As a part-time pet sitter I feed a lot of dogs, and it amazes me how differently they all eat. Some dogs eat very poorly and have to be coached or even hand-fed, while others are always so hungry that when you feed them they just gulp the kibble down without even chewing. That’s definitely not a good thing. Dogs that inhale their food tend to overeat, regurgitate what they eat, and don’t absorb the nutrients in the food as well. Deadly conditions such as bloat can also result from this type of eating.

Bloat is thought to be the number two killer of dogs after cancer, so it’s good to know about it. I recommend doing a Google search on it to get all the facts, or talk to your vet, but if your dog bolts his food down here is a simple explanation that should get you thinking. Bloat is often associated with swallowed air that occurs with fast eating. The trapped air causes the stomach to swell, and as it swells it can actually twist over. This action blocks essential blood flow into the stomach leading to low blood pressure, shock, and damage to organs. When this happens death very quickly follows – it’s that serious.

You might have to look at teaching your dog to eat differently if you think he may be in danger. Dog trainers can show you how, or you can research it on the internet. But something simple like changing out his food and water bowls can help immediately. You can now buy bowls designed specifically to prevent fast eating and drinking (gulping water down can be as damaging as food). Some of the food dishes have ridges inside that portion off the kibble so they can only eat one little bit at a time, while others have an obstacle in the middle so they have to eat around it. Water dishes now come with floating islands or just a small opening on top – these designs hide most of the water so that to get a drink the dog must work at it. This can’t help but slow him down. These dishes are also great for dogs with long ears that dangle in traditional water bowls, or to keep snouts covered in long hair dry. Keep his bowls on the floor, too, as elevating them can also contribute to bloat.

And here’s another couple of pointers on bowls: avoid cheap plastic or ceramic ones, especially if they are “Made in China.” Plastic can release chemicals, especially when heated; and go for thick plastic so it’s chew resistant. If you want ceramic, opt for high-quality porcelain that is lead and cadmium free. Both types should be dishwasher and microwave safe. Stainless steel bowls are good, but need a skid-free base. If you do your research well you should be able to find the best bowls for your dog. It may mean ordering them online as the pet stores aren’t as up-to-date on all this yet, but it’s worth the extra effort.

Some specific breeds are known to be more susceptible to bloat than others, and what I found amazing is that the list includes some of America’s most popular pets. Here’s a list of some of them:

Afghan Hound, Airedale Terrier, Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Basset Hound, Bernese Mountain Dog, Borzoi, Bouvier des Flandres, Boxer, Bullmastiff, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Collie, Dachshund, Doberman Pinscher, English Springer Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Great Dane, German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, Great Pyrenees, Irish Setter, Irish Wolfhound, Labrador Retriever, Miniature Poodle, Newfoundland, Old English Sheepdog, Pekinese, Rottweiler, Samoyed, St. Bernard, Standard Poodle, Weimaraner.