Some dogs and cats are natural gluttons when it comes to meal times, however eating or drinking too quickly may not only cause painful or improper digestion. It may result in vomiting, as the stretch reflex being triggered in the stomach, and it can also result in life threatening Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (commonly known as bloat). Bloat is a dangerous condition that can occur when the stomach is full of gas, water or food. The stomach twists around and cuts off blood supply (similar to a garden hose when you bend it and water cannot flow through) and can cause serious harm to your pet. If bloat is not treated promptly, it can result in death within hours.
Dogs with a deep chest, such as Great Danes and German Shepherds are most at risk of bloat but any breed can be vulnerable if they gulp excessive amounts of food, water and air quickly. Avoid heavy exercise immediately before or after eating; try to leave with at least one hour of rest between activities and eating.
Anti Gulp bowls, also known as slow bowls, have a unique maze-like structure of internal ridges which helps slow down meal time for your pet. Another great way to get your pet out of guzzling their dinner is to ditch the food bowl and use a treat dispensing toy instead. Simply fill an interactive toy like the Kong Wobbler for dogs or Catit Food Maze for cats with your pet's dinner to extend their meal time.