vom haus Merkel German Shepherds

07/31/2025

07/25/2025

❤️

07/20/2025

Dyan, he is such a handsome boy and well loved by me. ❤️

06/22/2025

Absolutely heartbreaking posts about this most serious condition! Save for when you have concerns, as GSD’s are one of the breeds that are prone to this.

BLOAT!
GASTRIC DILATATION VOLVULUS (GDV)

This is a life threatening condition where the dogs stomach becomes overstretched and twists from excessive gas.

When the stomach is distended it puts pressure on the diaphragm and other internal organs which causes problems with circulation and the respiratory system
The heart struggles to get blood and oxygen around the body.
Because the blood supply to the stomach and spleen is affected they will start to die off
The respiratory system fails the dog goes into shock and dies.

It’s a condition that is not completely understood by vets, therefore the actual causes are uncertain.
But factors include:
* Larger breeds (over 40kg)
* Narrow and deep chested breeds
* Strenuously exercising before or after a meal
* Eating dry kibble (it expands in the stomach)
* Eating too fast
* Over feeding
* To much water consumption in a small period of time before or after exercise
* Nervous/fearful dogs
* Pedigree dogs are 5 times more likely to suffer from GDV than crossbreeds.

It was thought that raising a dogs food bowl helped but studies have now shown this may increase the risk of bloat

What we do know though, is that it KILLS if left untreated!

If you see any of these signs of Bloat get your dog to a vet immediately!
* A swollen, hard belly
* Retching but not able to vomit
* Drooling
* Pain in the abdomen when touched
* Restlessness
* Heavy stress panting

I am fortunate that my dogs have not experienced this, possibly because I do not feed kibble, but fresh food that contains high percentage of moisture. Happy to discuss this topic with anyone here. 

We cannot possibly know everything, and as with many things, sometimes we don’t have the benefit of learning until it’s too late . This has happened to you, please do not blame yourself. Share so others may learn. 

06/22/2025

I’m such a pretty girl! ❤️

06/08/2025

💔