I’ll never forget the first time I suspected bloat in one of my Bullmastiffs. It was late at night, he was restless, pacing between the kitchen and the bedroom, standing with a strange, uncomfortable posture, and then began to retch without bringing anything up. My heart dropped. I’d read about gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) for years, but nothing prepares you for the real thing: how rapidly a confident, strong dog can become seriously unwell. Over the years I’ve dealt with several close calls and have learned how to spot the early signs and what to do immediately while we race to the vet. Below I share practical, experience-grounded advice so you can act fast if your Bullmastiff shows early signs of bloat.

Why Bullmastiffs are at risk

Bullmastiffs are deep-chested, heavy-chested dogs — a body type that predisposes them to GDV. That doesn’t mean every Bullmastiff will get it, but it does mean owners should be vigilant. GDV isn’t just “stomach upset”; the stomach can fill with gas, rotate, and cut off blood supply, causing shock and rapid deterioration. The sooner you recognize it and get veterinary care, the better the outcome.

Early signs to watch for

These signs can be subtle at first. When I teach new owners, I emphasize watching for behavior changes more than waiting for obvious physical changes. Early recognition can make the difference between emergency surgery and a worse outcome.

  • Restlessness and pacing: Your dog can’t settle. He may repeatedly change position, stand with an odd posture, or pace back and forth.
  • Unproductive retching or gagging: Attempts to vomit with little or nothing coming up are a red flag.
  • Abdominal distension: Swelling or a “tight” look to the belly. In heavy-coated dogs this can be less obvious, so feel for firmness.
  • Excessive drooling: Not the normal “happy drool” but thick, excessive saliva with an anxious expression.
  • Rapid breathing or visible discomfort when breathing: Panting that doesn’t match the activity level.
  • Pale or tacky gums: Check the gums — if they’re pale, grey or the capillary refill is slow (press and release and count seconds), that can signal poor circulation.
  • Weakness or collapse: If the dog seems wobbly, weak, or flops down unwilling to get up, it’s urgent.

    • Immediate steps to take before you leave for the vet

    When I notice these signs, I follow a clear routine so I don’t fumble in an emergency. Keep a printed checklist near your phone or entryway and keep your car prepped with a blanket, leash, and a crate for rapid transport.

  • Call your veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately: Describe the signs clearly: retching, distended belly, pale gums. They’ll advise you and usually tell you to come right away. Give them ETA so they can prepare for shock management and imaging.
  • Keep the dog calm and still: Anxiety and heavy exercise can worsen the situation. I speak calmly, minimize handling, and keep lights dim and voices low. Avoid rough belly palpation — it causes pain and can stress the dog more.
  • Do not give food or water: Resist the instinct to try to make your dog feel better with food or water. This can worsen the condition or complicate anesthesia later.
  • Prepare for transport: Secure a flat, sturdy surface or a crate. If the dog is large and weak, have a blanket ready to act as a drag or sling under the chest and hips — or recruit someone to help lift. Safety first: a frightened or painful dog can bite.
  • Monitor vitals if possible: Take note of respiratory rate, heart rate (if you can), and gum color. This information is helpful to the vet on arrival.

    • What not to do

    I’ve seen well-meaning owners try techniques that can be dangerous. Don’t attempt these:

  • Don’t force-feed or give water.
  • Don’t try to relieve gas by pushing on the belly. This can be painful and may make a volvulus worse.
  • Don’t try to pass a stomach tube or do home decompression unless you’re a trained veterinarian. A wrong move can cause perforation and make things catastrophic.

    • What the vet will likely do

    Once you arrive, the clinic often moves fast: oxygen, IV fluids to support circulation, pain relief, and imaging (X-ray) to confirm dilation and whether rotation (volvulus) has occurred. If volvulus is present, emergency surgery is usually necessary to de-rotate the stomach and tack it (gastropexy) to help prevent recurrence. Even if the stomach hasn’t twisted yet, severe dilation may still require decompression or surgery depending on the dog’s condition.

    Practical prevention tips I use with my dogs

    Prevention lowers the chance of a life-threatening emergency. These are practical habits that have helped me across multiple litters and rescues.

  • Feed smaller, more frequent meals: One large meal increases the chance of large gas volume. I split daily ration into two or three meals.
  • Use a slow feeder: Prevents rapid gulping. I use a brand like Outward Hound slow-feeders for training and daily feeding.
  • Avoid vigorous exercise around meal times: Don’t exercise heavily one hour before and two hours after eating.
  • Consider prophylactic gastropexy for high-risk dogs: For bullmastiff lines with a family history, I discuss opportunistic gastropexy with my vet — many breeders choose to do this at the time of spay/neuter or in adulthood.
  • Hydration management: Always ensure fresh water, but avoid allowing massive drinking immediately after a high-energy session.
  • Avoid raised bowls without checking the evidence: Studies are mixed. Some older recommendations suggested raised bowls; more recent data suggests they may increase risk in certain breeds. I personally use normal-height bowls and focus on controlling meal size and speed.

    • Quick emergency checklist (table)

    Seen early signs (retching, pacing)Call vet, keep calm, don’t feed
    Distended belly or pale gumsImmediate transport, monitor vitals, prepare blanket/crate
    Dog weak or collapsedEmergency vet now — high priority
    At home preventionSmaller meals, slow feeder, no vigorous post-meal exercise

    When you live with big-boned, deep-chested dogs like Bullmastiffs, vigilance is part of responsible ownership. Trust your instincts: if your dog seems “off” in a way you can’t explain, it’s better to be safe and get a professional opinion. Over the years, acting quickly has saved dogs I love — and that’s what I want for every member of the Shadowguard community.