There’s no mistaking a dog fart—silent but deadly or loud and proud, they’re bound to happen. But how much is too much?
“Why does my dog keep farting?” you might ask. It turns out the digestive tract of man’s best friend can be affected by some of the same things that affect us. Read on for the causes of canine flatulence, and some ideas for reducing it. Your friends, your pet sitter (and probably your dog!) will thank you.
Genetically Predisposed Dog Farts
All dogs fart, but certain breeds are certainly more predisposed to flatulence—we’re looking at you, boxers, bulldogs, and pugs.
Why is your dog farting so much? The answer might be right in front of your nose: It’s actually their nose! Brachycephalic dogs, which is the technical term for dogs with short or flat faces, take in more air when eating and drinking. When air comes in, it must also come out…if you catch our drift.
What’s in Their Bowl?
PetGuide.com cites some foods that might cause your dog to fart, including cauliflower, cabbage, and soybeans.
If you’re feeding your dog scraps off your plate at dinner, you may be perpetuating your dog’s toots without even realizing it. Carbohydrate-heavy foods can be to blame, as well as dairy and spoiled foods.
The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals explains that, “low-quality foods with ingredients that can’t be fully digested can cause gas,” so you might want to double check that label. Brands that are high in wheat, corn and soy can cause a gnarly case of wind-breaking.
“Low-quality foods with ingredients that can’t be fully digested can cause gas.” – ASPCA
A Ravenous Appetite
If your dog tends to gobble up his dinner in no time flat, this could be contributing to your dog’s flatulence.
Try placing a tennis ball in the middle of your dog’s dish to slow him down.
To counter this, you can try placing a tennis ball in the middle of your dog’s dish to slow him down. Aerophagia, or air entering the stomach while eating or drinking, according to Hilltop Animal Hospital, is one major cause of gas. They also recommend that you:
- Avoid feeding canned food that contains carrageenan
- Avoid sudden changes of diet
- Take your dog on a stroll before eating to encourage pooping, which also rids them of gas
When You Should Be Concerned
Flatulence that’s persistent and unrelenting could be a sign of a bigger problem.
VetWest explains that ailments like inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal parasites could be to blame if you’re beginning to feel like you need a gas mask 24/7.
If your dog is having an adverse reaction to food or medication, paying a visit to the vet is a great way to figure out how to get to the stinky bottom of things and come up smelling like roses.
The information provided in this article is not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Hero image via Flickr/MythicSeabass
