As I talked to people both online and in person, I was shocked at how many people had no idea what it was. I felt like I wanted to do my part to put together something about bloat that could be sent out and shared.

In the last month, I personally know 2 dogs that have passed away from Bloat. I can’t stress enough how deadly it is and something that should be taken very seriously. Luckily there are some very distinct warning signs and ways you can prepare should it ever happen.

One of the things I didn’t know is that Bloat tends to occur when there is a change or disruption in the daily routine. The most common case is when owner’s go out of town. Not only should you have an action plan in place for yourself, but if you leave town and your dog is in the care of someone else, make sure they are aware of the signs and have a 24/7 animal hospital number close by.

I was so close to the information that I had a hard time wrapping my head around how to convey it. So I asked my friend (and awesome Graphic Designer) Buzz to help put something together that was easy on the eyes yet informational. I gave him the info and let him go to work. I think he did such an awesome job!

I really want to encourage everyone to download the PDF and share it with at least one fellow dog owner. The internet is an amazing resource and you never know when one simple action might help to save the life of a dog. If for nothing else, do it for Miss Gracie!

[ Download the PDF on Bloat here! ]

Updated: Bloat surgery is not cheap. Ours set us back about $3,500. If you find yourself in a situation where you have to decide the fate of your dog based on cost, bookmark CareCredit as a potential financial resource!

I also wanted to say a very special thank you to Seattle Veterinary Services who were incredibly amazing and helpful with my Mom and the quick decisions she had to make. They have also been so patient and kind with my calls and questions. Luckily we were able to cover her surgery, but it was not cheap. I can’t imagine the heartbreak that some face because they can’t cover the surgery.

If you have enjoyed Gracie and her crazy moments over the years, she would love it if you might consider making a donation to The Scout Fund, which SVS set up to help owners that might not be able to afford the expense of emergency surgery. I think I overheard Gracie saying that she might make her own donation as well!

Here is Gracie + Grammy last year.

Friday night, while we were still in Mexico, Gracie bloated. Thankfully I had educated my Mom on it and she caught it in time. Within 30 minutes she was at our emergency animal hospital having major surgery. If my Mom hadn’t gotten her there so quickly it would have been deadly. Grammy gets a major award for saving our girl.

Her stomach twisted a full 180 degrees but no tissue was damaged, which we are very thankful for. They tacked her stomach to the wall lining permanently so this should hopefully not happen again. She has an incision from her chest to the bottom of her tummy and is already making us laugh because she is being so funny on her pain pills.

She recovered so quickly that she got to come home within 24 hours of surgery. Most dogs have to stay at the hospital for a few days. She is eating her rice and chicken like a champ and sleeping a lot.

It will probably take me a few days to get caught up and back on track. We went straight from Mexico, to the airport, to the hospital to pick her up. We were then up every hour to make sure she wasn’t licking her IV wounds or the incision. On top of all that I came home with a nasty sinus infection.

You can leave Gracie a little message in the comment box and I’ll be sure to pass the love on to her.




Sweet Girl resting comfortably.