Vet issues warning to dog owners over 'life-threatening' condition (2025)

A vet has warned dog owners to be aware of a 'life-threatening' condition that can kill canines in a matter of hours if not treated

A vet has issued a stark warning to dog owners, urging them not to 'wait it out' if they notice certain symptoms in their pet, as they could be fatal. Jade, a registered veterinarian, spoke about a deadly condition called GDV which stands for gastric dilatation volvulus, also known as bloat, which she described as "a dog owner's worst nightmare."

Despite its severity, Jade noted that many dog owners are unaware of the condition, stating: "I have found quite a lot of dog owners still haven’t heard about bloat, or [if] they have heard about bloat, they actually don’t realise the severity of it, because bloat is a life-threatening emergency for dogs."

What is GDV?

Jade, known as @jade.the.vet.nurs on TikTok, explained: "GDV is when the stomach fills with air, which is 'gastric dilation' and twists - that's the 'volvulus'. So when the stomach twists, it cuts off the entrance and the exit to the stomach meaning that any contents and in the stomach can't go either way."

She further explained that any food in the stomach continues to be digested, releasing gas in the process. This causes the stomach to inflate more and more with gas, "which is really painful and uncomfortable for your dog", reports Wales Online.

In a troubling revelation for pet owners, she emphasised: "So when the stomach twists, it can block the flow of blood to the stomach or to other vital organs and this can quickly send a dog into shock. It can cause organ damage, it can cause organ failure, and if you do not get your dog to the vet quickly and they get surgical treatment, this will be fatal."

Throughout her informative video, the respected vet warned that this fatal condition "is not to be taken lightly" and it's "not the type of thing that if you start noticing symptoms, you should be thinking, 'we'll wait it out'."

She continued: "If your dog shows any signs or symptoms of GDV you need to get them to the vet as soon as possible, because from the time those symptoms start presenting, you've probably got one to two hours before your dog needs to be in theatre and having the stomach untwisted and the gas removed, before you start getting permanent damage that means your dog is not likely to survive."

What are the markers indicating GVD in dogs?

Jade explained: "Your dog is going to look very bloated and they are going to steadily and progressively getting more and more bloated. You can physically see when you look at them that their abdomen is quite distended and if you're to touch the sides of their stomach, you can feel just how tight it is to touch."

She also highlighted that dog owners should be vigilant for signs such as their pet constantly looking at their stomach and attempting to vomit. "Your dog is going to keep trying to be sick, but because the entrance is blocked, the contents cannot go anywhere." she said.

As a result, "Your dog is going to keep trying to bring them up however it's just going to present as retching and dry heaving - sometimes it might even bring up white froth or white foam they are drooling."

Other symptoms to watch for include:

• Restlessness – panting and pacing
• Excessive drooling
• Collapse
• Difficulty breathing

How is GDV diagnosed?

To diagnose GDV, an x-ray of the abdomen is essential. However, if your dog is extremely unwell, they may require emergency treatment before a diagnosis can be confirmed.

The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) advises: "After their operation, it's likely your dog will need to stay hospitalised for a day or two so they can be monitored. Your vet will check for further bloating and possible complications such as peritonitis (infection inside the abdomen).

"They will be discharged once your vet is happy they are recovering well. Once your dog is home, you'll need to continue monitoring them for any symptoms of recurring bloat or infection."

How can I prevent GDV?

On preventing GDV, Jade recommends: "Instead of feeding them one or two big meals a day, you can split this up into three or four smaller portions that you can spread across the day. It helps to feed dogs out of a slow feeder, which stops them inhaling their food.

"Because when dogs eat really quick, they can also swallow a lot of air. So we've got food in the stomach and air in the stomach which is just a recipe for GDV."

Regarding walks, it's crucial not to do them too close to meal times. The advice given is: "You should walk your dogs two hours before or after feeding and you can also get slow drinking bowls, as well as the same applies for water."

Ask your vet about surgery

In terms of prevention, surgery is also an option. Jade mentioned: "You can also speak to your vet about a preventative surgery, which is where your vet will attach your dog's stomach to their abdominal wall to prevent it flipping."

"This is normally during a routine procedure, such as neutering, but if you think your dog is susceptible to GDV, then I think it’s something you should definitely talk to your vet about in advance."