Elevated bowls have been linked to some cases of bloat. Bloat is a very unfun topic since not only can it be lethal to canines if left untreated, but veterinarians don’t totally understand the condition. What they do know is that bloat, or gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with too much gas and twists around itself, sometimes taking the spleen with it. This internal expansion and rotation can cause difficulty breathing, cut off blood flow to the heart, and wreak havoc within a matter of hours (aka very bad news). The only way to fix it is usually with surgery; unfortunately, many dogs don’t survive the ordeal.
Veterinary professionals aren’t sure what causes GDV. According to one study from Purdue University of Veterinary Medicine, large dog breeds had a much higher risk for developing bloat due to the depth and width of their chest cavities. In addition, fast eaters, anxious pups, elderly dogs and elevated bowl users all showed higher incidences of bloat than other dogs participating in the study. The researchers also alluded to a potential genetic predisposition; if a dog had a first-degree relative who had experienced GDV, he was more likely to develop it himself. Much more research into this theory needs to happen before we can count on the findings, but it’s good to keep in mind, especially if considering working with a breeder when adopting a puppy.
On the flip side, this Harper Adams University exploration reveals conflicting findings between the Purdue study and other studies on GDV. While it’s possible eating too quickly or large chest cavities or elevated bowls could cause bloat, we aren’t 100 percent certain. It’s not unlikely that GDV develops differently depending on breed or individual characteristics.
