How to Help Your Dog Self-Settle After Meals (and Reduce the Risk of Bloat)

For many dog owners, mealtime is a highlight of the day—but what happens after your dog eats is just as important, especially if you have a large or deep-chested breed.

Veterinary professionals across Australia caution that high activity immediately after eating may contribute to the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV)—commonly known as bloat. While bloat can have several contributing factors, helping your dog rest and self-settle after meals is a simple, positive routine that may reduce risk and improve digestion.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to encourage calm behaviour after meals, introduce a routine using gentle cues and optional chew treats, and explore how this fits into a bloat-prevention strategy supported by Australian vets.

What Is Bloat (GDV) in Dogs and Why Is It Dangerous?

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a serious and life-threatening condition in dogs where the stomach fills with gas and twists. This traps the gas and cuts off circulation, leading to shock and potential organ failure. It requires immediate emergency veterinary surgery.

Which dogs are most at risk?

According to Australian veterinary sources such as Pet Insurance Australia and Perth Veterinary Emergency, bloat is more common in:

• Deep-chested breeds (e.g. Great Danes, Dobermans, Weimaraners, Standard Poodles)
• Large and giant breed dogs
• Dogs with a family history of bloat
• Dogs that eat rapidly, gulp air, or exercise around mealtime

Veterinary-Recommended Prevention Tips

Australian vets and behaviourists recommend the following steps to reduce the risk of bloat:

• Feed two or more smaller meals per day rather than one large meal(Bunbury Vets)
• Use slow feeders or puzzle bowls to prevent gulping air
• Avoid elevated food bowls, which may increase the risk in deep-chested breeds
• Restrict access to large amounts of water before and after meals
• Avoid vigorous exercise for at least one hour before and after meals
• Encourage rest and calm behaviour following meals to support digestion and reduce risk

Teaching Your Dog to Self-Settle After Eating

A calm dog is a safer dog after meals. Here’s how to encourage self-settling with positive reinforcement and structure:

1. Create a Calm Feeding Environment

Feed your dog in a quiet space without loud distractions or family activity. Calm feeding sets the tone for what comes next.

2. Introduce a Calm Cue

After meals, use a cue like “All done,” “Rest time,” or “Settle down.” This helps your dog associate feeding with a shift to calm behaviour. Guide them to their mat or bed gently, without excitement.

3. Use a Consistent Resting Spot

Choose a familiar, comfortable space such as a mat, bed, or crate (if crate trained). Consistency builds habit.

4. Reward Calm Behaviour

If your dog lies down or stays calm, quietly reward them with soft praise or a small treat. If they get up, gently return them to the spot and try again without frustration.

5. Manage Their Space if Needed

If your dog is highly excitable, consider using a playpen or baby gate to help limit movement after meals for 20–30 minutes. This promotes relaxation and safety.

Chew Treats as a Post-Meal Routine: A Helpful Addition?

Offering a gentle chew treat as a “dessert” can be an excellent way to help some dogs settle.

Benefits:

• Chewing is naturally calming and encourages a resting posture
• It signals the end of the mealtime
• Helps occupy dogs who might otherwise become excitable

Safety Tips from Vets:

• Choose easily digestible chews (e.g. air-dried treats, fish skins, bully sticks, soft dental chews)
• Avoid rawhide or very hard bones, which may be hard to digest post-meal
• For at-risk dogs, wait 10–15 minutes after eating before offering the chew
• Always supervise chewing and ensure it’s done in a relaxed, lying-down position

What to Avoid After Meals

To help reduce the risk of bloat and support good behaviour:

• No playing fetch, zoomies, or rough play
• Avoid training sessions or excitement-inducing activities
• Keep access to water moderate and controlled
• Wait 60 minutes before any walks or activity

Building Healthy Habits with Jordan Dog Training

A simple post-meal calm routine can help reduce anxiety, support digestion, and potentially lower bloat risk. Our trainers can help guide you through developing healthy habits specific to your dog’s breed, age, and temperament.

Check out more helpful guides on our website:

• Dog Enrichment: How to Build Calm Habits
• How to Stop a Dog from Eating Too Fast
• Puppy Teething Explained

Final Thoughts

Teaching your dog to rest after eating may seem like a small thing—but it could make a big difference to their health. With consistent routines, gentle guidance, and a thoughtful approach, your dog can learn to wind down and relax after meals. It’s a great way to promote both behavioural balance and physical wellbeing—especially in dogs prone to bloat.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this blog is intended as general guidance and is based on our experience as dog trainers and behaviourists. It is not veterinary advice and should not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health, wellbeing, or mobility, we always recommend speaking with your vet to ensure the best care for your dog.