Flatulence in dogs and what you can do about it
You and your dog are enjoying your evening on the sofa and suddenly your furry friend lets out a fart? This is followed by more flatulence and you barely escape in time from the foul-smelling intestinal winds?
Just like us humans, our four-legged friends also experience occasional flatulence. These are not always a cause for concern and sometimes it's just a gas-producing food behind it. However, if the flatulence gets out of hand (or rather, out of paw), it's worth taking a closer look at the causes and possible treatments.
Symptoms: How to recognize flatulence in dogs
It's as obvious as you might guess: flatulence is mainly noticeable because your dog fills your ears with farts and creates thick air within your own four walls. Sometimes, there are also symptoms such as:
Gurgling and bubbling in the gastrointestinal tract
Pain
unpleasant odor
Lethargy and lack of motivation
watery eyes
gum inflammation (advanced)
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Causes: Where does flatulence in dogs come from?
Flatulence is caused by excessive formation of gases in the large intestine, triggered by microorganisms . The reason can be components in the food that your dog cannot properly digest and that are looking for a way out. The worse food is digested, the more of it arrives undigested and the more it is broken down by the gut bacteria in the intestine. The result of such a poor diet, in which only a small amount of food can be digested: A lot of gas, which smells very bad and promotes an overgrowth of negative bacteria in the gut.
If indigestible and unusable components are increasingly absorbed in the large intestine, more gases form, leading to flatulence in dogs.
(Chronic) intestinal inflammation
If your four-legged friend has digestive problems, it's very uncomfortable for them, as this can sometimes be accompanied by →abdominal pain and →diarrhea. In rare cases, there are serious underlying causes, such as diseased organs, so if your dog has persistent flatulence, you should visit a veterinary clinic. In cases of intestinal mucosal inflammation, quick action is needed, as other organs such as the kidneys, liver, and pancreas can also be affected. If the intestinal mucosa is damaged and unstable, vitamins and trace elements can no longer be properly absorbed into the body and transported. Dogs with chronic intestinal inflammation, which can also manifest as severe, persistent flatulence, often have a weakened immune system and various deficiencies.
Parasites
Parasites such as →roundworms, →giardia and →tapeworms can also cause rumbling in your dog's gastrointestinal tract and trigger flatulence. A veterinary examination can determine whether there is a parasite infestation in your dog.
Allergies and food intolerances
A persistent, excessive gas formation in your dog's gut is therefore a serious matter. If your four-legged friend only occasionally lets out a fart, there's no need to worry. However, if your dog suffers from flatulence more often, it's worth taking a look at the ingredient list of the dog food—is this where the problem lies? Many dogs also struggle with a →food allergy. Their body then reacts to one or more ingredients—these are often grains, beef, and chicken.
Food allergies sometimes present with nonspecific symptoms. In addition to severe itching, gastrointestinal upset may occur.
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Therapy and treatment when your dog has flatulence
The be-all and end-all: A healthy diet for dogs
Food has a major impact on the gut health of our dogs. Only when the gut receives lots of digestible nutrients, can it function healthily in the long run. Additives such as sugar and →grains are not particularly well digested by dogs and, due to their high carbohydrate content also increase the risk of →overweight in your dog. A →healthy and species-appropriate diet lays the foundation for your dog's health.
When it comes to food, it's not just about choosing a high meat content. The →quality of the ingredients is crucial: Low-quality protein sources can lead to flatulence even if the food is labeled as high in protein. High-quality protein sources such as muscle meat and organs like liver, heart, and stomach are better tolerated and more valuable for your dog's gut. Also, the fiber content should not be too high. Fruits and vegetables should definitely have a place in the diet, as our four-legged friends get important vitamins and minerals from them. A balanced menu benefits gut health .
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If you feed your dog highly gas-producing foods, reducing them can already help. Peas and beans as well as cabbage varieties cause more flatulence in dogs, just like in us, and should only be included in small amounts in the food. (Milk) sugar in dog food is also critical and should have no place in your dog's food: Our four-legged friends simply lack the enzyme to break it down, resulting in a proper tummy rumble.
If an examination reveals that a food allergy is diagnosed through an elimination diet, a →change of food 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 has flatulence, long walks with plenty of exercise and also abdominal massages can help get digestion going again.
