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Dog knowledge

The Digestive System
Meal management & GDV

The dog's digestive system is that of an opportunistic carnivore: a very expandable stomach, fast transit and strong acidity. Its build makes it vulnerable to a potentially fatal mechanical accident: GDV (gastric dilatation-volvulus).

1How digestion works 2GDV: Absolute emergency 3Risk factors 4Prevention 5Treatment pathway 6Mistakes to avoid
🫁 Anatomical diagram — The dog's digestive system
Diagram of the dog's digestive system showing the mobile stomach and the GDV risk area
🔬 1. How digestion works in brief▼
Chewing

A dog does not chew in order to digest, but to crush and swallow. Digestion really begins in the stomach.

The stomach

It is a large “suspended” pouch that can hold enormous quantities. Unlike in humans, a dog's stomach is fairly mobile within the abdomen.

Transit

It lasts between 4 and 24 hours depending on the type of diet (kibble, wet or raw).

🚨 2. Stomach Torsion (GDV) — ABSOLUTE EMERGENCY▼

Torsion happens when the stomach swells with gas (dilatation) and then twists on itself (volvulus), blocking both the entrance and the exit as well as the blood supply.

🚨 Signs that mean you must get to the vet straight away (within 30 minutes):

1
Unproductive retching: Your dog tries to vomit but nothing comes up (or only foamy saliva).
2
Swollen abdomen: The belly becomes hard and tight as a drum.
3
Extreme restlessness: Your dog cannot settle, pants heavily and drools.
4
Pale gums: The gums turn white or greyish (a sign of shock).
⚠️ 3. Risk factors▼
🐕 Build
Dogs with a deep chest (Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Great Dane, Pointer, etc.) are the most at risk.
🍽️ Behaviour
Eating too fast (swallowing air), or taking vigorous exercise just before or after a meal.
😰 Stress
A dog that is anxious during its meal empties its stomach less well.
🚫 One big meal a day
It increases the weight of the stomach and the risk of it twisting.
👑 4. Prevention — The golden rule of calm▼
Split the meals

Ideally give 2 to 3 meals a day rather than one big one.

Compulsory rest

No sport, no jumping, no wild games 30 minutes before and 3 hours after a meal.

Slow feeding

If your dog “inhales” their bowl, use a slow-feeder bowl or scatter the kibble on the floor to slow down the amount of air swallowed.

Bowl height

Contrary to popular belief, raising the bowl can sometimes increase the risk of swallowing air. The floor remains the most natural position.

🏥 5. Treatment pathway and surgery▼
🚨 Vet immediately
There is no “first aid” action you can take yourself. The vet must pass a tube into the stomach or operate as an emergency.
✅ Gastropexy
During the operation (or as a preventive measure at the time of spaying or neutering), the vet can “fix” the stomach to the abdominal wall so that it cannot twist again.
⛔ 6. Mistakes to avoid at all costs▼
🚫 Waiting for it to “pass”
Stomach torsion never resolves on its own. Every minute counts to prevent tissue necrosis.
🚫 Letting your dog drink a large amount after exertion
Gulping a large quantity of water when out of breath can also cause dilatation.
🚫 Changing food suddenly
It upsets the gut flora and can produce excess gas, a factor in torsion. Always make the change over 7 to 10 days.
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