A lap around the lake in Van Saun Park, every morning, rain or shine. Tonka, a German Shepard/Labrador mix and his person Matthew Clark established this routine their first year together and kept it going for the four that followed.

Clark gets things right when it comes to his dog. Plenty of water, nutritious food, preventative vet visits, unconditional love. The care lavished upon his animal companion certainly qualifies him as the anti-Michael Vick.

So it came as a big surprise that this exemplary owner nearly killed Tonka with a poorly timed combination of food, water and exercise.

On the day it happened Tonka had been fed and then the pair went for a sped-up version of their usual jog. Clark was running late and rushing to get to work on time. Tonka returned home from the park and quickly drank a full bowl of water. He was lying on the sofa, panting, but then dry-heaved  a few times in a row. Just a bit of yellow liquid appeared on the floor, which his owner quickly wiped away.

Matthew Clark wasn't particularly worried. Tonka sometimes ate a few strands of grass in the park and threw up a bit later. Still, on the drive to work he texted the dog-walker who regularly came in during the afternoons and asked that she report back on Tonka.

This she did, a frantic call around 3:30 PM. Tonka was immobile, drooling and from the  glittery fright she observed in the dog's eyes, appeared to be in great pain.

Then came the panicked vet visit, x-rays, blood testing, surgery, intravenous antibiotics, complications following surgery, another round of antibiotics as well as additional medications. At the end of course, came the heart-stopping itemized bill whose grand total might have easily nourished the entire population of a small nation for several months.

It's one thing if an animal falls ill and nothing could have been done to prevent the condition. But sadly, this emotionally and financially devastating situation could have been avoided.

Tonka was diagnosed with Gastric Dilation and Vovulus (GDV), more commonly referred to as "Bloat."

Bloat is a life-threatening condition and is the primary cause of death in certain larger dogs. Bloat is most often associated in dogs whose chests are structured in a narrow and deep fashion.

Great Danes, Standard Poodles, Greyhounds, Akitas, Saint Bernards, Collies, Rottweilers, Irish Setters, Weimaraners, Boxers….regardless of whether the dog is purebred or a mix that has this type of bodily construction, they are at considerable risk.

 Bloat happens when the dog's stomach is filled with water, food or gas. The pressure expands and twists the stomach, contorting it into unnatural shapes that resemble the work of a cruel balloon artist.

The esophagus becomes squeezed by the distended, contorted stomach and suddenly the dog cannot belch, swallow their own saliva or vomit out any of the partly digested food. Although the stomach swelling may be visible in some breeds, in others the stomach is positioned beneath the ribs and is not easily observed except by a veterinary professional.

Once the esophagus is involved, the intestines constrict and blood flow is impeded. Toxins build up, sending the dog into shock, soon followed by death.

Bloat is caused by a variety of issues:

• Eating or drinking too quickly.
• Exercise too soon before or after eating; allow 1 hour before and after meals or noticeable water consumption before permitting you dog to chase that ball.
• Eating or drinking from raised bowls or dishes. Previously, raised dog feeders were thought to quell bloat but in fact, recent studies show that raised bowls causes more gas to collect in the body.
• Citric acid (a preservative) found in dry dog foods.
• Fat listed as one of the first four ingredients in the dog's dry food.
• Drinking too much water before or after eating.
• Extreme stress or excitement.
• Heredity (certain breeds have a history of bloat).

Below are some tips from Vet Info for preventing bloat in your dog:

• Big dogs are far more at risk than small for stomach bloat.
• Large dogs should have two or three meals per day….not just one large meal.
• Limit water intake directly before and after feeding.
• Feeding times should be quiet and food-focused; no games of fetch in between bites.
• If you think your dog may have bloat, act FAST! When bloat occurs it is essential that the dog receive emergency medical care IMMEDIATELY. Dogs afflicted with bloat can die in a short span of hours. 

Matthew Clark now does his morning jog solo. He knows that Tonka, like other big breeds, requires at least an hour to digest his food before or after exercise. These days Tonka doesn't eat and run. Instead he has breakfast with Clark and then hits the park a bit later with the dog-walker.

If your vet is not available and you think your dog may be suffering from bloat, immediately contact a 24 hour animal emergency service. In our area the Oradell Animal Hospital is open 24/7, offering emergency service any hour of the day or night.