Picture this. Your family is gathered together in the living room, laughing and joking, when a sudden foul smell fills the room. You turn to your dog, and he makes the perfect puppy eyes at you. But he’s done it — he’s let out a silent but deadly fart. Like in humans, flatulence or gas in dogs is fairly normal, say experts. But when should you just shoot your dog a dirty look, and when should you rush him to the vet?
Symptoms of gas in dogs
When a dog passes gas, it does not require immediate attention unless it is accompanied by a foul odor or is happening too frequently. Dr Shahid Vaseem, chief veterinarian and director at Trustivet, Bangalore, says, “In dogs, some flatulence is normal after meals. Dogs generally pass gas 5-10 times a day, but this is odorless. When it increases in frequency to over 15 times a day and has a foul smell, it is considered abnormal.”
If not managed in the early stages, your dog may become lethargic, lose appetite, vomit or have diarrhea. This is a sign that you need to monitor your pet’s health right away and seek medical attention before their condition worsens.
Causes of gas in dogs
1. Dietary issues
Some dogs have mastered the art of staring at you while you are eating. While it might seem harmless to give in to the guilt-inducing stare, did you know that feeding table scraps to your dog is harmful to them? “Junk food like chips or spicy foods originally meant for human consumption can lead to gas in dogs,” says Dr Vaseem. He shares that certain foods, such as dairy products, soybeans, fat-rich foods and spicy items can cause excess or highly smelly flatulence. Moreover, low-quality dog food with fillers or fermentable fiber can cause flatulence. “A fiber-rich diet or even the accidental consumption of spoilt food can also contribute,” he adds. An allergy or intolerance can also lead to gas in dogs. In such cases, changing their diet can significantly reduce the issue.
2. Lifestyle
Dogs with a sedentary lifestyle are likely to develop flatulence. Certain other habits can also lead to gas in dogs. “For example, if your dog gulps down their meal rapidly, they are likely to swallow a lot of air, which can cause gas and bloating,” says Dr Vaseem. Overweight and obese dogs are also more likely to be facing gas related health issues than active ones.
3. Health issues
Once the above factors have been ruled out, if your dog continues having excess flatulence, it could point to a health condition. Certain issues, such as stomach infection, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), intestinal parasites, inflammatory bowel disease and cancer can lead to excess gas in dogs.
Which dogs are more likely to develop flatulence?
Dog breeds with punched faces or brachycephalics, like pugs, bulldogs and Shih Tzus are more prone to flatulence. This is because they are likely to swallow excess air while breathing, eating or drinking water.
“Excess gas accumulation can also occur in large breed dogs when they suddenly drink water after a strenous activity or exercise. They often pant heavily while drinking water, which can build up gas in their stomach, causing bloating or gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV),” explains Dr Vaseem. “It can cause frothy vomits and lead to eventual collapse, so one needs to monitor pets for early signs of bloating and visit the vet immediately.”
How to treat gas in dogs?
Here are some tips to reduce and treat gas in dogs:
- Avoid feeding table scraps
- Do not provide heavy meals or foods rich in fat or fiber to pets prone to developing flatulence
- Limit the intake of gas-inducing foods like beans and dairy products
- Provide multiple small meals to your dog across the day to avoid an empty stomach
- Use slow feeders to ensure that your dog cannot gulp down food
- Encourage an active lifestyle and provide ample exercise
- Avoid providing food or water to your dog immediately after exercising
- Take your dog on a short walk after eating to relieve gas
- Make sure that your dog does not get into the trash!
Can you relieve gas in dogs naturally?
It’s hard to watch your dog deal with the pain of gas and bloating. If your pooch’s flatulence does not have any medical reasons, you can help your little one relieve those (stinky) farts with some simple techniques. These include:
- Probiotics: You can include probiotics like homemade curd, kefir, banana or sweet potato in your dog’s diet. Dr Vaseem says, “They can alter your dog’s gut microflora and prevent flatulence.”
- Gentle massage: Mild rubbing on your dog’s tummy can help in relieving a build-up of gas. Using the palm of your hand, rub your dog’s tummy in circular motions. While your pooch thinks he’s enjoying a good belly rub, you’re also helping relieve his pain!
- Warm bath: Like a massage, a warm bath can help move the gas along in the intestine and provide comfort to your pooch.
- Carminatives: Dr Vaseem suggests using carminatives (flatulence-relieving drugs) like til oil in controlled portions when required.
Takeaways
- While some flatulence is normal in dogs, if they are passing foul-smelling gas frequently, it could be a result of their diet, lifestyle or other health conditions.
- Dogs should eat slowly and not gulp down foods in order to reduce flatulence. Slow feeders and smaller meals across the day can help.
- Altering the diet to reduce consumption of gas-inducing foods is beneficial. You can also provide probiotics and use home remedies to reduce gas.
- If you notice symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting in your dog, seek medical attention immediately.
