Dog trainer warns against 'deadly' act almost EVERY owner does with their pets every day

Daily Mail​

10-06-2025

A dog trainer has issued an urgent warning over a common mistake many dog owners make every day - and it could be fatal for your furry friend.
Adam Spivey, the British founder of Southend Dog Training, warned pet parents against walking their dogs immediately after feeding them, describing it as 'one of the most dangerous things you can do' as a dog owner.
In a video that has since gone viral, Spivey explained that feeding your dog and then taking them for a walk can cause a life-threatening condition known as 'bloat'.
'It's so important that if you are going to feed your dog before a walk, you give them at least 45 minutes to an hour before doing any physical activities,' he said.
The expert clarified that gentle movement is fine, but 'properly exercising them' too soon is risky.
'You need to give time for that food to go down.'
Spivey added that not only is it safer to feed your dog after a walk, it also helps with appetite and fussiness.
'They're going to be more hungry after they've burned off some energy,' he said.
'It reduces the chance of them being fussy if you feed them after exercise.'
Veterinarians back the warning, with Cronulla Veterinary Clinic describing gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) - commonly known as bloat - as a fast-moving and often fatal condition.
According to the clinic, bloat occurs when a dog's stomach becomes distended with gas, fluid or food, placing pressure on nearby organs and arteries.
In severe cases, the stomach can twist, cutting off blood flow to major organs and causing shock.
'GDV develops without warning and can progress quickly,' the clinic explains.
'It's always an emergency, as every minute without treatment increases the risk of further damage and, ultimately, death.'
Dogs with deep chests - like Great Danes, German Shepherds, Pointers, Mastiffs, Rottweilers, Boxers, and Greyhounds - are most at risk.
However, the condition has been reported in nearly all breeds, including smaller dogs like Dachshunds, Shar Peis, and Basset Hounds.
Common triggers include eating too quickly, overeating, drinking a large amount of water in one go, raised food bowls, stress, genetics, and, critically, exercising after eating.
The warning has struck a chord with dog lovers online, many of whom shared heartbreaking stories in the comment section.
'I lost the most amazing dog to bloat. It is no joke. It happens unexpectedly. It is always an emergency and most dogs don't survive it. It is terrible' one person wrote.
Another dog owner said the advice had likely saved their pet.
'I saw a post about this three years ago when I had not long had my staffy. I'm so glad I saw it. I used to feed her and take her for a walk straight after. It sparked me to learn more about being a dog parent - I realised pretty quickly there was heaps I didn't know.'
Others are already taking precautions.
'We have three German Shepherds and anytime they eat, they have to wait at least one hour before walking or playing,' one user commented.
The takeaway? Hold off on the walkies after mealtime - your dog's life may depend on it.