Flatulence in Dogs and What You Can Do About It
You and your dog are enjoying your evening on the sofa when suddenly your furry friend lets out a fart? This is followed by more flatulence and you barely escape in the last second from the foul-smelling intestinal winds?
Just like us humans, our four-legged friends occasionally experience flatulence. These are not always concerning, and sometimes it’s just a gas-producing food behind it. However, if the flatulence gets out of hand (or rather, out of the rear), it’s worth taking a look at the causes and possible treatments.
Symptoms: How to Recognize Flatulence in Dogs
It’s as obvious as it is suspected: Flatulence is mainly noticeable when your dog fills the room with gas and creates stuffy air in your home. Additionally, there may be symptoms such as:
- Gurgling and bubbling in the gastrointestinal tract
- Pain
- Unpleasant odor
- →Loss of appetite
- Lethargy and listlessness
- →Itching
- Watery eyes
- Gum inflammation (advanced)
Is your furry friend not feeling well and needs support in addition to veterinary treatment? With Pets Deli VET, we are here to help: The special formulations are tailored to the needs of sick furry friends and provide culinary delights!
Behandlungsbegleitend an eurer Seite: Pets Deli VET
Causes: Where Do Flatulence in Dogs Come From?
Flatulence occurs due to excessive gas production in the colon, caused by microorganisms. The reason for this can be components in the food that your dog cannot properly digest and that seek their way out. The worse the food is digested, the more undigested material remains and is broken down to a greater extent by the gut bacteria. The consequence of such poor nutrition, where only a little food can be utilized: A lot of gas that smells very bad and promotes an overgrowth of negative bacteria in the gut.
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(Chronic) Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
If your dog has digestive problems, it can be very uncomfortable for them, as it may also be accompanied by →abdominal pain and →diarrhea. In rare cases, serious causes may be behind it, such as diseased organs, so if flatulence persists, you should visit a veterinary practice. In the case of intestinal mucosal inflammation, quick action is required, as other organs such as the kidneys, liver, and pancreas can also be affected. If the mucosa of the intestine is damaged and unstable, vitamins and trace elements can no longer be properly transported into the body. Dogs with chronic intestinal inflammation, which also manifests as strong, persistent flatulence, often have a weakened immune system and various deficiency symptoms.
Parasites
Parasites such as →roundworms, →giardia and →tapeworms can also lead to rumblings in your dog's gastrointestinal tract and cause flatulence. A veterinary examination can determine whether your dog has a parasite infestation.
Allergies and Food Intolerances
A persistent, excessive gas production in your furry friend’s gut is therefore a serious matter. If your dog only occasionally lets out a little gas, it’s not a cause for concern. However, if your dog frequently experiences flatulence, it’s worth taking a look at the ingredient list of the dog food - could the problem lie here? Many dogs also struggle with a →food allergy. Their bodies react to one or more components - these are often grains, beef, and chicken.
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Sensitive pup on board? Our Pets Deli Sensitive Food is perfectly tailored for dogs with intolerances and allergies. Hypoallergenic meat types like horse, kangaroo, goat, and duck are easily digestible - ensuring a guaranteed treat for the palate in the bowl despite allergies!
Bauchgrummeln ade: Unsere unwiderstehlichen Sensitiv-Sorten
Therapy and Treatment When Your Dog Has Flatulence
The A&O: A Healthy Diet for Dogs
The food has a significant impact on the gut health of our dogs. Only when the gut receives many digestible nutrients can it function healthily in the long term. Additives like sugar and →grains are not particularly well utilized by dogs and increase the risk of →overweight in your dog due to their high carbohydrate content. A →healthy and species-appropriate diet lays the foundation for your dog’s health.
When it comes to food, it’s not just about ensuring a high meat content. The →quality of the components is crucial: Poor-quality protein sources can lead to flatulence, even when the food can be labeled as high in protein. High-quality protein sources like muscle meat and organs such as liver, heart, and stomach are better tolerated and more valuable for your dog’s gut. Additionally, the fiber content should not be too high. Fruits and vegetables should, however, have a place in the diet, as our four-legged friends obtain important vitamins and minerals from them. A balanced menu benefits gut health.
At Pets Deli, we want joy and health in the bowl - and of course, with the best possible taste! Fresh meat, healthy fruits and vegetables, rich oils, and fresh herbs make our food a meal that is characterized by high digestibility.
Unser Futter für Hunde: gesund, ehrlich, lecker.
If you are feeding your dog highly gas-producing foods, a reduction here can help. Peas and beans as well as cabbage varieties cause stronger flatulence just like they do for us and should only be present in small amounts in the food. (Milk) sugar in dog food is also critical and should have no place in your furry friend’s food: Our four-legged friends simply lack the enzyme to break it down, resulting in significant stomach rumbling.
If the investigation reveals that a food allergy is diagnosed through an elimination diet, a →diet change is important. The right food can relieve the gut and symptoms such as flatulence, diarrhea, →vomiting, itching, and abdominal pain will subside.
If your dog only occasionally experiences flatulence, long walks with plenty of movement and abdominal massages can help get the digestion back on track.
