Dealing with a dog that’s passing gas can be quite an unpleasant ordeal. The sudden release of gaseous odors can catch you off guard and overwhelm your senses.
Typically, dog flatulence isn’t a cause for concern. Nevertheless, if your dog is excessively gassy, it might signal an underlying health issue that requires attention.
Below, we’ll delve into the causes and remedies for foul-smelling gas in dogs.
What Causes Gas in Dogs?
The origins of excessive gas in dogs can stem from various factors. Ranging from their dietary choices to potential health issues, let’s explore some of the more prevalent reasons behind increased gas in dogs.
Your Dog’s Diet
The dietary choices you make for your dog can significantly impact the functioning of their digestive system. Below are some common dietary factors that can contribute to unpleasant gas in dogs:
- Alteration in diet
- Foods that are challenging to digest, such as soybeans and beans
- Consumption of spoiled food
- High-fat meal plans
- Intake of milk products
- Ingestion of spices
- High-fiber diet
Additionally, similar to humans, the bacterial fermentation of nutrients can also lead to the occasional release of noxious gases.
Swallowed Air
It might surprise you to learn that the primary source of gas in dogs often stems from excessive air swallowing.
But how do dogs end up swallowing too much air?
One reason is their tendency to gobble food quickly, especially if they’re competing with another animal for it. This rapid consumption can lead to excess air intake.
Additionally, respiratory diseases that increase the respiratory rate could contribute to the problem. Also, feeding your dog shortly after exercise, before they’ve had a chance to regulate their breathing, may also result in swallowing air.
Breeds with short heads, known as brachycephalic breeds, are also prone to ingesting more air due to the structure of their noses.
Serious Gastrointestinal Disease
Serious gastrointestinal issues can also contribute to excessive flatulence in dogs, including acute and chronic intestinal ailments.
When gastrointestinal disease is the underlying cause, additional symptoms often accompany flatulence, such as diarrhea and vomiting. Your dog may also exhibit a diminished appetite and weight loss.
Possible culprits include inflammatory bowel disease, bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, and neoplasia, which is cancer of the bowel.
Other conditions that may lead to increased flatulence include food sensitivities/allergies, parasitic infections, viral-induced intestinal inflammation, or pancreatic dysfunction.
Is It General Gas or Time to Call the Vet?
Determining whether your dog’s flatulence requires veterinary attention is crucial. If your dog experiences smelly gas and/or belly gurgling multiple times a week, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian to explore potential causes.
Additionally, seek medical advice from your veterinarian if the gas is accompanied by:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
What to Give Dogs for Gas
To address your dog’s flatulence, the initial steps involve evaluating their diet and ruling out any underlying diseases. If the issue warrants it, there are medications available that can offer relief.
Before administering any gas-relief medications to your dog, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian. Factors such as breed, age, and weight must be taken into consideration. Some of these medications include:
- Zinc acetate
- Yucca schidigera
- Dry activated charcoal
- Bismuth subsalicylate
- Simethicone
- Veterinary-recommended probiotics
Tips for Preventing Gas in Dogs
Dealing with a dog that experiences frequent flatulence can be unpleasant for everyone involved. Nevertheless, there are several tips to help reduce your dog’s gas:
- Promote an active lifestyle for your dog.
- Offer smaller meals throughout the day instead of large ones.
- Provide meals in a calm, secluded environment free from competition.
- Ensure that your dog’s diet consists of highly digestible ingredients.
- If necessary, consider gradually changing the protein and carbohydrate sources in your dog’s diet. It’s important to consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary adjustments to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach.
Control Your Dog’s Access to Unapproved Food
Exercise caution regarding your dog’s access to unauthorized food sources. Take preventive measures such as securing covers on garbage cans and preventing your dog from wandering into neighbors’ yards or garages where garbage may be stored.
Additionally, ensure your dog isn’t engaging in coprophagia, the act of consuming feces. Dogs may mistakenly ingest items like deer pellets due to their resemblance to kibbles.