Why is My Dog So Gassy? Nutrition Facts About Doggy Gas

The occasional farting of your dog could be something you can indulge. However, if you notice your pet fart frequently, it can be an indication of a more serious issue. Even though commonly not a serious health issue, gas developed in dogs can become annoying to deal with.

Regardless of your pet is mum but fatal or babbles similar to a foghorn, you should be willing to discover the underlying facts of this condition. This will make sure that your dog is still doing fine.

What Are The Common Reasons For Gassy Dogs?

It is completely normal for the body to form gas that accrues within the GI tract. However, some dogs form a continuing excess of gas accumulation. So what causes your dog to be gassy? Here are some of the usual reasons:

1. Your Dog Has Eaten Detrimental Things

Perhaps the main reason why your dog becomes very gassy is his kind of diet. Foods that are rich in carbohydrates could be responsible. Furthermore, foods that are rich in fiber like dairy and beans must be evaded because your pet does not have the enzymes that could break them down, resulting in gas and agitation.

A meat-concentrated diet can help with digestion since it is packed with enzymes. You may also consider supplementing an organic and non-fat yogurt with effective cultures as they can also stimulate healthy digestion.

2. Your Dog Has Taken A Poor-quality Food

A lot of dogs do not easily process mass commercial foods that contain plenty of artificial ingredients and preservatives. These dog foods can develop too much agitation in the colon, which develops plenty of gas. If you are giving your pet poor-quality foods, you may like to think again and shift to a good-quality diet.

3. You Have Changed The Nutritional Diet Of Your Dog

Changing the kind of food that you give to your dog can lead to momentary excessive gas. Normally, it will take around 1 to 2 weeks for the stomach of your pet to adjust to the newly introduced diet. However, if you notice that the gas symptoms are still present even after several weeks, you may like to consider another kind of diet or return to his original diet.

4. Your Dog Is Genetically Inclined To It

Unfortunately, some breeds are more susceptible to tooting. Boxers, Pugs, and Bulldogs are classified as Brachycephalic. They display a flat face and short nose which makes them swallow excessive air while eating, hence, creating gas. Bulldogs, in particular, are likely to encounter digestive problems and do not respond well to diets that are rich in carbohydrates.

Other dog breeds that are also known to be very gassy are Labrador Retrievers, Mastiffs, and German Shepherds. There is nothing much that you can do to regulate the natural leaning of your dog to fart. You just have to offer him healthy and suitable foods and ensure that he gets enough exercise.

5. Your Dog Could Be Overweight

Dogs that do not get enough exercise and are overweight are also likely to develop too much gas. If a dog is very inactive and at the same time overweight, he can have higher chances of forming chronic agitation, regardless of the food that he eats.  Being dynamic improves flexibility in dogs, hence keeping the digestive tract healthy.

Similar to people, our digestive systems function effectively if we have the proper weight and we exercise regularly. You should help your pet attain the ideal weight and bring him out to do regular walks.

6. Your Dog May Be Eating Extremely Fast

If you notice that your dog finishes his meal quite very fast that could be a potential reason for his farting. Eating fast can result in ingesting air which can affect the volume of gas that develops in the bowel.

You can address this scenario by getting a bowl that obliges your pet to wind down when eating. Another solution is to offer your pet smaller but frequent meals throughout the day. This can help the food to pass over the bowel more regularly without digesting a huge volume at a single time.

7. Your Dog May Be Suffering From A Serious Health Issue

At times, gas can be an indication that your dog has a more complicated GI problem like Inflammatory Bowel Disease. If you find that your pet’s gas is associated with diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, or other signs, this should give you the heads up for a hidden GI problem. Certain dog breeds are more susceptible to medical problems, particularly those that concern the stomach. 

There are more serious reasons for gas in dogs and these include the volvulus syndrome and gastric dilatation. Make sure to keep in touch with your veterinarian if your pet is going through these indications to help eliminate the hidden health concerns.

Conclusion

Gas in dogs is normal. However, if you think that it is quite too much and it happens often, you should check on the diet of your dog first. See to it that your pet is given lots of exercises. Keep distance from table scraps and be attentive to any strange signs that develop beyond farting.

Most importantly, if you think that things are getting serious in your pet dog in terms of him being too gassy, you must immediately contact your veterinarian.

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Lovelia Horn

I’m a certified crazy dog mom, a physical therapist (for hoomans), writer, animal rescuer, and foster home provider. Together with my hubby Ryan, I’ve fostered and helped look for forever homes for over a hundred shelter dogs in the Southern Illinois area. I mostly work with Puppy Rescue 911, Inc., a certified animal rescue organization based out of Chester, IL (home of Popeye!)

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