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Flatulence in Dogs
Occasional 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 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 fastDogs 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, being carnivores, 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 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.) 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!
Natural Remedies for Flatulence in DogsHerbsHerbs 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:
Just sprinkle some of these dried herbs on your dog's food regularly and both your dog and your house may become more aromatic! Digestive Enzymes Dogs that have excess gas very often have a sluggish digestive system. One reason may be due to insufficient digestive enzymes in their diets. Supplementing their foods with the enzymes may solve the gassy problem.
Supplementing your dog's diet with probiotics can replenish the GI tract with good friendly bacteria that can aid digestion and fix digestion problems such as flatulence. A good product of probiotics is: Integrative Therapeutics NF Spectra Probiotic for Dogs and Cats Other Ways to Control Flatulence in DogsExerciseLight 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. References R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000).
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