How To Relieve Dog Gas Pain

01.07.2023 Chukwudi Eze 0 Comments

Gas Relief: Lifestyle & Dietary Changes – There are several dietary and lifestyle changes you can try to prevent or relieve your dog’s gas. Encourage them to slow down when they eat, The method you choose to make your pup eat more slowly will depend on the reason they eat so fast.

Is your dog too hungry? Make sure you feed them two meals per day instead of one. If they are afraid another dog will steal their food, try separating your pets at mealtimes. Some dogs are just enthusiastic eaters. To overcome this, serve their food in a muffin tin. This will force your dog to slow down as they move from cup to cup.

Manage their weight, Dogs that are overweight or out of shape are more prone to gas regardless of their diet. Weight management and regular exercise are key to preventing gas in your dog and improving their health. A high-quality diet, combined with regular walks or other exercise, will keep your dog’s weight within a healthy range and make them less susceptible to flatulence.

Give them a massage, If your dog is currently suffering from excessive gas, you can relieve their discomfort by massaging the gas out of them. To do this, feel along your dog’s sides and abdomen for spots that seem unusually firm. Using the flat of your palm and light pressure, massage these areas in a circular motion.

Be sure not to squeeze or press too hard. A nice, gentle massage should help relieve the discomfort and anxiety your dog is feeling and help them pass the gas more easily. Feed your dog a high-quality diet. When you consider whether a dog food brand is good for your dog, ask yourself this: Does the ingredient list sound like something you could eat? If yes, it’s probably a good choice for your dog as well. You can also refer to our ” What Should You Feed Your Dog ? ” guide for further information on providing your furry friend with a good diet.

A quality diet for your dog consists of nutrient-rich whole foods such as eggs, grains, meats, some vegetables and fruits, and fish. You should avoid dog foods that are highly processed or those that include heavy preservatives and meat byproducts. Human-grade dog foods, like those PetPlate provides, have high-quality ingredients that even a human can safely eat.

Human-grade food is a great choice for your dog’s health, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re giving them the best chance at a long, happy life. Introduce a new diet slowly, A dog’s stomach is very sensitive to dietary changes. If you suspect a low-quality diet is the cause of your dog’s gas, it’s important to transition them to higher quality food slowly.

Make the switch over one week by gradually increasing the ratio of new food to old food.
By the seventh day, your dog should be ready to enjoy a whole bowl of their new food.
As you make this change, you can monitor how your dog is handling it and slow the transition down if needed.
The best way to do this is to look at their poop.

Yes, we know, but it really will tell you what you need to know! Learn how to decode your dog’s poop to ensure their stomach is happy with the dietary changes.

Contents

- 0.0.1 How do I know if my dog has gas pains?

1 What relieves bloating fast in dogs?
2 Can you massage gas out?
- - 2.0.1 What is the best position for a dog to pass gas?
  - 2.0.2 How do you know if your dog gas a blockage?
3 Will a dog with bloat lay down?
4 Can dogs with bloat drink water?
5 How long can dog bloat last?
6 How painful is bloat in dogs?
7 Will a dog still eat if they have a blockage?
- 7.1 Where is the pressure point for dog bloat?
8 Why is my dog scared of passing gas?

How do I know if my dog has gas pains?

Symptoms of Gas in Dogs – As well as the rather obvious sign of excess gas in dogs – burping and farting, you may notice the following symptoms:

The dog has gas pains and discomfort;
Unusual aggression or grumpiness;
Lingering bad smell (that you didn’t cause!);
Bloated stomach;
Odd or unusual digestive noises (stomach grumbles).

What relieves bloating fast in dogs?

Treatment for Bloat in Dogs – Treatment of simple bloat can be quite straightforward. Dogs are usually hospitalized to receive large amounts of intravenous fluids and sometimes medicine. They’re also walked often to stimulate movement of the gastrointestinal tract to help move the gas and food quickly through the body. A dog with GDV requires more intense care that typically includes:

Intravenous fluids with electrolytes to aggressively treat shock and improve circulation to vital organs. Pain medications and often antibiotics to treat discomfort, shock and any death of tissues from the loss of circulation. A procedure to decompress the stomach by removing gas from the stomach to allow blood flow to the lower half of the body. In some instances, this helps untwist the stomach. Electrocardiogram (ECG) to monitor for any heart abnormalities which frequently due to toxins from decreased circulation. Surgery is performed as soon as the dog is as stable as possible. Depending on the severity of bloat, a vet may have to untwist the dog’s stomach and/or spleen, and remove any part of the stomach wall that may have died due to loss of blood flow. The vet will also stitch the stomach to the body wall in a procedure called a gastropexy. This significantly reduces the risk of rotation of the stomach in the future.

Can you massage gas out?

An abdominal massage can help release gas, stop bloating and ease period cramps – here’s how to give yourself one An abdominal massage, also known as a stomach massage, is not something we give ourselves often—but it should be. Not only is it super quick and easy but it can work wonders for your body and its, especially when it comes to and constipation.

Yes, we know,
It’s not exactly the most glamorous topic in the world but it’s an important one.
Massaging your stomach can help to move stool along the inside of your colon, which ultimately leads to a plethora of health benefits.
This includes everything from improving your digestive function, reducing period cramps and relieving constipation and bloating, all whilst toning and strengthening your abdominals, according to,

So, how do you do it? Fiordaliso How to give yourself an abdominal massage have published a new step-by-step guide on how to give yourself an abdominal massage and it’s a lot easier than you may think. First, you start by the right side of your stomach down by the bone of your pelvis, where you lightly rub in a circular motion upwards until you reach your rib bones.

You then move straight across to the left side, where you work your way down to the left to the hip bone and back up to the belly button for two to three minutes. Here, you once again rub your finger tips in a circular motion but this time, you can press a little deeper. Spend about a minute moving from the right hip bone to the right ribs then another minute gently doing the same across the middle before going down to the left bone by your pelvis to the belly button, where you’ll rub for yet another minute.

Once you’ve taken all these steps, you should then repeat it all for ten minutes, remembering to always rub in a clockwise motion. An abdominal massage is perfectly safe for most when done gently unless you have specific health issues in the area, in which case you should always check with a health professional.

What is the best position for a dog to pass gas?

Pushing Gas –

If the cause of the built-up gas is undetermined, or the owner is more concerned with removing the gas and then treating the cause, it may be necessary to massage their stomach and sides (as shown above).
Relief may be needed to prevent the dog from causing harm or worsening its condition.
To provide immediate relief, instead of allowing the dog to work it out on their own, the owner should gently massage their stomach and sides with the flat of their palms in circular movements.
The best method is to move down the stomach toward their rear as they lie on their backs.

Move gently as they may be in pain. Massage their sides as well by moving down their sides and towards their stomach. Rotate back and forth until most of the gas has been relieved. It is okay to feel some tenseness in their stomach from leftover gas. It should work its way out of their body overnight or after some relaxation. If there is still gas the next day, repeat the process.

How do you know if your dog gas a blockage?

Symptoms of Bowel Obstructions in Dogs Straining or unable to poop. Weakness. Loss of appetite. Diarrhea.

Will a dog with bloat lay down?

Symptoms of Bloat in Dogs – There will be a noticeable difference in your dog’s behavior. Typical symptoms include but are not limited to:

Multiple, unproductive attempts to vomit. Retching/gagging with nothing coming up. May sound like a cough. Bloated or distended abdomen (swollen belly) Sudden lethargy, hunched appearance Panting, pacing, anxious, may refuse to lay down – can’t get comfortable Profuse salivating (indication of severe pain) Attempt to defecate (pass gas) without results. Much like the unproductive vomiting. Weakness and collapse

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If you see any of these symptoms, it is CRUCIAL that you call the nearest vet, alert them that you are on your way with possible bloat. If it is after hours, DO NOT wait until morning. There is but a small window of time to handle a condition of bloat. Call the closest Emergency vet, they will be well equipped to handle this kind of emergency.

Can dogs with bloat drink water?

Water Intake Is Also Important When Trying to Prevent Bloat – Similarly to the food rules, water shouldn’t be consumed in great quantities or too quickly – especially around meal times. The general idea is to avoid your dog’s stomach getting too full, too fast.

How long can dog bloat last?

‘Bloats without torsion can last for minutes to hours, even days in low-level chronic situations, without it becoming life-threatening.

How painful is bloat in dogs?

Bloat in dogs

Bloat is one of the most serious emergencies in dogs that vets face The life-threatening condition can kill a dog within hours without treatment It causes the stomach to distend and twist, cutting off the blood supply and filling it with air Symptoms include a swollen tummy, retching and signs of pain and distress and it is vital to get your pet to the vet immediately Large breeds with big chests and dogs that are older or overweight are most at risk It is rare, though, especially among breeds without a genetic predisposition to bloat Steps dog owners can take to help prevent bloat include spreading meals across the day

Bloat is a medical emergency and one of the most rapidly life-threatening conditions that vets treat in dogs. It involves the stomach but can quickly lead to life threatening shock if left untreated. But it is rare; Blue Cross has operated on 14 dogs with bloat in the four years between 2013 and 2017.

When bloat happens, the stomach fills with gas and often twists in a way that it cuts off the blood supply to the gut and stops gas and food from leaving.
It can also make the spleen twist and lose circulation, and block vital veins in the back that transport blood to the heart.
Bloat is immensely painful for dogs and it can kill in a matter of hours without veterinary intervention, so it’s important that pet owners know the signs and ways to help prevent it.

The condition is also known, more scientifically, as gastric dilatation-volvulus.

Is there a pressure point to relieve gas?

Acupressure points for gas and bloating – Acupressure points are located all around the body along what traditional Chinese medicine refers to as “meridians,” or energy pathways. Each meridian corresponds to an organ inside the body, and each acupressure point is named after its location along the meridian.

upper abdominal organs
parasympathetic nervous system
master energy

Point location: Roughly 3 inches below the kneecap, about 1 inch toward the outer edge. To massage this point:

Place two fingers on the zusanli point.
Move fingers in a circular motion using gentle, firm pressure.
Massage for 2–3 minutes and repeat on the other leg.

Sanyinjiao, also known as SP6, is located on the spleen meridian and is believed to influence:

lower abdominal organs
parasympathetic nervous system

Point location: Roughly 3 inches above the bone of the inner ankle. To massage this point:

Place one to two fingers on the sanyinjiao point.
Move fingers in a circular motion using gentle, firm pressure.
Massage for 2–3 minutes and repeat on the other leg.

Qihai, also known as CV6, is located on the conception vessel meridian and is thought to influence:

lower abdominal organs
overall energy

Point location: Roughly 1 1/2 inches below the navel. To massage this point:

Place two to three fingers on the point location.
Using gentle pressure, move fingers in a circular motion. Make sure not to press too hard, as this area can be sensitive.
Massage for 2–3 minutes.

Zhongwan, also known as CV12, is also located on the conception vessel meridian and is believed to influence:

upper abdominal organs
yang organs, including the bladder and gallbladder

Point location: Roughly 4 inches above the navel. To massage this point:

Place two to three fingers on the zhongwan point.
Apply gentle pressure in a circular motion, making sure not to press too hard.
Massage for 2–3 minutes.

Weishu, also known as BL21, is located on the bladder meridian and is thought to influence:

abdominal pain
gastrointestinal disorders

Point location: Roughly 6 inches above the small of the back and 1 1/2 inches outward on either side of the spine. To massage this point:

Place one to two fingers on the weishu point.
Apply gentle pressure in a circular motion.
Massage for 1–2 minutes. Do not massage this point if you have any contraindicated conditions, such as a slipped disk or spine weakness.

The research on using acupressure for digestive conditions is sparse, with most of the research focusing on acupuncture instead. However, there is some clinical research that suggests acupressure may have a positive impact on painful digestive symptoms such as gas and bloating.

In one study, researchers investigated the effects of acupressure on 70 hemodialysis patients with constipation. During the study period, patients underwent acupressure 3 times per week for a period of 4 weeks. The researchers found that stimulation of the common abdominal acupressure points resulted in increased gas release and improved bowel function.

In a similar study from 2015, researchers analyzed the benefits of acupressure for 78 adult psychiatric patients with constipation. The study participants self-administered acupressure for a period of 10 days and were assessed for the severity of their symptoms.

According to the results, participants in the acupressure intervention group experienced a reduction in constipation symptoms, such as gas and bloating.
Although the research indicates that acupressure can have positive effects on gastrointestinal symptoms, more research is still needed to determine the benefits.

Acupressure is a relatively safe health practice. However, individuals with certain chronic conditions, such as bleeding disorders or chronic pain, should speak with their doctor before trying acupressure. When you perform acupressure on yourself, you should always use firm, but gentle pressure on the skin.

Rule out food intolerances. Food intolerances and allergies can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and more. Limit any foods that your body doesn’t tolerate.
Eat more slowly. When you eat quickly, you’re more likely to take in excess air, which can turn into gas. Eating smaller meals can also help reduce post-meal bloating.
Increase your fiber intake. Fiber is important for a healthy digestive tract. Eating enough fiber can help you avoid the uncomfortable symptoms of constipation.
Try prebiotics and probiotics. Prebiotics and probiotics are beneficial for your gut bacteria. Eating foods high in these nutrients can give your gut what it needs to run smoothly.

Outside of more serious underlying conditions, constipation, diarrhea, and excess gas are common causes of stomach pain. According to the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP), there are over 28 acupressure points that are indicated for abdominal pain. Some of these points include:

baohuang (BL48): located beneath each side of the small of the back
fushe (SP13): located by the hipbones
wailing (ST26): located below each side of the navel
yuji (LU10): located at the base of each thumb

Much of the research on acupressure for digestive conditions focuses on using acupressure to reduce the symptoms of chronic constipation, In the studies mentioned above, the following additional acupressure points were indicated for constipation:

daheng (SP15): located on either side of the navel
hegu (LI4): located below each index finger
quchi (LI11): located along the inner crease of each elbow
taichong (LV3): located above each large toe
tianshu (ST25): located on either side of the navel

If you’re experiencing chronic gas, bloating, and other digestive issues, it’s important to visit a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions. Once you understand what’s causing your symptoms, you and your doctor can discuss a treatment plan that includes holistic treatment options, such as acupressure or acupuncture.

Where is the pressure point for dog bloat?

Acupuncture for Bloat – Irish Wolfhound Club of America, Inc. By C.A. Krowzack, DVM Author’s note : I have been interested in alternative or complementary medicine for several years. Because of this interest I had attended several presentations on acupuncture and suggested it as the topic for one of our local Wolfhound club meetings.

Since then I have completed the veterinary acupuncture certification course and taken the certification exam.
Earlier I wrote an article for the Wolfhound club newsletter about treating early bloat with acupuncture.
The article was based on a presentation by Debbie Mitchell, DVM, a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA), and by an experience a club member had.

Her Wolfhound woke her in the night in distress. She felt his abdomen which was enlarged and hard behind the rib cage. Remembering Dr. Mitchell’s “bloat point,” the owner vigorously massaged the point (acupressure). After five to ten minutes, she said he passed an enormous amount of gas, then was comfortable.

When I (her primary care veterinarian) saw him the next day he was completely normal.
After publication in the newsletter, and posting on several internet lists, I have received feedback on a number of animals (dogs and horses!) whom the owners treated with acupressure and saved from bloat.
I am so impressed with the success of this simple procedure, I decided to share it more broadly.

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Many people consider acupuncture to be a form of voodoo. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture points (acupoints) are locations of focused energy along channels (meridians) of energy. Illness and disease are considered to be manifestations of imbalances or blockages of energy in the body and acupuncture balances or releases the energy blockage.

In Western Medicine, anatomical and neurophysiological research has shown acupoints to be either at the end point of nerve fibers or where nerve fibers penetrate the body’s fascial planes.
Stimulation of acupoints releases neurochemicals and hormones which can have effects throughout the body.
Because of the patterns of embryological and neuroanatomic development, acupoints may be quite removed from the organ system they affect.

The Stomach Meridian, for example, starts on the face, runs along the ventral aspect of the body, up and over the flank and onto the lateral aspect of the hind leg, ending on the toe. Another aspect of acupuncture that confuses people is that points on meridians which seem unrelated can affect other organ systems.

For example, the Bladder Meridian contains points for many systems other than the urinary tract. With that in mind, I will describe several acupoints that you, as an owner, can find and use with acupressure. The main “” is Stomach 36 (ST 36). It is on the lateral (outside) aspect of the hind leg, below the stile (knee) in the body of the Tibialis anterialis muscle.

In some individual, especially greyhounds, this muscle may be very well developed. To find ST 36 put your hand on the dog’s leg at the front of the hock (heel) joint and find the tibia, or shin bone. Follow the tibia up the leg. It becomes a sharp ridge.

Just below the stifle (knee) you will feel a bony prominence.
This is the tibial crest.
Let your hand slide over the ridge onto the lateral aspect of the leg.
If you feel very gently with your fingertip, you may feel a light indentation – ST 36 (Fig 1).
Another way to find ST36 is to bend the dog’s leg.

Starting at the patella (knee cap) slide your hand down the stifle. The first prominence after the patella is the tibial plateau. The second prominence down is the tibial crest. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t feel ST 36 specifically. If you are in the right area, and if you massage vigorously or press firmly, you can still stimulate the energy release.

If your dog is having a stomach or spleen problem this point will be sore and he will jerk his leg away. The second acupoint to monitor is Bladder 21 (BL 21). The Bladder Meridian runs down the back on both sides of the spine. First, measure the 10th rib width compared to your finger. This is a unit of measurement called a cun (“soon”).

Next, feel the end of the 13th rib (the last rib) and follow it up to the attachment at the spine. Find the vertebrae behind it. BL 21 is a depression halfway between these two vertebra (T13 and L1), 1 1/2 cun lateral to the midline (Fig 2). Please note that the size of a cun is relative to the size of the dog which is why you measure the rib.

BL 21 is a diagnostic point for the stomach. If a dog has a stomach disorder, this point will be painful. His skin may ripple when you press the point, or the muscles spasm, or the dog may drop his rear because it is painful to touch there. The final point is Conception Vessel 12 (CV 12). The CV Meridian runs down the ventral midline of the body.

CV 12 is a depression halfway between the umbilicus (navel; belly button) and the end of the sternum (Fig 3). CV 12 is the “alarm point” for the stomach. Pressing here will make the dog groan, grunt in pain or whimper. You have the information, now how do you put it to work? It is late at night.

Your dog wakes you.
He is restless and anxious.
He tries to gag or vomit but nothing comes out.
You feel his sides but you aren’t sure if he is fuller or if his abdomen is hard (or maybe you are certain).
Find ST36 and press.
He jerks his leg away.
Find CV12 and press up.
He whines.
Find BL21 and press.
He flinches.

CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY!!! Knowledge and use of the acupuncture or acupressure points is not a substitute for emergency veterinary care. If possible, while one person is phoning, and while driving to the veterinary clinic, the other person should vigorously massage ST36.

Even dig a fingernail into the point.
It may take ten to fifteen minutes to get a response, but it will work IF volvulus (twisting of the stomach) is not present.
The dog will start to belch or pass gas when you are successful.
Don’t quit, though.
If possible, have someone continue to massage ST36 (adding CV12 helps) during the trip to the emergency clinic or your veterinary clinic.

Massaging for 20 minutes is a typical treatment period. Once at the emergency clinic your dog will (probably) still need to have his stomach pumped of residual fluid, gas and food. Intravenous fluids and monitoring for signs of toxemia may be necessary.

Some of the toxic side effects of bloat (cardiac arrythmias, stomach wall necrosis) may not appear for twenty four to forty eight hours, so be vigilant.
Acupressure treatment can help you win the battle, but the war isn’t won until the danger period is past.
Good luck.
Editors note: the author retains all copyright privileges for this article.

How do you rub a dog’s stomach for constipation?

Help stimulate your dog’s digestive system – From foods packed with fiber to ensuring your dog receives plenty of exercise, there are various ways you can stimulate your dog’s digestive system and keep constipation at bay. Besides daily walks and specialized dog food, you can provide stimulation by massaging your dog’s stomach. Here’s how to massage their bellies to get them to poop:

Make sure your dog is relaxed and on their back with their paws facing upward
Gently massage their stomach in small circular motions clockwise and counterclockwise for five minutes
After the initial five minutes are up, continue massaging for an additional five minutes in wider circular motions

When should I take my dog to the vet for gas?

Is It General Gas or Time to Call the Vet? – If your dog has smelly gas and/or belly gurgling several times a week, then it’s time to discuss possible causes with your veterinarian. You should also seek medical advice from your veterinarian if the gas is accompanied by:

Vomiting Diarrhea Weight loss Lethargy Loss of appetite

Do dogs pass gas if they have a blockage?

What Is Intestinal Obstruction? – An intestinal obstruction happens when a dog has a complete or partial blockage of the intestines. These obstructions are a bit like clogged pipes; the blockage impairs digestion and intestinal motility, preventing the dog from passing food and waste through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Partial obstruction allows the dog to pass some stool and gas, but this constriction will eventually damage the intestines if not remedied.
A complete GI obstruction is an emergency that can swiftly lead to death if untreated.
The longer the blockage remains, the more likely it will restrict blood flow and lead to necrosis (death) of intestinal tissues.

Bacterial infections may develop, and the intestines can even perforate, causing the dog to bleed internally.

Can a dog fart if they have a blockage?

Cronulla Veterinary Clinic provides treatment for bowel obstruction in dogs for pet owners in Sutherland Shire. Dogs (and cats as well) can sometimes eat objects that cannot pass through the intestinal tract, and cause an obstruction. For example, o ne of our patients, a usually happy and food loving Labrador, recently came into the clinic very depressed and not wanting to eat, which was very unlike him. Three days of aggressive fluid therapy and several x-rays with contrast material later, he luckily managed to pass the foreign body, without needing surgery! He passed a corn cob, most likely found in the park from a discarded take-away meal. A second patient of ours, a young Cavalier, wasn’t so lucky after eating what turned out to be a peach pit.

He had to have major abdominal surgery to have the peach pit removed.
Other discarded food items often found and eaten when just discarded instead of disposed of properly are cooked bones, kebab sticks (these can penetrate the intestinal tract and do a lot of damage), mango seeds, etc.
Non-food items can also be swallowed, such as toys, tennis balls, leather, sticks, pebbles and stones, plastic, string (these are extra risky as the string can cut through the intestinal wall – cats that play with wool and cotton are often at risk), etc.

When something is eaten by your dog, it usually takes up to 24 hours to pass through the digestive tract. If the object is too large, it can sometimes stay in the stomach for a longer time, even for months! But once it has reached the small intestines, and it is too big, it can get stuck and cause potentially life threatening problems.

Vomiting Abdominal pain, a “hunched up” look, and/or discomfort when being touched or picked up Lack of appetite No defecation Lethargy

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These symptoms can make your vet suspect a foreign body, especially if you have seen your dog eat something unusual! But other problems (such as enteritis or pancreatitis or other diseases) may need to be ruled out as well. Most often, after a physical examination, bx-rays (possibly with contrast material) will be needed along with bloods and urine tests.

Other reasons for an intestinal blockage can be tumours, strictures, intussusceptions (where part of the bowel can get trapped inside itself), hernias, adhesions after abdominal surgery, or even heavy burdens of roundworm (often found in puppies).
Partial obstructions can cause intermittent vomiting and/or diarrhoea.

Complete obstructions cause sudden abdominal pain, vomiting, and no passing of any gas or faeces. Obstruction can cause the bowel area involved to have impaired blood supply, and the bowel tissue can become very unhealthy (necrotic), and may even burst, which is life threatening.

Will a dog still eat if they have a blockage?

Symptoms of Intestinal Blockage in Dogs –

Vomiting: Persistent vomiting can lead to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Loss of appetite (anorexia): Dogs may show no interest in eating. Young dogs with a foreign body obstruction (an object they shouldn’t have eaten) will initially still eat, or try to, but then vomit.  Abdominal pain: An obstruction can press on the intestines, which can be very painful and even cause intestinal rupture or inflammation of the abdomen (peritonitis). Weakness/lethargy: This can be caused by dehydration and/or an electrolyte imbalance as well as by pain. Diarrhea/difficulty defecating (pooping)/Straining to defecate: A dog with a partial blockage may have diarrhea as liquid squeezes around the obstruction. If there is a complete blockage, the dog may try to defecate but won’t be able to. Weight loss

If your dog is vomiting but not producing stool (poop), this is a strong sign of an intestinal blockage.

Where is the pressure point for dog bloat?

Since then I have completed the veterinary acupuncture certification course and taken the certification exam.
Earlier I wrote an article for the Wolfhound club newsletter about treating early bloat with acupuncture.
The article was based on a presentation by Debbie Mitchell, DVM, a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA), and by an experience a club member had.

When I (her primary care veterinarian) saw him the next day he was completely normal.
After publication in the newsletter, and posting on several internet lists, I have received feedback on a number of animals (dogs and horses!) whom the owners treated with acupressure and saved from bloat.
I am so impressed with the success of this simple procedure, I decided to share it more broadly.

In Western Medicine, anatomical and neurophysiological research has shown acupoints to be either at the end point of nerve fibers or where nerve fibers penetrate the body’s fascial planes. Stimulation of acupoints releases neurochemicals and hormones which can have effects throughout the body. Because of the patterns of embryological and neuroanatomic development, acupoints may be quite removed from the organ system they affect.

For example, the Bladder Meridian contains points for many systems other than the urinary tract.
With that in mind, I will describe several acupoints that you, as an owner, can find and use with acupressure.
The main “” is Stomach 36 (ST 36).
It is on the lateral (outside) aspect of the hind leg, below the stile (knee) in the body of the Tibialis anterialis muscle.

Just below the stifle (knee) you will feel a bony prominence.
This is the tibial crest.
Let your hand slide over the ridge onto the lateral aspect of the leg.
If you feel very gently with your fingertip, you may feel a light indentation – ST 36 (Fig 1).
Another way to find ST36 is to bend the dog’s leg.

If your dog is having a stomach or spleen problem this point will be sore and he will jerk his leg away.
The second acupoint to monitor is Bladder 21 (BL 21).
The Bladder Meridian runs down the back on both sides of the spine.
First, measure the 10th rib width compared to your finger.
This is a unit of measurement called a cun (“soon”).

BL 21 is a diagnostic point for the stomach. If a dog has a stomach disorder, this point will be painful. His skin may ripple when you press the point, or the muscles spasm, or the dog may drop his rear because it is painful to touch there. The final point is Conception Vessel 12 (CV 12). The CV Meridian runs down the ventral midline of the body.

Your dog wakes you.
He is restless and anxious.
He tries to gag or vomit but nothing comes out.
You feel his sides but you aren’t sure if he is fuller or if his abdomen is hard (or maybe you are certain).
Find ST36 and press.
He jerks his leg away.
Find CV12 and press up.
He whines.
Find BL21 and press.
He flinches.

Even dig a fingernail into the point. It may take ten to fifteen minutes to get a response, but it will work IF volvulus (twisting of the stomach) is not present. The dog will start to belch or pass gas when you are successful. Don’t quit, though. If possible, have someone continue to massage ST36 (adding CV12 helps) during the trip to the emergency clinic or your veterinary clinic.

Some of the toxic side effects of bloat (cardiac arrythmias, stomach wall necrosis) may not appear for twenty four to forty eight hours, so be vigilant. Acupressure treatment can help you win the battle, but the war isn’t won until the danger period is past. Good luck. Editors note: the author retains all copyright privileges for this article.

Why is my dog scared of passing gas?

Your dog didn’t know he farted – This might be hard for you to imagine, but there’s a decent chance that your dog just has no idea what a fart even is. “Most dogs do not know what their farts are,” Dr. Ochoa told The Dodo. “They do not have the mental capacity to process that they just farted.” Not only does your dog not understand the scientific concept of passing gas, but he also doesn’t expect this gas to be expelled from his body, even if it happens often.

Chukwudi Eze