Whether or not a dog should lay down after eating is a common question many dog owners have. There are several things to consider when deciding if it’s okay for your dog to lay down after meals.
The Concern with Laying Down After Eating
The main concern with laying down after eating is a condition called bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Bloat occurs when the stomach twists after filling with air, gas, and/or food. The twisting prevents the release of gas and can block blood flow. This cuts off blood supply to vital organs and can lead to shock and death if not treated immediately.
Certain factors can increase a dog’s risk of bloat:
- Eating too much or too fast
- Swallowing air while eating
- Doing vigorous exercise after a meal
- Having a deep chest structure
- Being under stress
Large breed dogs with deep chests like Great Danes, German Shepherds, and Standard Poodles are more prone to bloat, but any dog can be affected.
Waiting Before Laying Down
To allow time for food to begin leaving the stomach, experts generally recommend waiting 30 minutes to an hour after eating before laying your dog down.
This waiting period allows initial digestion to start and gives time for food to move from the stomach into the small intestine. It also allows your dog to burp up any excess air they may have swallowed while eating.
Other Precautions to Prevent Bloat
In addition to waiting after meals, other tips to help prevent bloat include:
- Feeding your dog slowly and in multiple smaller meals rather than one large meal
- Using a slow feed bowl to prevent fast eating
- Avoiding vigorous play before and especially after eating
- Keeping your dog calm and limiting excitement around mealtimes
- Elevating your dog’s food and water bowls to avoid swallowing excess air while eating and drinking
When Laying Down May Be Okay
While laying down right after eating does increase the risk of bloat, in some cases it may be unlikely to cause an issue. Examples include:
- Small breed dogs who are not prone to bloat
- Older, less active dogs who eat slower and are calmer during and after meals
- Dogs who eat small, frequent meals so their stomach isn’t overly full after eating
- Dogs who don’t bolt their food down and swallow a lot of air when they eat
You know your dog best. If your dog tends to eat calmly, doesn’t get overly excited at mealtimes, and has never had issues with bloat, then laying down after eating may not pose a high risk. But waiting at least 30 minutes is still a good idea whenever possible.
Signs of Bloat to Watch For
Bloat is a medical emergency. If you notice any of the following symptoms after your dog eats, especially if exercise or activity occurred after the meal, seek veterinary help immediately:
- Unsuccessfully trying to vomit
- Abdominal swelling or distention
- Restlessness
- Pacing
- Salivating or drooling excessively
- Whining
- Looking anxious or uncomfortable
- Hunched posture
- Weakness
- Collapse
Conclusion
Laying down too soon after eating can increase the risk of bloat in dogs. This potentially fatal condition is most likely to occur when dogs bolt their food, eat large meals, swallow air, or engage in vigorous activity after eating. Waiting 30 minutes to an hour before laying your dog down allows initial digestion to start and gas to pass. While not all dogs will bloat if they lay down after eating, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Know the signs of bloat so you can get prompt veterinary treatment should it occur.