Why does my dog fart so often?

Changing food

In most cases, it is not wise to switch a dog to different dog food abruptly. A sudden change in your four-legged friend's daily diet can cause flatulence. This is because the new dog food likely contains different ingredients that are digested differently in the body compared to the old food the dog was used to. Want to switch your dog to different dog food? Make sure you do it the right way.

In this blog, you will read more about how to properly switch to different dog food.

Gulping

When dogs get so excited about the delicious food they receive (which we at Riverwood totally understand 😉), they can become too greedy and start gulping. Eating too quickly causes the dog to swallow a lot of air unintentionally. This air needs to come out again, leading to more flatulence. To prevent gulping, it is important that the dog eats in a calm environment. Dividing the food into several small portions can also help reduce gulping. Do you have multiple dogs? Then make sure to feed the dogs separately. It may be that the dogs feel rushed during eating because they are afraid the other dog will take their food or because they hope to get some extra from the other dog's bowl. Another solution is an anti-gulp bowl. With an anti-gulp bowl, a dog has to work harder to get the food out of the bowl, which makes them eat more calmly. Anti-gulp bowls are available in pet stores.

Genetic predisposition

Although all dogs sometimes pass gas, some breeds simply have a greater tendency for it. Dogs with flat faces (such as Boxers, Bulldogs, Pugs, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels) swallow more air while eating than other dogs. This can cause them to pass more gas. Since this is genetically determined, it is harder to address. At least try to ensure that a flat-faced dog eats calmly and use the tips we mentioned above.

Illness or old age

When a dog regularly passes gas, it can also mean that there is something wrong with its health. Think, for example, of an (intestinal) infection or a worm infestation. Older dogs may experience digestive problems more quickly, which can also cause them to pass more gas.

A good way to monitor a dog's digestion is by carefully checking its stool. We know; this is not the most pleasant task, but a dog's stool says a lot about its health. The stool of a healthy dog is firm and easy to pick up. No matter how you look at it; dog poop never smells fresh, but if you notice a sudden change in, for example, texture, color, or smell, it could mean something is wrong.

If you suspect that your dog's excessive flatulence is related to an illness or notice a sudden change, always consult a veterinarian.

How can I prevent my dog from passing gas so often?

A dog's overall health is related to good intestinal function. Sufficient exercise is an essential part of this and also promotes good digestion. So, go on an adventure with your loyal four-legged friend!

As you have read in this blog, it is normal for a dog to pass gas occasionally, but with the tips above, you can certainly reduce excessive flatulence. Make sure to provide your dog with high-quality food (and avoid giving table scraps), rule out any food allergies or intolerances that can cause flatulence in dogs, be careful when changing food, try to prevent or limit gulping food, and have your dog checked by a veterinarian if you suspect the flatulence is caused by any illnesses. Bottom line: a happy dog and definitely a happy owner! 😉

Many dogs already enjoy Riverwood every day. Do you want to switch to Riverwood and let your dog also enjoy our delicious foods? Answer here then answer a few questions, find out which variant suits your dog best, and order a discounted trial pack right away!