Who Dealt It?
Is your dog farting all the time? Dr. Betsy Brevitz, DVM, and author of the “Complete Healthy Dog Handbook” claims there are a handful of reasons for a gassy dog. One major reason to keep in mind is the breed of dog. Short-muzzled dogs, like Pugs or Boxers, typically swallow more air because they breathe out of their mouth rather than their nose a majority of the time. Another reason your dog may be gulping a lot of air and farting excessively is that they are eating their food too fast and inhaling large amounts of air in between bites.
The Impact of Nutrition on Your Farting Dog
While farting is a natural occurrence and not typically a warning sign of underlying disease, it is a good idea to assess their foods nutrition if the gas seems constant. “Grain-free dog food diets, in particular, which have foods like peas, soybeans and sweet potatoes, are more likely to produce gas because the bacteria in your dog’s gut causes them to ferment,” Dr. Brevitz explains in her book. High grain dog food and treats packed with a lot of dried fruits can cause indigestion and gas in your dog if given to them on a constant basis. The best thing you can do to alleviate farting (and relieve your nose!) is to experiment until you find the combo of foods that work for your pet.
“Dogs are highly individual, so things that bother one dog won’t bother another one,” Dr. Brevitz says.
Keep in mind, you know your dog better than most. If you think your farting dog has more than just a bad case of dog gas, you should take him to see your veterinarian.
Exercise the Gas Out
“Exercise helps dog gas work its way out more gradually instead of building up,” Dr. Brevitz explains in her book. If your dog is still excessively gassy even after changing their diet, try adding a few extra minutes of exercise to your dogs daily routine.
Even just a longer walk, game of fetch, or dog park visit will be enough to work some of that flatulence out.
Alleviate Gas With Supplements
Certain supplements and herbs can also help curb flatulence.
Talk to your vet to see if the following remedies would work for your stinky companion.
Probiotics
Your pup’s gastrointestinal tract is filled with bacteria, both good and bad. A probiotic can help alleviate gas bubbles and aid in digestion. Probiotics are typically prescribed when pets are taking antibiotics. But you can also give them right before a stressful situation, especially if your dog tends to have bad gas in high emotion situations. Stick with a probiotic that’s made for dogs, never use a human antibiotic. Your pet requires a unique medical cocktail, which is specially formulated for the microflora in their stomach.
Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds can help to relax the gastrointestinal tract and reduce build up. Fennel is frequently used to combat flatulence and bloating in dogs. Honest Kitchen has a special nutritional product which contains fennel and papaya, that you can mix right into your pet’s food. Give it a try today!
Ginger
Ginger is a well known cure for an upset stomach in humans. Good news, it works for dogs too!
Ginger contains an anti-inflammatory agent that can help reduce the bubbles and bloating in your dog’s intestines. You can try to sprinkle powdered ginger or grate raw ginger into their food but beware, most dogs are not fond of the sharp/spicy taste that comes with it. There are a handful of brands that provide supplement capsules filled with ginger and other helpful herbs for your pup!
