Is your dog eating in comfort?

It’s not just what’s in your dog’s bowl that will affect their health, their eating position will also have an impact. Feeding height may not be something you’ve ever considered – you put your dog’s food and water bowls down on the floor because that’s just what you do. However there are short and long term benefits to raising bowls up from the floor.

As the dog eats they will reach down and forward to reach the food and stay in that position for as long as it takes them to eat their whole meal. Whilst standing with their head lowered the dog will transfer more weight to the front legs. Raising the height of the bowl will reduce that weight transfer and decrease stress on the neck, back and front legs.

What sort of dog will benefit?

All dogs could benefit but it’s particularly beneficial for any dog that needs to protect their neck, spine, back muscles, joints and muscles of their forelegs or is at risk of bloat.

• Large or giant breeds

• Forelimb joint conditions

• Foreleg injuries or lameness

• Arthritic changes

• Spinal condition or injury

• Elderly (due to the likelihood of there being the above issues and less flexibility)

Rather than waiting for the dog to be uncomfortable to make a change it is an easy preventative change to avoid exacerbating underlying conditions or contributing to future issues. My own dogs are greyhounds and they don’t have any known conditions however they eat from raised bowls.

What are the benefits?

Raising feeding height will reduce stress on the dog’s forelegs, neck and back. Relieving pain from an existing condition or avoiding exacerbating conditions which may arise in the future.

Reduce the amount of weight loaded onto the forelegs - Dogs are weighted 60% in front so already carry more of their body weight through their forelegs. When they reach downwards this increases the amount of weight being transferred through the forelegs even more. In a small, healthy dog this might not be much difference however in a large or giant dog the weight involved will be more significant. For a dog with arthritic changes in their forelegs, soft tissue injuries or conditions such as elbow dysplasia, this change in position and weight bearing can be painful.

Reduce the amount of stretch required along the neck and spine - The position of reaching down will require a stretch through the neck and spine so any dogs who have either spinal conditions or soft tissue injuries or restrictions will find it uncomfortable or painful. To feel this for yourself drop your chin down to your chest and out in front of you to feel how that stretch goes all down your spine. Whether that is comfortable, tight or painful will depend on whether you have any injuries or conditions affecting your neck and back.

Reduce risk of bloat - There aren’t just benefits to the musculoskeletal system, changing the position of the head and neck as the dog eats may help to prevent bloat. This is a life threating condition which is common in large and deep chested breeds but can occur in any dog so it’s vital to be alert to any factors which can help to prevent it.

But isn’t it a natural position for the dog to reach down to the floor?

Yes it is and all dogs should be able to do this. The difference is that when a dog is reaching down to sniff or pick something up from the floor they may not hold the position for long, walking forward or moving on to something else.

If the position causes them discomfort the dog may not reach quite all the way down to the floor to sniff. Like us touching our toes, that last few centimetres can be where we really feel the stretch, the rest of the way is pain free. So we stop short to avoid that discomfort. Obviously this isn’t an option when you need to reach to eat or drink.

When a dog has a chew or treat to eat if it’s more than a quick eat they will usually lie down to enjoy it. This allows them to align the spine in a comfortable position and removes the stretch and load on bent front legs. They can’t easily do this when eating from a bowl due to it being where their paws need to be.

How high?

It’s not a case that the higher the better. Too high will be just as uncomfortable as too low. As a guide, about chest height is ideal or level with where the top of the legs meet the body. Look for the neck to be about level or a little lowered. This position will help them to eat without stretching and to distribute their weight naturally as they usually do when standing.

What to use?

There are lots of options for feeding stands from wooden boxes to metal stands.

Or you could just use a chair if you have a large dog. Whatever suits your style and budget is perfect. What is important is that it’s the right height and the bowl doesn’t slip around, other than that imagination is your limit!

To know what the right height is and avoid expensive trial and error have a look around your home for things you already have that could create a raised platform to try out. You don’t have to put in a full meal, just drop a few treats in a bowl and look at your dog’s position as they eat. Maybe a book or two or a storage box will give you a good height to try. Your dog will be happy to experiment with you.

Feeding your dog from a raised platform or stand is an easy and effective way to help your dog avoid discomfort and pain, and it is particularly important for older dogs or those with musculoskeletal issues.

Watch your dog next time they are out walking and around the house - Are they reaching all the way down to the floor or do they regularly stop short? This can tell you if they are starting to feel uncomfortable about stretching their neck and back fully or putting increased weight onto their forelegs.

If you see any signs that you dog is uncomfortable it’s important to not only check the feeding bowl height but, as with any health concern, to contact your vet and your local Canine Massage Guild therapist. Clinical canine massage is an important part of a dog’s health care to improve and maintain the flexibility and elasticity of the musculoskeletal system, which is particularly important in older dogs, sport and working dogs, and as part of chronic pain management for dogs with orthopaedic conditions.

Author - Sam Courtnell Owner of Thinking and Feeling Canine Massage