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My German Shepherd is prone to bloat. How can I prevent it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | 4 months and 3 days old | 50 lbs

I heard that German shepherds are prone to Blockages and such, how do I prevent that?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Bette Isacoff

Dog Trainer

Published on November 25th, 2016

Feed a few smaller meals during the day instead of one large dinner. Restrict his activity for an hour after he eats (no running). If you see his belly area begin to get bigger, and he is trying to vomit, rush him to an emergency vet clinic right away. This is a tru emergency where minutes count.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    You are correct that GSD can be prone to bloat. To prevent this from happening, do not feed him one large meal during the day, feed him at least two smaller meals. Do not feed him from a raised platform. Make sure that he is a healthy weight. Do not feed him for at least one hour after exercise, and do not exercise him for a least one hour after eating. Keep him from rapidly eating his food by getting him a special feeding dish. There is a preventative measure you can take called a gastropexy. This is a surgery where the stomach is sewn to the walls of the thoracic cavity (ribs), which will prevent it from rotating. You can discuss having this done with your vet.

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