Do vets recommend elevated dog bowls

The Ups & Downs of Great Dane Raised Dog Bowls

Owning a dog, let alone a Great Dane, can sometimes seem like a daunting task. Since you always want the best for them, there are sure to be many questions swirling around your head as you care for your new best friend. Do they need a kennel? How much exercise do they require? What are the healthiest foods for them? How should I feed them?

Traditionally, most dogs eat their kibble from bowls on the ground. Some may even argue that this is the best and most natural feeding position for dogs since they have evolved to eat this way.

On the other hand, other dog owners suggest there are several benefits to using an elevated feeder, especially when it comes to giant breeds or older dogs.

With so many conflicting statements, itseasy to get confused! When it comes to your pet, its always best to do yourown research and make an educated decision that is best for them.

If youre having trouble deciding which isbest, read on as we break it down a bit more.

The Elevated Feeder Controversy The Glickman Study

Raised dog food bowls have been around for a long time and many dog breeders and owners seem to prefer them when it comes to feeding their hounds. But in 2004, Purdue University published findings of the Glickman study that sent many dog owners into a frenzy.

Contrary to previous beliefs, the study concluded that feeding dogs from elevated feeders, combined with other factors such as chest size and diets with high fat or citric acids, increased their risk for developing bloat.

Considering that bloat is a painful and potentially deadly condition for pups, people had every right to be concerned. This is especially true for Great Danes, where bloat is the number one fatal condition.

Bloat occurs when the entryways into a dogs stomach become closed off because it has flipped or twisted over. This can be an effect of either gas, intestinal blockages, or stress.

To make matters worse, it can cause gagging, decrease blood flow, and prevent your dog from going to the bathroom or pass gas, sending them into shock, or even death if not treated immediately.

Alarming stuff, right?

If you look closer at the study Dr. Glickmandid, youll notice he reached this conclusion solely through statisticalevidence and anecdotal findings.

The study consisted of surveying a sample of people who owned breeds who were more susceptible to bloat and also used raised dog bowls. There were no control groups, experiments conducted, or scientific method used. This was purely a statistical review of data, in which no actual research was conducted.

Many regard the study as inconclusive given the sample that was studied. In other words you can expect a correlation between elevated feeders and bloat since the majority surveyed were already using those feeders.

Of course, there are still those who have confidence in the study and opt to feed their pets from ground bowls. Breeders and owners of larger breeds like Great Danes tend to still stick to using elevated feeders since it has been believed to help reduce the risk of bloat.

Ultimately, it is up to you and what you feel is best for your lovable beast! Below, we will cover the case for both the benefits and potential risks of using elevated bowls for your Great Dane.

The Benefits

The first and most obvious reason for feeding your Dane with an elevated feeder is comfort.

Great Danes are most recognizable for their sizeimagine having to stretch that long neck all the way down to the floor just to eat! Raised dog food bowls make it loads easier for them at feeding time since the food is at face level. This also helps reduce joint strain and correct posture.

Raised dog food bowls also come in handy for easing digestion. As you may already know, Great Danes are prone to a variety of digestive issues. Theres a lot that goes through there, okay!

Eating from a raised feeder not only makes it easier on their bodys structure but when the head is kept above the stomach, food is able to travel more efficiently down the tract.

Another advantage of using an elevated feeder is keeping Scoobys feeding and water station orderly. Great Danes are everything but dainty! It doesnt take long for feeding time to turn into a hot mess!

Dont put it past these big eaters to dig around in their bowls or play with their food and push it halfway across the room! Although raised food bowls may not totally elevate the problem, they should help make feeding a Great Dane a bit more organized.

Even though raised bowls may not work for every breed, its obvious to a Great Dane owner that their dog is more comfortable with their dishes elevated so that they dont have to strain to eat.

The Risks

You may think that youre doing your dog afavor by raising his food bowls to his height but making food more easilyaccessible through elevated feeders can have its drawbacks.

Keep an eye on your Dane as he eats and try to notice if their mealtime behavior has changed. Raising food bowls may start to encourage them to eat and drink more quickly than they should. Eating quickly can fill their bellies with air and increase the possibility of twisting.

If you see that your pup is inhaling their food or slurping down water too fast, you can slow him down by placing large, inedible objects in their food bowl.

They will have to eat around the object and will make the process of eating a longer one. Slow feed bowls are also a good option for slowing down their ravenous eating.

Ice cubes in the water bowl also help with slowing down water consumption. That way Duke can stay hydrated and keep bloat at bay at the same time!

What about older dogs?

If youre still a bit weary on whether you should get a raised dog bowl for your Great Dane, consider their age. Older dogs may start developing canine arthritis, joint pain, or mobility issues that can make eating a painful process.

The next time you feed your dog, feed from where you normally would but pay attention to how they move their body when they eat.

• Do they look like theyre in pain trying to get to the bowl?
• Do they lift the food out of the bowl and eat sitting down?

If it seems like they would be more comfortable without bending down to the floor and straining their joints, it may be time to introduce an elevated feeder!

As Great Danes age, they become at risk for Megaesophagus, or a neurological disease that involves the breakdown of the esophageal muscles.

When a dog gets this disease, they are no longer able to swallow their food and push it down into their bellies for digestion. Raised dog food bowls could be a good solution to help your dog alleviate their struggles associated with Megaesophagus.

What is the correct bowl height?

Once youve determined that you want to feed your dog from an elevated feeder, you may be wondering what the correct height should be.

You can establish the most suitable height simply by measuring your standing dog from the floor beneath their front paws up to the tops of their shoulders, then subtract approximately 6 inches.

The bowl should be lined up directly with their lower chest.

A typical giant breed dog like a Great Dane should have a bowl at a height ranging from 21 to 27 inches.

Another test is to see if your Dane is able to eat without stretching their necks upwards or having to lower or strain downwards. If their food seems to be in a comfortable position and they look happy, youve reached the perfect height!

If youre interested in an elevated feeder, you can take a look at the shortlist that we put together here.

If elevated feeders dont necessarily cause bloat, what can?

If bloat is the primary reason you are against raised dog food bowls, dont fret. Although there is the chance they may increase the possibility of bloat, its certainly not the leading potential cause for it.

Stress can be a huge factor that contributes to bloat in dogs. This can come from a variety of places a new home, nervousness, lack of exercise, poor nutrition, hormonal issues, being over-vaccinatedyou name it!

It is important that you maintain a positive and peaceful environment for your dog to eat and be sure to pay attention to any clues they may give you that they are uncomfortable.

Avoid having people or other animals walking around during feeding time, especially young children.

Although it may be easy to manage stress for the easy going and tranquil Great Dane, they are inclined to have various health issues, more notable spine issues.

Studies show that dogs with symptoms of congestion, inflammation and sensitive of the lumbar spine are more prone to having stomach problems. Be sure to keep up with exams and observe how they act when eating.

Some common therapies for spine problems are acupuncture, massage, or physiotherapy.

Eating the wrong foods can also be causing your Dane tohave stomach problems that can soon lead to bloat. Make sure their diet is fullof proteins and high-quality fats. These can play an enormous role inpreventing bloat along with other diseases.

If your dog isshowing any concerning symptoms or you suspect they may be at risk fordeveloping bloat, talk to your veterinarian about your dog and its eatinghabits.

Conclusion

The jury isstill out on whether raised dog food bowls are either harmful or helpful.

Since every dog is different across each breed, the best decision is to do what is appropriate for your dog. Pay attention to its needs, any new or existing symptoms, or any strange behavior before or after eating in order to get an idea of what will work the most efficiently for them.

With a little bit of studying and examining your Great Danes health, youll be able to make feeding time enjoyable for both you and your great big ball of joy!

How High Should Dog Bowl Be? Optimal Feeding Heights for Your Pet

You might be thinking that the height of your dogs feeding bowl doesnt really matter, but the truth is, it can make a significant difference in your pets overall comfort and well-being.

The right feeding height can impact your dogs digestion, posture, and even reduce the risk of certain health issues.

So, how high should your dogs bowl be? Well, it all depends on your furry friends size, and getting it just right can make a world of difference in their daily mealtime routine.

But before we delve into the specifics, lets explore why finding the optimal feeding height is so crucial for your pets health and happiness.

Key Takeaways

• Elevated feeding bowls prevent neck strain and joint discomfort.
• Feeding bowl height should be determined by the size and measurements of the dog.
• Optimal feeding height is when the top of the bowl is level with the lower part of the dogs chest.
• Elevated feeding bowls offer benefits such as improved comfort, reduced spills, and easier feeding for dogs with joint or digestive issues.

Importance of Optimal Feeding Heights

When considering the importance of optimal feeding heights for your dog, its crucial to understand the impact it has on their overall well-being and health. Raised feeding bowls can make a significant difference in your dogs life.

By elevating the food and water to a height thats comfortable for your dog, you can prevent neck strain and joint discomfort. This is particularly important for larger breeds or older dogs who may struggle with bending down to reach their bowls on the floor.

Additionally, an elevated feeding height reduces the risk of bloating, a serious condition that can be caused by rapid eating in a low feeding position. Ensuring a comfortable feeding position promotes healthy eating habits, encouraging your dog to eat at a more leisurely pace.

Factors Affecting Feeding Bowl Height

Determining the appropriate height for your dogs feeding bowl is essential for their comfort and well-being. Several factors affect the correct height for a dogs feeding bowl, especially for medium and large dogs. Here are three key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Breed Size: Different dog breeds come in various sizes, and their feeding bowl height should be adjusted accordingly. Small-sized dog breeds such as Corgis, Dachshunds, Havanese, Maltese, and Pugs will require a lower feeding bowl height compared to medium and large dogs.
2. Dogs Measurements: To determine the correct height of the dog bowl, measure your dog from the floor to the top of their shoulders. The goal is to ensure that the dog can eat without lowering its neck or stretching upwards, promoting a comfortable and natural feeding position.
3. Health Considerations: For medium and large dogs, raised dog bowls can offer several benefits, including preventing neck strain and joint discomfort, reducing the risk of bloating, and promoting healthy eating habits. However, its essential to consult a veterinarian, especially for large, barrel-chested dogs, if you have concerns about using raised dog food bowls.

Measuring Your Dogs Ideal Bowl Height

To determine your dogs ideal bowl height, measure from the floor to the top of their shoulders, then subtract about 5 inches to ensure comfortable feeding. Use a measuring tape and make sure your dog is standing squarely on all fours.

This measurement will give you a good starting point for the height of your dogs feeding bowl. The goal is for your dog to be able to eat without lowering its neck too much or having to stretch upwards. The top of the bowl should ideally be level with the lower part of your dogs chest.

An elevated dog bowl can help achieve this ideal height, and adjustable raised dog bowls are also available to cater to your dogs specific needs. Remember that the right bowl height can contribute to better digestion and overall comfort for your pet.

Benefits of Elevated Feeding Bowls

Elevated feeding bowls offer numerous benefits for your dog, providing a more comfortable and convenient dining experience. Here are three key advantages to consider:

1. Improved Comfort: Raised bowls are especially beneficial for taller dog breeds, as they reduce the need for excessive bending while eating. This can alleviate strain on your dogs neck, back, and joints, promoting better posture and digestion.
2. Less Mess: With elevated bowls, theres less chance of the bowl sliding around during meal times, leading to a tidier feeding area. This is particularly useful for dogs who tend to be enthusiastic eaters, preventing spills and splashes.
3. Easier Feeding for Special Needs Dogs: Dogs with joint or digestive issues can benefit from elevated bowls. The height can make it easier for them to access their food, promoting better digestion and reducing discomfort during mealtimes.

Safety Considerations for Raised Bowls

When choosing a raised feeding bowl for your dog, its essential to consider safety considerations to ensure their comfort and well-being during meal times.

Elevated bowls should be at a height that allows your dog to eat comfortably without straining their neck or stretching upwards. For small dogs, in particular, this is crucial as theyre more susceptible to neck strain and joint discomfort.

Additionally, its important to be mindful of the potential risk of bloating, especially for large, barrel-chested dogs. To mitigate this risk, consult a veterinarian, as raised bowls may or may not promote rapid eating and bloat in certain breeds.

Its also advisable to ensure that the top of the bowl is level with the lower part of your dogs chest to prevent any discomfort. Consider using adjustable raised dog bowls to achieve the perfect height for your dogs comfort and health, taking into account their specific medical conditions or natural eating position.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Elevated Should My Dogs Bowls Be?

Your dogs bowls should be elevated to the height that aligns with the lower part of their chest. This ensures comfortable feeding without neck strain. Remember to measure from the floor to their shoulders and subtract 5 inches for the perfect height.

What Is the Correct Height for a Dog Food Bowl?

To determine the correct height for your dogs food bowl, measure from the floor to their shoulders and subtract about 5 inches. This helps prevent neck strain, joint discomfort, and bloating, promoting healthy eating habits.

Do Vets Recommend Elevated Dog Bowls?

Yes, vets may recommend elevated dog bowls for certain breeds or medical conditions. Consult with a vet to discuss potential benefits and risks. They can provide personalized advice based on your pets specific needs.

Should Dogs Eat Out of Elevated Bowls?

Eating from elevated dog bowls can benefit your pet by preventing neck strain, reducing bloat risk, and promoting healthy eating habits. Choose the correct height by measuring from the floor to your dogs chest and subtracting 6 inches for large dogs or 3 inches for small dogs.

Conclusion

So, remember to measure your dogs height to determine the optimal feeding bowl height. This will ensure that your furry friend can eat comfortably and without strain.

Elevated feeding bowls can provide numerous benefits for your pets health and well-being. Just be sure to consider safety factors when using raised bowls, and youll have a happy and healthy pup at mealtime!