While it is normal for dogs to produce and accumulate gas within the gastrointestinal tract, excessive is not a good sign. Taking control of a dog's diet will help gas subside to normal levels.
Abnormal farting can be a symptom of several serious diseases such as gastrointestinal infections, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, intestinal parasitism, or pancreatitis. Inflammatory bowel diseases or food intolerance, however, are the most common causes of rectal flatulence.
Dogs that eat too fast or swallow air are also more likely to experience flatulence. Obese, overweight or dogs with sedentary lifestyles also pose a higher risk for chronic flatulence.
However, when your furry one experiences symptoms such as gastrointestinal problems, weight loss, changes in appetite, vomiting or the production of abnormal stools, this may be an indication of something more serious. Symptoms of pain that need immediate vet attention include restlessness, unusual positions when laying down and a hunched posture.
But when pet owners are convinced that their dogs are healthy but just pass gas too much, the dog's diet may be to blame. Choosing the right diet for your dog will mean trial and error but it is best to stick with highly digestible diets with high-quality meats, according to Pet MD.
The first step is to simplify the diet by getting rid of table scraps. Many of these scraps can cause sensitive dogs to create large amounts of foul-smelling gas.
If the gas continues, it is time to change his diet as some ingredients may be caused by gas-producing bacteria in your pet's large intestine. Some indigestible carbohydrates that should be avoided include inulin, chicory, fructooligosaccharides, psyllium, pectins, plant gums, barley, oats, and pulp.
Since meat is not very digestible, meat can also cause foul smell. Poor quality meats can also contribute to the issue as by-products and generic meat should all be avoided.
Secondly, your pet's feeding schedule may be another factor to blame. It would be best to allow at least a few hours between feeding schedules to allow a complete digestion of each meal.
Finally, there are several safe and accessible herbs that offer effective relief for indigestion and flatulence such as fennel seeds, dill seeds, chamomile, catnip and peppermint. While these herbs may produce a quick fix, it is important to look deeper into the issue if the problem becomes recurrent, according to Whole Dog Journal.
Many dogs with uncomplicated cases would respond well to a change in diet and lifestyle. In some extreme cases, prescription doses and medication may be required.
