health issues and feeding

Weimaraners have very few health issues. The standard large breed conditions such as Hip Displaysia and Arthritis apply to the Weims.
This breed has over the last several years seen an elevation in Mast Cell Cancer cases. We do see some Thyroid problems also.

For the most part Weimaraners are a pretty healthy breed. We do want to address however, a very important and dangerous condition that is one of the most common issues for the breed.It is also common in all deep chested breeds.
This is a true emergency and should be immediately attended to. It can be fatal to a Weim if not caught early and emergency surgery performed.

Bloat/Gastric Torsion: This is where the stomach fills with air or gas and becomes twisted. It can twist and put pressure on other organs particularly the spleen. During this twisting process, the blood and nerve supply to the stomach are cut off. The stomach will swell and the tissues will begin to die. Sometimes, the Spleen will rupture. Emergency surgery is required for this condition and you only have a small window of opportunity to recognize the symptoms and get your dog to the vet. Many surgeries are successful and there are also ones that aren't. Post operation is a critical time. Dogs must be monitored for several days afterward for shock and complications. This is a very intense surgery for a dog and there are no guarantees of the outcome.

Bloat/Gastric Torsion Precautions

No one knows exactly why this happens, but is very common in large and deep-chested breeds. There is no way to fully prevent bloat, but there are several precautions you can take.

Feed two meals daily. Elevate food bowls several inches off the ground. Feeding stands are excellent for this. Also if your dog gulps his food, try putting the food in a pan that you can spread the food out in and put a large stone in the middle so that they have to work around the stone to get the food.

Do not allow your Weim to exercise immediately before or after a meal. The standard recommendation is 1 hour before and after.We crate our dogs for that period after feeding.

Feed a good quality dry food mixed with canned. Canned digests faster, so there is less in the stomach.

Also prevent your dog from gulping large amounts of water after exercising.

SIGNS OF BLOAT - Symptoms include, trying to vomit but cannot. Stomach and chest will become distended. Dog will be restless and uncomfortable. Gums will become pale. Dog may pace and not want to lay down.

Should you see these symptoms, rush your dog to the vet or emergency clinic.

Feeding Your Weimaraner

Feeding your weim the best food you can is very important. Dog food found in discount/retail stores and groceries stores can be harmfull to your dog as they contain undesirable preservatives and poor sources of ingredients including many fillers and by-products.

High Quality Foods We Recommend

These foods can be found at non-chain pet stores
Many companies will ship directly to your home.Call your favorite store to find out availability

Innova and California Natural

www.naturapet.com

Natural Balance

www.naturalbalanceinc.com

Back To Basics
Home order only

www.beowulfs.com

Nutro Natural Choice
Sold at all major pet chains

www.nutroproducts.com

Karma Organics
Brand New All Organic

www.karmaorganics.com



Weimaraners have very few health issues. The standard large breed conditions such as Hip Displaysia and Arthritis apply to the Weims. This breed has over the last several years seen an elevation in Mast Cell Cancer cases. We do see some Thyroid problems also. For the most part Weimaraners are a pretty healthy breed. We do want to address however, a very important and dangerous condition that is one of the most common issues for the breed.It is also common in all deep chested breeds. This is a true emergency and should be immediately attended to. It can be fatal to a Weim if not caught early and emergency surgery performed. Bloat/Gastric Torsion: This is where the stomach fills with air or gas and becomes twisted. It can twist and put pressure on other organs particularly the spleen. During this twisting process, the blood and nerve supply to the stomach are cut off. The stomach will swell and the tissues will begin to die. Sometimes, the Spleen will rupture. Emergency surgery is required for this condition and you only have a small window of opportunity to recognize the symptoms and get your dog to the vet. Many surgeries are successful and there are also ones that aren't. Post operation is a critical time. Dogs must be monitored for several days afterward for shock and complications. This is a very intense surgery for a dog and there are no guarantees of the outcome.
		Bloat/Gastric Torsion Precautions No one knows exactly why this happens, but is very common in large and deep-chested breeds. There is no way to fully prevent bloat, but there are several precautions you can take. Feed two meals daily. Elevate food bowls several inches off the ground. Feeding stands are excellent for this. Also if your dog gulps his food, try putting the food in a pan that you can spread the food out in and put a large stone in the middle so that they have to work around the stone to get the food. Do not allow your Weim to exercise immediately before or after a meal. The standard recommendation is 1 hour before and after.We crate our dogs for that period after feeding. Feed a good quality dry food mixed with canned. Canned digests faster, so there is less in the stomach. Also prevent your dog from gulping large amounts of water after exercising. SIGNS OF BLOAT - Symptoms include, trying to vomit but cannot. Stomach and chest will become distended. Dog will be restless and uncomfortable. Gums will become pale. Dog may pace and not want to lay down. Should you see these symptoms, rush your dog to the vet or emergency clinic.

	Feeding Your Weimaraner Feeding your weim the best food you can is very important. Dog food found in discount/retail stores and groceries stores can be harmfull to your dog as they contain undesirable preservatives and poor sources of ingredients including many fillers and by-products. High Quality Foods We Recommend These foods can be found at non-chain pet stores Many companies will ship directly to your home.Call your favorite store to find out availability Innova and California Natural www.naturapet.com Natural Balance www.naturalbalanceinc.com Back To Basics Home order only www.beowulfs.com Nutro Natural Choice Sold at all major pet chains www.nutroproducts.com Karma Organics Brand New All Organic www.karmaorganics.com