Dangers Of Overfeeding Your Dog

Dog owners are so in love with their dog to the extent of feeding it every time it bows. The love, concern and care they show them are very understandable but the effect of overfeeding them can be dangerous. Overfeeding your dogs can lead to obesity, which makes them more inactive to play and do exercises. It can also cause serious health issues such as;

• Liver disease
• Worsened fatigue
• Respiratory problems
• Loss of appetite
• Short life span

A very severe health condition caused by overfeeding is the Gastric dilation volvulus which is very dangerous and if not properly treated can lead to the death of the dog.

GASTRIC DILATION VOLVULUS (GDV)

Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat, twisted stomach, or gastric torsion, is a very serious emergency medical condition in dogs. GDV is a life-threatening situation most that is seen in dog and it requires immediate veterinary intervention. When there is no immediate medical attention, dogs can die within a matter of hours or less and also suffer a painful death.              Gastric dilatation occurs when the stomach is filled and dilates with gas and/or food but remains in a normal position. Volvulus is when the stomach expands enough to rotate, twist or roll over, which closes the opening of the stomach leading into the esophagus and the pylorus (the place the stomach empties into the intestines), which would stop blood supply to the stomach and spleen. The excessive expansion of this stomach now causes an added pressure on the diaphragm and heart, causing difficulty breathing and abnormal heartbeat. When the pressure in the stomach fills up and cannot be released, the stomach tissue dies from lack of blood supply and the stomach often ruptures, which then lead to the inflammation of the abdominal cavity. This occurs mostly in male dogs than female ones. Dog owners also contribute to the high risk of their dogs developing GDV by feeding them large quantities of food. Symptoms associated to this illness includes;

• Rapid heartbeat rate
• Restlessness
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Intense salivation
• Swollen abdomen
• Shock
• Coma

Dog owners need to understand how to prevent (to decrease the chances of their dog developing GDV) and symptoms (to help improve their dog’s chances of survival). Fast treatment with the intervention of the veterinary helps to reduce the risk of mortality if your dog develops this condition.