Are Elevated Pet Bowls Beneficial for Your Dog?
Everything that Looks Cool is Not Always Safe
Dr. Jon of PetPlace.comsaid, "Elevated feeders can be beneficial for dogs with back or neck problems, however they have been associated with an increased risk of bloat. I have never found that they aid digestion." Okay so that's one opinion that I found, but that wasn't enough. In order to be fair I had to continue my search in order to get to the truth.
Apparently there are mixed findings on whether or not an elevated bowl system causes bloat. There was a study done, called the Glickman study, that found a 50% increase in risk of bloating because of using an elevated bowl, and between 20 to 50% of those cases of bloating were in the larger breed dogs.
Bloat also is caused by different things for instance: Age, Breed of Dog (mainly larger breeds), overfeeding, too much water at one time, and Diet of the Dog. This is a condition that if not treated quickly could result in death.
Probably for a small dog or an older dog an elevated bowl could be beneficial. They have become pretty popular. Don't just buy something for your dog because it's cute and because the manufacturer says that it will be good for your dog. Whenever you are thinking of making a purchase do your own research.
If you were thinking of using an elevated bowl, it might be a good idea to get an opinion from your veterinarian before purchasing one. He might say that it's perfecting okay to use. I know that I would feel better about using one if my vet approved.
Still I've decided that I'd rather not take that chance with my dog. Yes the bowls are cute, and have stylish little stands, but remember the age old adage, if it's not broken don't fix it. It's a pretty safe bet that if you aren't having any problems now you probably never will.
If I want to spruce up my dogs eating area, I'll just get a cute little rug, and a couple of cute little bowls. I don't think my dog really cares one way or the other as long as the food is in the bowl when she's ready to eat.
Source:
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/are-elevated-feeders-good-or-bad-for-dogs/page1.aspx
http://www.vetinfo.com/elevated-dog-feeder.htmlhttp://www.petsask.com/dogs/is_using_an_elevated_dog_food_bowl_unpromising_fo.html
Published by Pat Bartels
Previously employed in the Human Resources field, Pat enjoys traveling and tweaking computers when she is not writing articles for Associated Content and Factoidz. She is fascinated with personal finance, th... View profile
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11 Comments
Post a CommentThis is excellent information. Our German Shepherd who developed an intestinal volvulus (bloat). He had to be rushed to the pet emergency room for surgery in the middle of the night. Fortunately, he survived it.
My husband built a stand, about 6-8 inches high for our dogs' food and water bowls - it cost about $5, as opposed to the $80 stands that they sell at pet stores. Our thinking was that it would be easier on our dogs' necks. We have a 7-month old GSD/Golden Retriever and an 18-month old GSD/Husky mix. I didn't realize large breed dogs have an increased risk of bloat, so I'm thinking the "Chinese eating table" as we call it (it looks like the low tables at our local Chinese restaurant) may be going away. :(
Good article Pat.
I think the normal ones should be just fine!
I've wanted to get one since my dog pushes her food bowl around. Thanks Pat.
good info,Pat.
Never bought one as my dog did well.....Bloat sounds terrible.
I hadn't heard of them. But then again, I don't have a dog, and don't if they'd even be beneficial for a cat.
Good article - our German Shepherd had difficulty chocking when he was a pup and I invented my own idea of an elevvated bowl and it did help him eat, however he is about two years now and is still a very messy eater. We no longer elevate his dish but I do keep a rug under his dish because he is so sloppy.
I often wondered about those "elevated pat bowls" - thanks for the info. cheers :)