You’ve probably heard about a dog that can clear a room with his particular pong – in fact you might even own one! But what causes canine flatulence, and is it ever cause for alarm? Petplan vet Brian Faulkner has the answers on this embarrassing, and smelly, issue.
Q: Why do dogs fart?
A: Just as in humans, canine flatulence is caused by a build-up of gas in the intestinal tract and colon – and the occasional fart is perfectly normal. Gas can form in your dog’s digestive system for a number of reasons: he might simply eat too fast and swallow air, or he could be eating the wrong kinds of food. Bread, beans, lactose found in milk, and certain thickeners found in pet food (often made from soya) can all cause dogs to pass wind.
Q: What if a dog seems to fart especially often?
A: Excessive flatulence is usually linked to your dog’s diet. It isn’t necessarily caused by a problem with the quality of the ingredients he’s eating (although eating low-quality or rotten food could make it worse), but is most likely due to a food intolerance.
This happens when your dog’s body simply can’t cope with a certain ingredient, and so his intestinal tract can’t absorb and ‘package’ it quite as well as it should – creating large amounts of gas in the process. If this is the case, you’ll probably also notice that your dog has slightly sloppier poo. Speak to your vet as soon as possible if you suspect that your dog has a food intolerance. Often vets will recommend pinpointing the cause by a process of elimination, and you might have to remove, and then slowly reintroduce, some ingredients from your pet’s diet. There are also specially formulated foods that can help, and your vet will be able to advise on the benefits of these.
Q: Can excessive flatulence cause pain or discomfort?
A: If your dog has a lot of wind to pass he might feel a colicky sensation – including stomach cramps and discomfort. But as owners, it can be difficult to know for sure, and discomfort might show up in behavioural issues instead. For example, your dog might have a sudden tendency to eat strange things or to chew excessively on objects. Keep an eye on him for any unusual behaviours and, if his actions seem out of the ordinary and he also has some extra gassiness, contact your vet straight away.
Q: Could it point to anything more serious?
A: In most cases excessive wind is a sign of a dietary issue, but it can occasionally be a symptom of something more serious. If your dog is especially prone to flatulence, and food intolerances have been ruled out, there could be issues with his digestive system – such as an underlying gastrointestinal condition or an inflammatory bowel disease.
For this reason, it’s always worth consulting your vet if you’re worried. Be sure to report any other unusual behaviours or symptoms you’ve noticed, even if they don’t seem relevant. This really helps us to get a bigger picture and see how flatulence might be part of a larger medical issue. Petplans Dog insurance can help you with this.
Q: Do you have any tips for easing everyday flatulence?
A: Each dog is different, so you’ll need to determine what works best for your pet through trial and error. If eating too quickly is at the root of his gassiness there are some ways you can slow him down to prevent him from swallowing air. One is to place a small bowl upside down, inside a larger food bowl, and arrange the food around it. The narrower space will ensure your dog has to slow down and take smaller bites. Or, if time isn’t an issue, try feeding small meals throughout the day, so that large amounts can’t be consumed all at once.
If diet is to blame, I’d suggest using a commercial diet that’s based on ‘light and white’ ingredients. For example, lighter forms of protein such as chicken and white carbohydrates like rice. Dogs tend to find these ingredients easier to tolerate than red meat and wheat- and corn-based foods. And cut down on the treats! They can easily upset your dog’s dietary balance.
Q: Could hypoallergenic foods or supplements help?
A: Don’t automatically assume that a food labelled ‘hypoallergenic’ will work for all pets – your dog could still be intolerant to some of the ingredients. I also wouldn’t recommend buying dietary supplements. It’s far better to ask your vet for a thorough check-up to find, and then treat, the cause of the problem.
FAQs
If your dog is eating food they can't digest like dairy, soybeans, peas, or foods high in fat, they can experience chronic flatulence. Dog farts are typically not concerning, but if your dog's gas becomes unbearable it may be time to make a change.
What home remedy can I give my dog for gas? ›
Ginger is a common remedy that humans use for stomach-related issues such as gas, and it can work very well for your pup, too. You can use powdered or raw ginger at a rate of 10-25 mg per pound of body weight.
What can you give a dog for bad gas? ›
What Can I Give My Dog for Stinky Gas? Once your veterinarian rules out a medical or dietary cause of your pup's excess gas, they may recommend a medication like simethicone or an antacid to help reduce your dog's farts, says Dr. Ochoa. Supplementing your dog's diet with probiotic powders may also help reduce farting.
What food helps dogs with gas? ›
Flaxseed
Flaxseed contains a variety of health benefits for dogs, such as promoting heart health. When taken in moderate amounts and incorporated into dog food, this can help relieve gas and promote regular digestion.
Why does my dog fart so? ›
It's normal for dogs to fart, but if it's happening very regularly it might be the sign of an issue. Common causes include eating too fast or eating a poor-quality diet. Feeding food that's easier to digest can mean fewer farts and healthier poos, too.
What is the best gas treatment for dogs? ›
Medical therapy may include carminatives (medications to relieve flatulence) such as zinc acetate, Yucca schidigera, or probiotics. Small, frequent feedings are encouraged for dogs that eat rapidly or are hyperexcitable. Your veterinarian will outline a treatment plan specifically designed for your pet.
Does rice help dogs with gas? ›
Foods that use rice as the carbohydrate source may generate less flatulence than foods that rely on wheat or corn. Changing your dog's dietary protein source may also help. Dry matter protein content should not exceed 30%, and soy protein should be avoided by dogs with offensive flatus.
What is the best medicine for gas in dogs? ›
Give your dog a canine probiotic.
The vet may recommend giving your dog a canine probiotic or may recommend a dog food that contains beet pulp which contains probiotics. Probiotics can balance the bacteria in your dog's digestive tract which may reduce the gas.
Does pumpkin help with dog gas? ›
Many people use pumpkin to help their dogs when they have diarrhea, and it also can help with gas. Pumpkin contains many helpful vitamins and minerals and can help remove excess water from your dog's digestive tract.
How can I make my dog fart less? ›
How to Prevent Dog Farting
- Encourage an active lifestyle.
- Feed smaller meals more frequently.
- Feed meals in a quiet, isolated, noncompetitive environment.
- Make certain your dog's diet is highly digestible—consider a GI-friendly dog food.
- Limit treats to those specifically made for dogs and that are low in fiber.
Chronic gas can occur if your dog often eats food they can't digest very well, like a highly processed kibble, or foods that include high quantities of dairy, soybeans, peas, or foods that are high in fat.
Are eggs good for dogs with gas? ›
In fact, eggs may even be able to help settle your dog's upset stomach and can also be an important source of protein in some commercial dog foods. As with any treat, it's important to use moderation when feeding home-cooked eggs to your dog.
Should I be worried if my dog has bad gas? ›
If your dog has bad gas and is vomiting, it could mean that they have an infection, a food allergy, gastritis (an inflamed stomach), or even pancreatitis. If your dog is acting unwell or isn't eating or drinking, you should seek veterinary advice.
How many times a day should dogs fart? ›
Is It Normal For A Dog To Fart A Lot? Dogs typically break wind about 5 to 20 times per day. Most are silent and odorless, so you may not even notice them. Your dog's diet, gut health, breed, age, and lifestyle will affect what a normal amount of gas is for them.
What human medicine can dogs take for gas? ›
Carminatives are medicines that help to reduce flatulence. This would include the human medicines simethicone (Gas-X), Alpha-galactosidase (Beano), and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol).
What can I give my dog for bloating and gas? ›
There are no home remedies for bloat in dogs. Dogs with simple bloat are usually hospitalized to receive of intravenous (IV) fluids and medication for pain or nausea as needed. They're also walked often to stimulate movement of the gastrointestinal tract to help move the gas and food quickly through the body.
Can I give my dog baking soda for gas? ›
Small amounts of baking soda are considered harmless to use around dogs, but feeding it to them is not recommended. Baking soda can be toxic to dogs if large quantities are ingested. 1 It's important to understand how to use it properly and keep your dog safe.
Can I give my dog Pepto Bismol for gas? ›
Pepto Bismol is safe for dogs when used for a specific medical issue under a vet's direction, but not for long-term use due to its side effects. Pepto Bismol can reduce symptoms like nausea, heartburn, and an uncomfortable stomach in dogs. The recommended dosage is 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight.
