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Flatulence in DogsOccasional flatulence in dogs is normal and not serious. However, chronic flatulence accompanied by other symptoms can be an indication of some problem in the
digestive tract.
I don't know about your dog, but it seems that my dog Hana is always having excess gas at the most inappropriate time - in a car during a long drive, or when we are
having friends over for dinner!
Just like humans, dogs have gas once in a while. This is normal (although not aromatic!). Flatulence, best known as "gas" or "fart", is basically the accumulation of
gas in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Most of the gas comes from swallowed air or from air produced by bacteria during normal digestion.
Causes of Flatulence in DogsEating too fast Dogs that eat too quickly tend to swallow too much air - a condition called aerophagia. The swallowed air passes to the intestines very quickly and in a more concentrated quantity resulting in gas that comes out the other end. If your dog gulps down his food, it is probably because he is very hungry. Try feeding him more frequently during the day in smaller quantities. Diet Many dog foods, especially poor quality dog foods, supply the majority of their protein from non-meat sources, such as wheat and corn. Dogs do not have the enzymes to digest these non-meat proteins. When food is not fully digested, it provides a rich source of nourishment for bacteria in the large intestine. The undigested portion of food will ferment, producing gas. In addition, just like humans, eating certain types of veggies, such as beans, will also cause flatulence in dogs. If you suspect your dog has excess gas because of his food, try switching his diet to a high-quality natural diet that contains a higher percentage of meat-based protein. (Look for foods in which proteins from meat sources are at least 2 of the first 3 ingredients.) Age Older dogs tend to have more "gas" than younger pups. As a dog ages, his stomach and intestines start progressively losing their muscular tone, resulting in distension of the stomach or intestines with gas or air. Constipation If your dog is constipated, he is more prone to have gas. Treat the constipation with natural remedies, and the gas may go away! Allergies Dogs suffering from allergies tend to have digestive problems such as gas and diarrhea. If your dog has chronic flatulence problem, be sure to check to see if he is suffering from some kind of allergies. Other Health Problems Other health problems can also cause flatulence in dogs. For example, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), infections of the intestines with viruses, bacteria, parasites, gastrointestinal cancer, such as lymphosarcoma and others may cause flatulence.
Natural Remedies for Flatulence in DogsHerbs Herbs that are carminatives (herbs that relax stomach muscles and relieve intestinal gas) are helpful to stop flatulence in dogs. Here are some carminative herbs that you can easily and safely feed to your dog:
Other Ways to Control Flatulence in DogsExercise Light exercise after meals aids digestion and bowel movement. It can also help work out the gas while you are outside. Use an Elevated Dog Bowl One cause of flatulence is swallowed air. Dogs do not have to bend over as far if an elevated dog bowl is used, and they will swallow less air as a result. Put the Garbage Bin Lid On Yesterday's garbage may taste just as good to your dog as fresh food, but the gas resulting from garbage will be a lot smellier! If you don't want to put up with smelly gas attacks, watch what your dog eats. Don't let him eat garbage or too much table scraps.Related Topics Dog Odor Dog Colic References R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000). Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005). A.D. Shojai, New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats (Rodale Press, Inc., 1999). M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999). TOP OF Flatulence in Dogs |
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