This one everyday habit could cause serious trouble for your dog

It’s a familiar routine: leash off, paws wiped, tail wagging, and then straight to the food or water bowl. But according to veterinary expert Dr. Mark dos Anjos, this common habit after a walk might be doing your dog more harm than good.

The issue is about gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) – bloat to me and you – a potentially fatal condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists. Most dog owners associate this problem with giant breeds like Great Danes or Saint Bernards, but Dr. dos Anjos warns that any dog, of any size, can develop bloat, especially under the wrong conditions.

Why can feeding or watering my dog right after exercise be dangerous?

After a walk, your dog is excited and stimulated. That’s part of the fun. But it’s also when they’re more likely to gulp down food or water too quickly, and that speed is a real risk factor.

“I would never feed or give water to my own dog just after exercise,” says Dr. dos Anjos, writing for Parade Pets. While some sources argue that feeding dry food alone won’t provoke bloat, he’s not convinced, and his personal experience with clients’ dogs backs that up. “I mention this to my clients whenever we discuss their pets’ exercise routines.”

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What about the raised bowl theory?

Note too that it’s not just the post-walk timing. Raised food bowls – once believed to help prevent bloat – are now linked to higher rates in at-risk dogs. Around half of giant-breed cases, according to some studies, had been fed using elevated dishes. So if your dog’s bowl is propped up to “make things easier,” it might be worth rethinking.

Can a small dog like a Chihuahua get bloat?

Surprisingly, yes. While the biggest risk is for large and deep-chested dogs – think Boxers, Weimaraners, or German Shepherds – even Chihuahuas and Maltese have developed bloat. So this isn’t a problem limited to size.

That’s why feeding habits matter. One large daily meal raises the risk, as does sticking to only dry kibble. Dr. dos Anjos recommends adding water to dry food before feeding. You only have to watch how it expands in the bowl to get an idea of what it does in your dog’s stomach.

When should I feed my dog?

If you’re heading out right after a morning walk, don’t feed your dog a big meal – especially if they’re prone to bloat and no one’s home to keep an eye on them. Split meals if you can, and time them well away from walks.

Let your pooch cool off before offering water because, although they’re clearly desperate to dive in, once they’re nice and calm – not panting or pacing – it’s safer for them to drink. And get that dry food moist too.

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