First Coast Pet

So now that you have a new dog, daily feedings will become second nature very fast. An elevated dog bowl will benefit you and your dog in numerous ways.  The most common bowl that sits on the floor will always be a classic, yet, these bowls can be very harmful on bigger dogs.

There are a lot of medical conditions that are associated with eating at such a low height, and the mess is greater as well.

Stomach Bloat
While uncommon, stomach bloat occurs most commonly when dogs guzzle their food from low bowls. If you have ever watched a dog eat from a food dish on the ground, you will be astonished at how quickly they can make the food disappear.

Dogs are fast eaters by nature. It is a form of protection against anyone or anything taking their food. What the majority of people do not know is that it is very hazardous for their health to eat from the bowls on the floor.

By gobbling their food at such an angle, most dogs inhale a great deal of air.  When air is ingested by your dog, it can cause your dog’s stomach to turn.  A dog with stomach torsion is an emergency.

Few dogs make it through this harmful issue and most will repeat the torsion within a short period of time.  On a less serious note, there is also the gas to handle with, and that is uncomfortable for you as well as your dog.  Elevating the dish eliminates the possibility.

Joints and Muscles
Older dogs have a bit more trouble bending down to eat their food and is very harmful on joints and muscles.  The concluding tension on elbows and wrists as they bend over causes them to eat quickly or improperly.

Think about trying to eat your meals at a push-up stance.  That is how a dog feels after each feeding.  The position is bad for their posture and makes eating tough.  Raising the bowls helps decrease tension on those tender joints.

No Cleaning
A dog that is eating or drinking at the right height makes less of a mess. There is no longer a reason to quickly throw the food back to the throat, and they don’t have to eat so frantically. 

With less pressure on their joints, dogs relax a bit and enjoy their food more.  If you have a dog that really bolts their food no matter what, consider purchasing a bolt preventing bowl to an elevated feeder.  It will force your pet to slow down.

Elevated dog bowls are easily found either at your local pet store or on the internet.  To get the height to your dog, measure your dog at the withers.  The withers are the front shoulder joint.  Take away six inches and you have the correct height for your dog’s bowl. 

Find a bowl that can relate to that height and give it a chance.  Both you and your dog will be happier about feeding time and as a bonus, you won’t have to bend quite as far to put the food in the bowl.

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