How to reduce dog farts. Ah, the age-old joke…blame it on the dog. But if your dog has ongoing trouble in the gastrointestinal department, you will want to take action. Flatulence in dogs is a common complaint, but ongoing flatulence can signal a greater problem. Tummy troubles can come from something as simple as overeating or from more serious conditions like bloat or ingestion of a toxic substance.
The team at Union Lake Veterinary Hospital is here to help with this embarrassing problem of dog farts. Here are recommendations to reduce dog flatulence for a happier dog and better smelling home.
4 Effective Ways to Reduce Dog Farts
If your dog has a talent for clearing the room, or passing gas as soon as you are on the highway with them, we feel your pain! Canine flatulence is a thing of memes and jokes, which is why it is so easy to blame the dog when a stench arises.
But dog farts can be more than a stinky problem if they are accompanied by gastrointestinal illness or other health issue. The first order of business is to have your pet examined. A stinky dog may be an ill one, so speak to your veterinarian to get a better idea of your dog’s health and the reason behind the gassiness.
Here are 4 other ways you may be able to reduce flatulence in dogs:
1. Consider their diet. A change in diet, a food allergy or intolerance and feeding your dog poor quality food can all lead to gassiness. Consider what your dog has been eating. Have you changed their diet recently? You may need to opt for a different type of food or higher quality food. Switch to a few brands with different ingredients and notice any changes in your dog’s digestion as you slowly rotate these.
Look for whole ingredients with fewer additives and preservatives. Some brands are developed to be more easily digestible than others. Or try eliminating chicken and turkey (a common dog allergy) for a while to see if that helps. If you would like suggestions, please call us.
2. Reduce the amount you feed your dog. Stomachache, gas, and diarrhea are often signs of overeating. If you’re giving your dog too much food or more than their recommended portion size, try reducing their food intake. Too much food can leave undigested food in the intestinal tract and result in flatulence.
3. Slow down mealtime. Gassiness in dogs is often a result of how fast they eat. If your pet scarfs down their chow, they may also be taking in more air. This results in indigestion, stomach upset, and dog farts. There are many great dog bowl options available that are designed to slow down mealtime, such as the Outward Hound Fun Feeder and the QT Dog Brake-Fast. The bowl has varied rings and pillars inside, so that your dog has to take their time eating around these obstacles.
Another idea is to use a treat dispensing puzzle that works much the same way. Instead of treats, put your pet’s normal kibble inside and let them figure out the puzzle, thereby slowing down their tendency to gobble.
4. Avoid giving them your food. If your pet is gassy, consider whether you or someone in the family is slipping them people food. Although dogs love to eat our food, it could be causing them gastrointestinal issues. It may also increase the risk of pancreatitis, a serious inflammation of the pancreas.
Instead, give your pet a small, healthy snack on occasion, such as a baby carrot or steamed green beans. You can also just stick to their own treats, but make sure you limit how much you give them. Verbal praise, affection, and an activity they love are great rewards that don’t add more calories.
Exercise Can Help Reduce Dog Farts
Don’t forget to keep your pet active. Lack of exercise increases your pet’s gassiness, along with other health problems down the road. Maintain their best health through wellness examinations, exercise, and the right nutrition for their lifestyle, life stage, and size.
If you would like more suggestions on reducing dog farts, or are concerned about your pet’s health, please do not hesitate to speak to your veterinarian or contact us. We may not be able to give you a flatulence-free Fido, but we can definitely ensure their good health. We look forward to hearing from you.