Crazy4cats,
My family had one wonderful GSD, larger and deeper chested than average (or breed standard) despite being from an excellent show lines breeder who bred to the standard, die of bloat at 10 yrs old. Very calm, mellow, even tempered dog — just very large, deep chested.
It is heart breaking, because bloat and torsion can happen very quickly, with minimal signs distinguishing it and not easily recognized by the average pet owner, with precious little time to get the dog to the emergency vet to save its life, and to very otherwise happy, healthy dogs still in their prime. It is a HUGE health risk in GSDs, as with other large deep chested breeds. It is discussed endlessly among GSD people.
I agree with all that HoundDogMom advised and shared. Funny, it’s the same stuff I’m familiar with right down to the controversy over the raised bowls!
I’d add that my family & I, those in the GSD fancy and really “into” the breed here, no longer allow our dogs to eat full meals or drink large quantities of water within 2 hours of any type excitement, play, stress, or exercise. Our dogs swim constantly; so that has been one of the biggies for the 2 hour rule. Other serious excitement and hard running we don’t allow within 2 hrs, while in practice we might let it slide to closer to an hour for lesser activity/excitement.
For dogs that gulp food or water and/or get really excited around food, I also recommend bowls that have raised portions in them (like HoundDogMom said) that slow the dog down eating.
