![]() If your dog regurgitates his food or has developed megaesophagus, an elevated dog bowl could be the solution.You've decided to purchase an elevated dog bowl, but need to pick the right one. With elevated dog bowls, food travels in a more neutral, straight path, it is easier to swallow. It is an uncomfortable situation for your dog and an icky mess your you. ![]() Since food has to travel upwards, against gravity, when dogs pick food up off the floor, some pups have trouble keeping it down. Elevated dog bowls are also great for dogs who regurgitate dog food and those with megaesophagus-a condition that makes swallowing food or dog treats difficult, especially when picking up off the floor level. They're a safe and comfortable way to ensure your dog enjoys mealtime every time. Elevated dog bowls are raised off the ground, eliminating the need for your dog to strain as he eats. Even though your dog can't tell you he's in pain, back and neck pain affects many aging and senior dogs, even those who don't show signs of discomfort. As your dog ages, it can become difficult for him to bend down to eat from a floor-level bowl. By raising the food dish off of the ground, they are more comfortable for dogs with neck or back pain and offer a safe, simple solution for dogs who have trouble with regurgitation during mealtimes. You should discuss your dog's risk factors with your veterinarian before deciding whether an elevated feeder is appropriate for your dog.Elevated dog bowls provide a range of benefits. 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. Still, the association between use of an elevated feeder and incidence of bloat was high, and no evidence supporting the use of elevated feeders to reduce bloat has been put forth. This could mean that there are other factors associated with a dog owner’s decision to use an elevated feeder that contributed to bloat and not the feeder itself. That is, it studied owners who had chosen to use elevated feeders, not those randomly assigned to use them. And, the study did have a design drawback in that it was not randomized. However, further studies and studies of different types have not been conducted to confirm these results. 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.Ī 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. 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. This results in pain, retching, decreased blood flow, and inability to pass gas or stomach contents and can rapidly progress to shock and death if life-saving medical intervention is not provided. ![]() Bloat is a deadly condition in which blockages, gas, and/or stress can combine to cause a dog's stomach to twist or flip over, shutting off both entry and exit points of the stomach. So what is a confused pet owner to do? For more information on elevated feeders and the risks and benefits associated with their use, read on.Įlevated feeders were, at one time, recommended to prevent bloat, also called gastric dilation volvulus. In addition, elevated feeders are often recommended by some veterinarians and dog health professionals as useful for dogs with orthopedic conditions to aid in ease of feeding. Some studies have suggested a correlation between the use of elevated feeders and this serious disorder, but questions about the findings of the study have also been raised. ![]() The controversy on the use of these feeders is centered around their association with a serious medical condition called bloat, which can be deadly in dogs. Usually, it is recommended that an elevated feeder be the same height as your dog's lower chest. Depending on how big your dog is, the appropriate height of an elevated feeder will range from a few inches to a foot or more. An elevated dog feeder usually consists of some sort of stand to elevate your dog’s food and water bowls to several inches above floor level. There has been much controversy over the past several years regarding the use of elevated dog feeders and whether they are a benefit or a liability to your dog's health. ![]()
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