water bowl!! I just got it from amazon, and surprisingly it works pretty well. He still gets some water if he’s excited to leave his water bowl, but it’s SIGNIFICANTLY better
Elevated feeders were, at one time, recommended to prevent bloat.
It was originally thought that an elevated feeder allowed dogs to eat without swallowing as much air, thereby reducing gas, which reduced at least one of the factors contributing to bloat. No studies or tests were conducted at the time to establish this benefit, most of the evidence supporting the reduced air intake with elevated feeders was anecdotal.
A subsequent study showed that, contrary to what was originally believed, there was an increase in cases of bloat associated with the use of elevated feeders--a substantial increase.
The association between the use of an elevated feeder and the incidence of bloat was high, and no evidence supporting the use of elevated feeders to reduce bloat has been put forth. **It is, therefore, not currently recommended to use an elevated feeder if you have, or suspect you have a dog that is susceptible to bloat.** You should discuss your dog's risk factors with your veterinarian before deciding whether an elevated feeder is appropriate for your dog.
Someone should also mention there is a surgery to tack the stomach to the stomach wall that keeps the stomach from rotating in these deep-chested dogs, Gastroplexy. I plan on getting it for my 100 pound boy, but recovery is minimum of two weeks on rest, laying around and no lunging. Mine need more impulse control and a reliable sedative that works on him, before I can do that surgery.
I’d put the bowls on top of the crate instead of in that holder. Or cut holes for the bowls to set in. My boy has one that isn’t enclosed. You can see the bowls through the bottom. He’s a very tall one and it seems just right for him. Good luck. Pretty pup BTW🙂
looks good to me. I think we all should think about that a little bit more. I'm trying to find a raised bowl for my puppy dog but I use a puzzle and just want the stand and for the life of me I cannot find one.
It looks fine. Possibly a little high, but much better than a stooped neck! But I am only commenting from an anatomical perspective, not a ‘this will or won’t cause bloat’.
Ask your vet next time you go.. I have my pups raised, but they have a slight angle down.
Oh the dribbles are fun!!! Good luck if it works.
Studies indicated that dogs fed from an elevated feeder had a significantly higher risk of GDV than dogs that ate from bowls on the floor. In fact, study results suggest that the use of an elevated feeder may double the risk of GVD in large - and giant-breed dogs.
Dogs are meant to eat off the ground.
I got this piece of advice from a gsd trainer.. While feeding, try keeping the food in an elevated position, so the pup stands on his/ her hind legs to raise n eat. This gives gsd their actual posture.. the slanted one. Keeping the food tray on the ground or at the same height will make them bend their necks n feed which in the longer run can affect the overall posture of the dog.
Looks way too high honestly. I’d be more worried about bloat than some water dribbles on my floor.
Coming from someone who has gone through this experience... nothing is worth losing a dog over G.D.V.. Especially when it could have been potentially avoided.
I lost my girl to it on 2020, wish I knew the warning signs back then. Completely broke me, the scene of carrying her limp body into the vet will be etched into my brain forever. She could have lived so much longer too
I’m sorry for your loss! ❤️
Ok wait elevated bowls are bad??!
Omg I’m so sorry!! I should know better than to have my own bowls on the floor. I’ve gotta get these elevated ones.
What do you mean bloat?
https://www.reddit.com/r/germanshepherds/s/EfeoZSwobo
🚨⚠️⚠️ **Feeding from a raised bowl significantly increases the risk of GDV**. Studies indicated that dogs fed from an elevated feeder had a significantly higher risk of GDV than dogs that ate from bowls on the floor. In fact, study results suggest that the use of an elevated feeders **double the risk of GVD in large - and giant-breed dogs** (adjusted relative risk 2.10, 95% confidence interval: 1.4 – 3.30, P = 0.001). Large breeds (n = 889): The relative risk posed by feeding from a raised feeder was 2.17 (95% confidence interval: 1.27 – 3.71; P = 0.01). Bloat is a very serious and life-threatening medical condition in dogs. It occurs when a dog's stomach expands. It can happen with **ANY** dog at **ANY** age. [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.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11128539/) - Elevated feeders were made for dogs with orthopedic conditions, joint disorders, spinal conditions, arthritis, or senior dogs with limited mobility. If your dog struggles to eat, because of these reasons, you should discuss your dog's risk factors with your veterinarian before deciding whether an elevated feeder is appropriate for your dog. **It is crucial to discuss your dog's risk factors with your veterinarian before deciding whether an elevated feeder is appropriate.** #— The condition is called **BLOAT** or **Intussusception** also known, more scientifically, as **Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)**. BLOAT **occurs when a dog's stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid and subsequently twists**. GDV develops without warning and can progress rapidly and quickly lead to life-threatening shock if left untreated. The condition is most common in large, deep chested breeds. It can affect these dogs at any age. Although 80 percent of intussusception cases occur in dogs **under the age of one year old.** Generally, the affected puppy will be under three months. Bloat is a medical emergency and one of the most rapidly life-threatening conditions that vets treat in dogs. Without treatment, in only an hour or two, your dog will likely go into shock. The heart rate will rise and the pulse will get weaker, leading to death. It is always an emergency. Pet owners should be familiar with their nearest veterinary emergency facility in the event that their regular veterinarian is not available after hours or does not have experience handling this condition. If your dog shows signs of bloat, take him to a veterinarian or an emergency pet clinic immediately. [Bloat/GDV (Gastric dilatation and volvulus) in Dogs: What Is it and How is it Treated? —AKC](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/bloat-in-dogs/) [Bloat: Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus in Dogs —VCA](https://vcacanada.com/know-your-pet/bloat-gastric-dilatation-and-volvulus-in-dogs) – ###IMPORTANT **Those who eat/drink quickly, eat from raised bowls, eat a single large meal each day, have exercised right before/after a meal, having a fearful, anxious, or nervous temperament, history of bloat or large breeds who have deep chests are more at risk for bloat.** *Using slow feeder bowls* - Slow feeder dog bowls are designed with ridges, mazes, or other obstacles that make it harder for dogs to eat quickly. This design encourages dogs to take their time and chew their food properly, promoting better digestion. *It is not recommended to use an elevated feeder if you have or suspect you have a dog that is susceptible to bloat.* - the higher head position causes the dog to swallow more air as they eat. You do not want this. *As a general rule, young puppies should be fed three times a day (in some cases even four!) until they're six months old. Adult dogs should eat at least two meals each day.* - Feeding young puppies' regular small meals is important for a few reasons. Firstly, it prevents their tummies from getting overloaded with food and bloated. *Do **not** feed your dog **right** before or **right** after any exercise.* - Light exercise, such as walking your dog straight after eating can cause a buildup of gas in the stomach, which causes a feeling of heaviness and bloatedness, as their guts swell like a balloon. **A general rule of thumb** is to not feed dogs an hour **before** and an hour **after** exercising. This gives your dog's digestive system time to adjust and avoid digestive problems. I hope you never see this disease, but learning about what it is, why it happens, how it’s treated and by implementing some of the above techniques, you may be able to reduce your dog's risk. ** Whether one is aware of this or not, sharing this knowledge is crucial to avoid any potential situations. One may be trying to help their dog or to avoid spills. Nonetheless, for large deep-chested breeds like the German Shepherd that is already predisposed to BLOAT, it is NOT... I REPEAT *NOT* worth the risk.
I honestly didn't know this. I'm going to talk to my vet about this now. Mine isn't this high up though. It's maybe a foot off the ground.
Too high. They haven't evolved to eat from anything other than floor level.
I read that it’s good for them to be ‘in line’ to eat. My malinois used to lay down at her bowl to eat so I did a bit of research. Her bowls are on the floor and she no longer lays down so I’m not worried but was it a problem when she did it?
Wow thank you. I have always made my dogs chill after eating, but never knew about the raised bowl. I thought it was better for them. One needs it (senior with orthopedic issues) but I’m going to remove it now from the young one and def discuss with my vet. Thanks for this info.
To add to this: Make sure you know a vet that is willing and able to twist the stomach back in place. Not all vets will do so and the extra minutes you'd have to spend driving to a different vet could mean the difference between life and death.
>Pet owners should be familiar with their nearest veterinary emergency facility in the event that their regular veterinarian is not available after hours or does not have experience handling this condition. You are correct. This is important to know.
Great and informative post! Thank you for taking the time! I actually learned something new! I was familiar with most of the information you gave but I did not know, that you also should not feed right *after* exercise! Normally our dog is fed after the morning walk and after the evening walk. And he rests after being fed. We will change our routine and have him rest before and after in the future!
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I have the normal neater feeder too, but my shep is also huge (130lbs), and so his neck is still bent down when he eats or drinks. I feel like bloat is the same as hip dysplasia for GSDs - meaning you should know about them, but they will not happen to every shepherd out there and there are other factors to consider (like if your dog eats fast or not). That blurb above also talks about not allowing your dog to exercise before or after eating; that’s the first I’d heard of that rule. Im not sure how seriously to take that part - my dog is extremely active in the mornings and there isn’t really a time where he isn’t doing some form of exercise (even if it’s just playing by himself in the backyard). Like do I really need to crate my dog an hour before or after eating, as I put that thing away 2 years ago. Curious if anyone else actually does this every day…
>That blurb above also talks about not allowing your dog to exercise before or after eating; that’s the first I’d heard of that rule. Im not sure how seriously to take that part There's a first for everything! GDV is probably one of the most serious non-traumatic conditions seen in dogs. Immediate veterinary attention (within minutes to a few hours) is required to save the dog's life. Any preventative measure should be taken seriously to keep your dog alive. These facts concern the existence, reality, or truth about a subject matter. If it's recommended for us to wait to exercise 1-2 hours after eating a moderate sized-meal, the same rule applies to our dogs. >Like do I really need to crate my dog an hour before or after eating, as I put that thing away 2 years ago. All up to the owners preference. If you think your dogs' crate would be beneficial in taking the preventative measures, so be it. Although crating isn't necessary. Letting your dog free roam around the house or backyard is perfectly fine. Just don't be throwing their toy around that cause them to intentionally do physical activities. - While exercise is crucial for a dog's overall health, it often impacts how well their food is digested. Dogs' digestive systems, for instance, they are not able to handle dog food as rapidly as they normally can when they exercise too much. This means that food will probably take longer to digest, which can result in digestive upset and even bloat in some circumstances, both of which can be very detrimental to dogs. Moreover, too much exercise can dehydrate your dog, which can also cause digestive problems. Dismissing facts and proven studies would be beyond comprehension.
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Yes, sorry! I was eventually going to reply. Anything that is off the ground is believed to cause bloat in dogs, especially large deep-chested breeds. I do believe it provides the same risks since it is still elevated. If your dog struggles to eat, due to old age or etc, you should discuss your dog's risk factors with your veterinarian before deciding whether an elevated feeder is appropriate for your dog. It is surprising to me when people are already aware of this disorder, because so many are unknown to it. Don't feel guilty if this is new to you. Oftentimes, people learn by having to go through it, which is so very unfortunate. It's definitely knowledge one should/want to know ahead of time.
I never said I was not going to take it seriously, all I said was it was the first time I’ve heard about the not exercising before or after eating part, and that I wasn’t sure how crucial that part was (I have definitely heard about the negatives of using high food dishes). I’ve never seen any mention of this on the GSD subreddit, GSD websites, which is why I brought it up. People also say you aren’t supposed to swim an hour after eating but there is no science backing that up, which is why I asked the question related to dogs eating and exercising in the first place - there is a lot of misinformation out there about a lot of different things. And I was truly curious if people truly do crate their dogs before and after every meal for an hour. My vet has never mentioned not allowing any exercise before or after eating.
I have a standing bowl for my dog. It’s actually a plant stand. He’s a working like GSD. Pure bred (not that it matters much) but he’s incredibly big. He stands close to the size of a female Great Dane. When he was a puppy I noticed him having trouble eating. Making a gulping sound and then coughing after similar to how my last dog would. I switched him to a standing bowl with a slow feeder then transitioned him back to a normal bowl. I am admittedly worried about bloat long term but he seems to avoid playing afterwards. I never feed him before active days. I wait until after we’ve rested a bit and he’s back to being calm so he can nap after eating. So what I’m wondering is because my GSD is so lanky. A big ol long legged boy. Is a standing bowl an alright choice long term? (He’s turning 3 in a few weeks) https://preview.redd.it/c9z58wth82pc1.jpeg?width=2216&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3ad25af9bf9c5bb85ff358db90b30963afee28c4
We kept bowls on the floor as a more natural feeding and drinking position per our own vet, but be sure to ask the vet you trust, as opinions vary. We put a washable rubber backed throw rug down under it, and keep an extra washcloth folded on the floor next to it that we can kick about with a foot to catch any occasional water dripped. Works for us and the wood floor has made it through ok!
Brown LVT floor in the kitchen. Highly recommend. Way better than the white tile we had in our previous home :))
Raised bowls are a safety hazard for dogs prone to bloat, such as GSDs. Put that bowl back on the floor
My dog just survived bloat and he ate out of a raised bowl. There are many opinions out there on this matter. My pups now eat from the floor. I’ve never felt so lost in my life when the vet told me he had bloat and how bad off he was. We got lucky. Do whatever you can to prevent that from happening.
The only study I read followed over 1000 dogs throughout their life and found those that ate from elevated bowls were twice as likely to die of bloat. I can find and post the link, but no other study has refuted that study. Please ignore if you already know this and are following a doctors advice. I feed my GSDs on the ground on baking sheets. Also no more than 1 cup kibble at a time. I wait both an hour after exercise and don’t let them exercise for an hour after their meal. I feed 3 to 4 small meals rather than one or two big ones. My dogs haven’t died of bloat but my God-dog (I was to take care of him if his parents died) did. It crushed his parents and they never got another GSD.
Too high
I've got no experience of feeding GSDs from a raised surface, but it does look too high for comfort to me. I think water dribbles are just one of those things you have to accept if you have a dog 🤷♂️. We keep a towel next to the water bowl and do a quick mop up when we pass.
My vet said absolutely not to any sort of raised bowl for my dogs. But I have deep chested dogs. First a husky and now 2 German shepherds. All 3 are built deep chested. She said no because of bloat. But also, my shepherds leak so much water it’s insane. If they’d just freakin swallow what’s in their mouth. But no. They’re in a hurry to do whatever else and boom it’s slung from the kitchen to the living room. So, I can tell you what I’ve done. I trained them to stay for a moment after drinking water. At first I had several pee pads taped together to give a big area. But now I have 2 small bathroom mats made to soak up water when you step out of the bath or shower. 1 dog is a puppy so she’s still learning. If I’m not inside or I’m busy, forget about it. Water everywhere. So I got “mop socks” off Amazon! 10/10!
As I understand it, deep chested dogs are more inclined to the stomach twisting problems if their bowls are raised.
Good education for all from this post 👍
If he was in the wild would nature elevate his water or food? They come from wolves. Let the animal be an animal
Yeah, and let me eat with my damn hands! I'm a human with thumbs for grabbing my food, not for grabbing a metal stick to stab or scoop my food!
Fuckin eh! My biggest pet peeve is getting criticized by my parents for wanting to eat with my hands on my own plate... in my own home. Their reasoning is that it's improper and not our culture. It is so taboo. Little do they know, eating with hands is way more healthier and beneficial for the gut and body, as compared to eating with cutlery!!
I would bet you both believe it’s real chicken in your kibbles and bits
My owner says I only get the most premium of chicken in my kibble
Don't be an idiot. It's not the same thing
Yes it is, humans are animals and we have instincts
They're so far from wolves at this point, it doesn't even bear saying. They might share a gene or two. They're highly - highly- domesticated. People should read the studies, talk with their vet, and make up their own mind.
The two species share 98.8% of the same DNA. Studies indicated that dogs fed from an elevated feeder had a significantly higher risk of GDV than dogs that ate from bowls on the floor. In fact, study results suggest that the use of an elevated feeders **double the risk of GVD in large - and giant-breed dogs**. - Elevated feeders were made for orthopedic conditions, joint disorders, spinal conditions, arthritis, or senior dogs with limited mobility. Healthy dogs, that do not struggle *should not* use an elevated feeder. Elevated feeders cause the dog to swallow much more air as they are eating and drinking. Hence, the reason dogs are naturally born to eat off the floor. Facts are concerning the existence, reality, or truth about a subject matter. If the studies prove that elevated feeders increase the risk of bloat, you shouldn't have to talk to your vet to understand this serious condition. This decision is a no-brainer.
GSDs should definitely not have raised bowls!!!
You're putting your dog at risk of developing bloat by having their food and water bowls elevated that high. Especially being a large breed GSD. Both bowls should be on the floor or close to it. There's no issue with your dog bending their neck down to eat as this is how dogs eat. They are in a natural horizontal position so it's really not a problem.
You're increasing the risk of bloat. Put the bowls back on the floor and use a slow-feeder dish for the kibble. Something like this: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0787KPCPX/](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0787KPCPX/) https://preview.redd.it/orh4b3v6x2pc1.jpeg?width=1487&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1c8d7090823dc4843ba9bd457752d05367f26d0f
https://www.basispet.com/pages/elevated-feeders-and-bloat#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20study%2C%20%E2%80%9Capproximately,having%20a%20raised%20feed%20bowl.%E2%80%9D Not a solid study but I wouldn't be risking it 👌
Too high in my own personal opinion. https://preview.redd.it/i73yqskuk3pc1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a85d6afaeb00691de22230186a5c2491e3f6c9c8
Put the bowl on the floor. Get rid of that stand.
Who cares about a few dribbles of water on the floor. There are towels for that. Put the bowls back on the ground, you’re putting your dog at risk.
Lol, let me try and undo thousands of years of evolution in my animals biomechanics lol
What about the water bowl regarding bloat?
It applies as well. If your dog likely intakes a lot of air if they are drinking water too quickly, it can cause bloat. For example; My girl was playing in the river. Since she was active, it caused her to pant. Since the running around made her thirsty she was drinking water while panting. So, that led to taking in too much air and water at the same time.
Get the Slopper Stopper water bowl!! I just got it from amazon, and surprisingly it works pretty well. He still gets some water if he’s excited to leave his water bowl, but it’s SIGNIFICANTLY better
To high, I’d at least take it off that wood block.
Beyond confused and disturbed. I was told the opposite about how using a raised bowl is best for defending bloat.
Elevated feeders were, at one time, recommended to prevent bloat. It was originally thought that an elevated feeder allowed dogs to eat without swallowing as much air, thereby reducing gas, which reduced at least one of the factors contributing to bloat. No studies or tests were conducted at the time to establish this benefit, most of the evidence supporting the reduced air intake with elevated feeders was anecdotal. A subsequent study showed that, contrary to what was originally believed, there was an increase in cases of bloat associated with the use of elevated feeders--a substantial increase. The association between the use of an elevated feeder and the incidence of bloat was high, and no evidence supporting the use of elevated feeders to reduce bloat has been put forth. **It is, therefore, not currently recommended to use an elevated feeder if you have, or suspect you have a dog that is susceptible to bloat.** You should discuss your dog's risk factors with your veterinarian before deciding whether an elevated feeder is appropriate for your dog.
Someone should also mention there is a surgery to tack the stomach to the stomach wall that keeps the stomach from rotating in these deep-chested dogs, Gastroplexy. I plan on getting it for my 100 pound boy, but recovery is minimum of two weeks on rest, laying around and no lunging. Mine need more impulse control and a reliable sedative that works on him, before I can do that surgery.
I’d put the bowls on top of the crate instead of in that holder. Or cut holes for the bowls to set in. My boy has one that isn’t enclosed. You can see the bowls through the bottom. He’s a very tall one and it seems just right for him. Good luck. Pretty pup BTW🙂
If you love your dog and your vet hasn't told you to do this, out the bowl on the floor or accept the high risk of your dog dying to bloat.
I had no idea about this bloat. Thanks for being so kind about it..
looks good to me. I think we all should think about that a little bit more. I'm trying to find a raised bowl for my puppy dog but I use a puzzle and just want the stand and for the life of me I cannot find one.
Ours would steal from the counter tops so yeah, you’re good.
It looks fine. Possibly a little high, but much better than a stooped neck! But I am only commenting from an anatomical perspective, not a ‘this will or won’t cause bloat’. Ask your vet next time you go.. I have my pups raised, but they have a slight angle down. Oh the dribbles are fun!!! Good luck if it works.
Studies indicated that dogs fed from an elevated feeder had a significantly higher risk of GDV than dogs that ate from bowls on the floor. In fact, study results suggest that the use of an elevated feeder may double the risk of GVD in large - and giant-breed dogs. Dogs are meant to eat off the ground.
I got this piece of advice from a gsd trainer.. While feeding, try keeping the food in an elevated position, so the pup stands on his/ her hind legs to raise n eat. This gives gsd their actual posture.. the slanted one. Keeping the food tray on the ground or at the same height will make them bend their necks n feed which in the longer run can affect the overall posture of the dog.
That trainer is obviously more concerned about posture and looks rather than health
What the actual fuck is the only thing I can say to that. Do not listen to this, at all, ever…
It's not the actual fuck or whatever. If you don't follow that, it's cool. I did it and I saw the results. So I shared.
That’s nonsense. Your trainer is incorrect, eating from a bowl on the floor doesn’t in any way impact a dogs posture, gsd or not.
Elevated food bowls are linked to bloat. So I keep the food/water bowl on ground level. Not risking bloat happening to my boy.