Flatulence in dogs
Flatulence in dogs is a common problem. We all know that dogs don’t smell like violets. Just think about how your dog smells after swimming or walking in the rain. Not the most pleasant scent. However, unpleasant odors in dogs don’t only come from outside; sometimes an unpleasant smell can also come from within.
What are the causes of flatulence in dogs?
There are several causes that can lead to flatulence in dogs. We list them below:
· Poorly digestible food
Everyone knows that when you eat beans or onions as a human, you become gassy. Both foods are not well digested in the small intestine and then pass into the large intestine. Here, these undigested foods are processed by healthy bacteria. The same applies to dogs. Especially when cheaper dog food of lower quality is given, dogs can often suffer from flatulence. This cheaper dog food often contains ingredients of lower quality. These ingredients are not well digestible, causing partially digested food to end up in the intestines; this can disrupt the balance of the gut flora. To digest as much food as possible, extra gas is produced, causing your dog to pass gas to release this gas.
· Shortness of breath in dogs
Another reason your dog may have gas is because it is short of breath. Dogs that are short of breath tend to swallow too much air. This air then leaves the body through burping or passing gas. Dogs with short snouts, such as Pekingese, French or English Bulldogs, or Pugs, often experience this. In severe cases of shortness of breath, surgery may be necessary for the dog’s well-being.
· Eating too quickly
Dogs that eat too quickly often suffer from flatulence. This is not surprising since swallowing quickly causes a lot of air to be ingested. The excess air leaves the body through burping or passing gas. To help your dog eat more slowly, you can try placing an inverted bowl inside the food bowl so the dog has to eat around it more carefully. You can also try an anti-gulping bowl. If you have multiple dogs, make sure they eat separately. This prevents dogs from rushing their food either because they hope to get some of the other’s food or because they fear the other dog will take it from them.
· Food allergy
If your dog has flatulence along with itching, hair loss, or skin infections, a food allergy may be involved. With a food allergy, your dog may poorly tolerate certain ingredients in the food. The intestines can become quite upset, resulting in unpleasant gas. If you suspect your dog has a food allergy, be sure to visit the vet. They can perform a test to determine exactly what your dog is reacting to. Another option is to try an elimination diet.
· Illness or old age
Older dogs often experience slower digestion, which naturally leads to more gas. It’s not surprising that older dogs are more prone to flatulence. Another possibility is that your dog may have a health problem such as an intestinal infection or worm infestation. If you notice a sudden change in your dog’s stool (loose, unusual color, extra odor, blood in the stool), it’s wise to contact your vet.
Can you take measures yourself against flatulence in dogs?
Absolutely, calm and regularity are very important during meals. Therefore, it’s best to feed your dog at least 2 meals a day, at fixed times, in a quiet environment. If your dog is still very active because you just went out or played with the dog, wait to feed until your dog has calmed down. Too much stimulation, stress, or excitement reduces digestion efficiency, resulting in flatulence. Additionally, trying a different (high-quality) food may be a solution. Mix the new food with the old food first; otherwise, the transition may be too fast for your dog’s body. After about 10 days, you can fully switch your dog to the new food. Note: this depends on the type of food your dog receives; read here how to best make the transition.
