Vet’s warning over fatal condition that’s ‘dog owner’s worst nightmare’ | Glasgow Live
Need to know
A vet has warned dog owners about a deadly condition that can kill pets within hours
Sophie Buchan Money and Lifestyle Writer
00:03, 19 Apr 2026
The vet said “bloat is a life-threatening emergency for dogs”(Image: gilaxia via Getty Images)
Need to know: Vet issues urgent warning on deadly dog condition GDV
A veterinarian has issued an urgent warning to dog owners about a deadly condition that could kill their pets if left untreated.
Jade, a registered vet known as @jade.the.vet.nurs on TikTok, spoke about Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV), commonly called bloat. She described it as “a dog owner’s worst nightmare” and warned that many owners are unaware of its severity.
She said: “I have found quite a lot of dog owners still haven’t heard about bloat, or [if] they have heard about bloat, they actually don’t realise the severity of it, because bloat is a life-threatening emergency for dogs.”
GDV occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with air and twists, cutting off blood flow to vital organs. Jade explained: “It can cause organ damage, it can cause organ failure, and if you do not get your dog to the vet quickly and they get surgical treatment, this will be fatal.”
Key symptoms include a visibly bloated abdomen that feels tight to touch, constant retching without vomiting, and dogs looking at their stomach repeatedly. White froth or foam may also be present around the mouth.
To prevent GDV, Jade recommends feeding smaller, more frequent meals using slow feeders and avoiding walks within two hours of feeding. She also suggests discussing preventative surgery with your vet.
Dog owners should seek immediate veterinary attention if they notice any symptoms, as there may be only one to two hours before permanent damage occurs.
