Dog Flatulence (Gas)

Dog Flatulence (Gas)
Gas is part of the problem with bloat, but if your dog has a simple flatulence problem, he is better off than a dog who cannot release the gas in his tummy. In fact, if your dog has a flatulence issue, it's more likely to bother you than it is him when a terrible smell emerges from your dog's nether regions.

Your dog's diet has a lot to do with flatulence. If your dog is getting table scraps that might be the culprit. Some human foods don't digest very well in the canine system, and can cause vapors, just like in humans. Some dogs are also lactose intolerant, resulting
in noxious fumes after consuming dairy.

Many cheaper supermarket brands of dog food are made up mostly of corn products for fillers. This gives your dog the feeling of being full, but also can contribute to a smelly gas problem, and in sensitive dogs, severe allergies. Feeding a higher quality food, with the top ingredients listed as chicken or lamb, can not only mean a more comfortable pet, but a less odiferous one as well. High quality kibble (dry chow) will also reduce the amount of waste product, meaning fewer poops, and less smelly ones too. As bad as it sounds, the contents of your dog's bowel movements can determine how healthy your pet is. A good diet results in less end product, because more of the meal is actually digested, leaving less mess later.

If upgrading your dog's diet doesn't help, it may be time to look for other solutions, and if all else fails it may be time for a check-up with the vet. There are things you can do to help make both you and your dog more comfortable:

- Eliminate soy products from your dog's diet (Many dogs have trouble digesting soy)
- Don't give your dog table scraps
- Limit his intake of doggie treats
- Make sure he gets plenty of exercise
- Some people swear by adding charcoal to their dog's diets; this should be no ordinary charcoal, however. Only buy the kind sold at pet stores, specifically for feeding to dogs.
- Adding digestive enzymes to your dog's diet may also help; look for them at your local pet store
- Yogurt - even though it is a dairy food it has different properties to milk and cheese. Yogurt has lactobacillus (bacteria). This bacterial will break down lactose to simpler sugars which your dog should be able to digest and it's a good source of calcium too.
- Acidophilus powder / tablets

Related Pages

Dog odor control : Dog Gas/Flatulence

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