Dog flatulence is not only an annoying problem, but it can also be a sign that something may be wrong with your pet or its diet. Gas in canines can be caused by many different things. However, if it is accompanied by dog bloating, you need to take your pet to a veterinarian immediately.
Common Causes of Gassy Dogs
Some common causes of gassy dogs are:
- Eating too Fast – If your dog eats too fast, it often gulps air as well. This air ends up in the intestines, which comes out as gas. If this if the case, feed your dog smaller portions of food to teach it to eat slower.
- Changes in Diet – Many dogs have sensitive systems and changes to their diets can cause dog flatulence. This can also occur if you feed your pet too much human food. Try giving your dog its original food for a few days. If the gas goes away, then you know it was diet -related.
- Intestinal Parasites – Gas in dogs can also be caused by an infestation of intestinal parasites. The best way to check for worms in your dog is to have your veterinarian examine its stools. A de-worming may be needed.
- Poor Nutrition – Some dog food simply lacks proper nutrition and can cause gas in dogs. This is especially true of food that has an overabundance of fiber, which can be hard on a dog’s digestive system. Make sure you feed your pet a properly balanced dog food.
- Slow Digestive System – Another cause of dog farts is a slow digestive system. When dogs are not in proper shape, they can get constipated. This can result in excess gas. Help your dog stay in shape. Take it for regular walks and play with it when you can.
- Bacteria – If your dog likes to eat things it should not, bacteria can accumulate in its body. This can cause all sorts of problems including dog gas. This can be solved through proper training and, if necessary, adding probiotics to your dog’s food.
What is Bloat? Dog bloating is a serious condition in dogs that can even be fatal if you do not seek treatment for your pet immediately. Bloat can occur in any dog; however, it is most common in deep-breasted large breeds. Common causes of bloat include eating too fast, sudden changes in diet and excessive exercising after eating. Symptoms include stomach swelling, abdominal pain, restlessness, labored breathing and rapid heart rate.
While most cases of dog flatulence are minor problems that can be easily solved, some cases are signs of serious ailments. Bloat in dogs is the second most common cause of deaths in canines today. If your dog’s gas is accompanied by bloating, take your pet to a veterinarian right away.
