Unlike humans, dogs feel little to no inherent shame about passing wind. Maybe that’s what makes it so easy to blame our own flatulence on them. The truth is, most of us can still tell the difference, even if we pretend not to notice.
While the occasional toot is to be expected, there are times it can indicate a more serious problem. The more frequent the gas or pungent the odor, the more likely there’s a larger issue at play. Once you rule out a medical issue, here’s what you can do to keep dog farts at a minimum.
When Pup Farts Are a Problem
Certain chronic diseases like irritable bowl syndrome (IBS) and intestinal parasites are both known to cause frequent bouts of gas. Left untreated they can be seriously uncomfortable and lead to nutrient deficiencies over time. More often, problematic excessive gas is caused by food allergies, adverse reactions to certain medications or even food-borne illnesses like salmonella.
If odors are constant, rotten smelling and hang in the air for long periods of time, make an appointment with your vet to make sure all’s well.
Food and Farts
The most common reason dogs experience eye-watering gas is due to the food they eat. There’s an inverse reaction between low-quality kibble and high-volume farts. Feeding your pup high-quality dog food and treats that are free of extraneous ingredients like wheat, corn and soy is a fantastic place to start. Check the labels to make sure that anything claiming to be a high quality dog food has no additives, preservatives or artificial coloring/flavoring.
Also, be aware that any changes you make to your dog’s diet should happen gradually. Take at least seven days to integrate old and new food, slowly increasing the ratio to avoid digestive upset.
You’ll also want to cut out all human food, especially anything with excessive fat, carbs or dairy.
Other Ways to Stop Smelly Dog Farts
What goes in must come out. This is especially true of the air your dog swallows when eating and drinking. Dogs like pugs and boxers may be especially gassy since the shapes of their short snouts make it so much easier to accidentally gobble up air.
Genetic makeup aside, there are ways pet owners can reduce frequent, room-clearing stink bombs.
- Make sure your dog is getting regular exercise. A simple, free way to reduce gas is to take your dog for daily walks. Continued exercise helps their digestive systems work better and keeps your pooch more regular.
- Supplement their diet with probiotics. These digestion aids increase good bacteria in the gut, creating a balanced ecosystem.
- Cut back on treats. The higher quality the dog treat, the more Spot can safely consume without getting backed up. Though generally, less is more.
Whichever combination of tactics you use, keep in mind that dog farts are about more than just fumes. Monitoring and correcting an overactive digestive system is also a key way to prioritize your pet’s health and show how much you care.
