What dogs fart the most?

Do Dogs Fart? Yep! Here’s What You Can Do To Reduce the Toots

Now before we start pointing fingers, let’s clear the air: everybody poofs. Humans release gas about 12–25 times a day—sometimes more depending on our diet. How often do dogs fart? About the same amount, actually. Cats do, too.

So in most instances, flatulence or flatus is a completely normal bodily function. But there might be some reasons why your pooch is particularly windy.

Why Do Dogs Fart?

Our pups float air biscuits for the same reason we do: It’s all part of their digestive process. In fact, according to Brian Evans, DVM, the medical director at Dutch, humans and dogs have similar digestive systems.

«While there are differences, both of our digestive tracts are filled with bacteria that help us digest our food,» he says. «In this process, gas is produced and moves through the digestive tract until it eventually is released to the outside world.» When we talk about gas, this includes both burps and farts, although the latter is definitely more frequent.

The Morris Animal Foundation reports that dogs have «several hundred families of bacteria in their intestinal tract, but 99 percent belong to one of five main groups: Firmicutes, Bacteroides, Fusobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria.» Collectively, these make up what’s called a gut microbiome: a community of millions of organisms that helps facilitate better digestion and overall good health.

Evans says some dog breeds also tend to be more gassy than others, including boxers, bulldogs, mastiffs, Newfoundlands, pugs, and some other brachycephalic breeds. This is because they have flat-faces and stubby snouts, which restrict nasal passages, so they often gulp in a lot of air while eating and drinking. In one end and out the other!

Why Do My Dog’s Farts Smell So Bad?

«While some gas doesn’t clear the room, others can make your eyes water. This is based on the amount of hydrogen sulfide found in the gas,» Evans says. «The higher the levels of hydrogen sulfide, the greater the distance you’ll need to move to breathe comfortably.» This chemical is the main reason why your dog’s farts smell like skunk or rotten eggs.

But it’s not as though your dog farts on purpose to gross you out. Even if they’re aware of the emission, just as they would be to other eliminations, rest assured they’re not mad at you and seeking revenge. They’re just being dogs—after all, sometimes they eat poop, don’t they?

Smelly gas could also be the result of sudden dietary changes, low-quality fillers in their food, too many table scraps, or an upset stomach caused by food allergies.

However, Evans adds that dogs with chronic stinky gas might have an underlying gastrointestinal issue that may need to be addressed. He recommends a veterinary exam to check for conditions such as:

• Cancer
• Canine colitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Intestinal parasites, such as worms
• Irritable bowel syndrome, especially as a result of stress
• Pancreatitis
• Stomach upset or infection

What To Do About Dog Farting

Interestingly, Evans’ suggestions for reducing the toots are the same many humans hear from their physicians: exercise, eat right, and enjoy food slowly.

He references research that indicates daily walks, playtime, and other forms of exercise help decrease how many times dogs fart. Why? Regular movement helps gas slip out more easily, instead of building up. So let your doggo romp at the dog park or amble around the neighborhood more frequently, and hopefully the flatulence will be less noticeable. Exercise also helps reduce obesity, another reason for excessive poots.

Also work with your vet to evaluate diet and treats. Remember, no more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily intake should be snacks. While certain human foods are safe for dogs as occasional treats, too much might still cause stomach upset, which results in additional gas. Ingredients such as milk, cheese, cauliflower, and broccoli might be culprits contributing to your pup’s poofs.

«There are studies which have also shown that certain products can help. Purina Pro Plan Fortiflora probiotic is one that reduces not only the amount of gas but also the smell,» Evans says.

Finally, slowing down meal time helps lessen the amount of air dogs take in when they snarf down their food. This quick fix is a simple as a using a slow-feeder bowl, or try a DIY method such as:

• Put a ball into their food dish—as long as they don’t dash off with it, they’ll have to eat around it.
• Flip over a muffin tin, and sprinkle kibble bits in the flat parts around the raised areas.
• Use a bone broth or dog «beer» (not real beer!) to moisten the food.

What if your dog has a great vet check, is healthy and active, eats well and with control, but still breaks wind a lot? Evans says the majority of people just live with it.

«A survey of pet owners in New Zealand found about 40 percent of dog owners noted their dogs’ flatulence,» he says. «While some owners would consider switching the diet to help reduce their pet’s gas, most were unconcerned and accepted it as a normal part of their pet.»

‘Cause as we all know, the unconditional love of a good dog is worth a sneaky toot now and then.

Gas in Dogs: Dog Farts Are Real!

As any dog owner will know, dog farts are real. Very real. They can stink, they can linger, they can be loud, and as well as making you turn your nose up (or laugh), they can also be a sign of another underlying medical cause that requires treatment.

But let’s start with the basics first.

My dog farts, is it okay??

Ask a vet for FREE!

Content:

1. Doggy Farting: What is that Gas?
2. Symptoms of Gas in Dogs
3. Causes of Dog Farts
4. Long-Term and Serious Causes
5. Gassy Dog Breeds
6. Diagnosis of Gas in Dogs
7. Online Vet
8. Treatment of Gas in Dogs
9. FAQ

Doggy Farting: What is that Gas?

According to research, a buildup or excess of air causes gas in dogs, also called flatulence. The air needs to escape somehow, so it does so via the rear end of your dog (farting) or via the mouth (burping). If the gas is not expelled, it can cause pain and discomfort as well as other medical conditions.

Symptoms of Gas in Dogs

As well as the rather obvious sign of excess gas in dogs – burping and farting, you may notice the following symptoms:

• The dog has gas pains and discomfort;
• Unusual aggression or grumpiness;
• Lingering bad smell (that you didn’t cause!);
• Bloated stomach;
• Odd or unusual digestive noises (stomach grumbles).

Causes of Dog Farts

There is a wide assortment of causes behind gas, excess gas, and trapped gas in dogs. Some of them are benign and nothing to worry about, for the most part. Others are more serious, however.

Natural Gas Production

As food is digested by the stomach, hydrogen sulfide gas is created by microorganisms, such as naturally occurring bacteria. Because of this natural digestive by-product, a certain amount of gas (burping and farting) each day is normal. (Just as with humans.)

If the gas cannot escape, it becomes trapped gas or wind, which can be quite uncomfortable and, at times, even painful. If you, as a human, have ever suffered from trapped wind, you’ll know just how unpleasant it can be, especially for a prolonged period.

Speedy-Eaters

A buildup of gas can also be caused by your dog swallowing mouthfuls of air as they drink or eat. Fast, voracious, greedy eaters tend to suffer from excess gas more than slow eaters.

Allergies and Intolerances

Allergies and dietary intolerances are common causes of gas in dogs. This cause will likely become more obvious. The more you feed your pooch a certain type of food (for example), the more they will experience gas. As soon as you stop feeding them that food, the gas will stop.

Sensitive Stomachs

Despite once being wild creatures, dogs have quite sensitive stomachs. They are sensitive to changes in the type of kind of food you give them, and they won’t always be able to handle human foods. Feeding your pampered pooch leftovers of your dinner can lead to digestive problems, which will then lead to excess or trapped gas.

You should avoid letting your dog get into human food, other pet food (such as cat food), or the trash can if you want to avoid gas in dogs and other digestive issues.

Long-Term and Serious Causes

In some cases, gas in dogs is caused by something more serious, requiring urgent or long-term medical treatment. These include:

• Irritable bowel syndrome;
• Inflammatory bowel disease;
• Canine colitis;
• Pancreatitis;
• Parasites and other bugs;
• Cancer.

Gassy Dog Breeds

There is some evidence to show that some breeds of dogs are gassier than others. It probably comes as no surprise that short-nosed breeds are farty little monsters. Because of their short and flat noses, breathing is disrupted. They tend to swallow a lot of air as they gobble up food, causing an excess that they then need to expel.

The British bulldog is one of the farting champs, but other gassy dog breeds include:

• Boxers;
• Pugs;
• Pit bulls;
• Lhasa Apsos;
• Shih Tzus;
• Beagles;
• Dobermans;
• Golden retrievers;
• Terriers, particularly Yorkshire and Boston terriers.

Diagnosis of Gas in Dogs

If you’re worried about your dog’s gas situation, you should have them checked out by a vet. Although most cases of gas in dogs are benign and nothing to be concerned about, there are times when it is a symptom of a more serious condition.

If your dog’s gas isn’t going away, smells worse than usual, makes unusual noises, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s time to make a vet appointment.

Other concerning symptoms include:

• Blood in feces;
• Toilet avoidance;
• Food and water avoidance;
• Odd or unusual behavior, such as aggression.

Your vet will perform diagnostic tests to pinpoint the cause of the gas, such as blood tests, urine and stool tests, and physical examinations. It is important to give your vet a list of all symptoms your poor pooch has displayed.

This isn’t always easy, especially if you aren’t at home throughout the day. Investing in an interactive pet camera can help, allowing you to keep an eye on your furry family and notice when something isn’t quite right.

Online Vet

Not sure if your doggo’s farts are a sign of something more serious? Why not have a chat with one of Petcube’s online vets? With 24/7 access and a team of fully qualified animal care experts, you can ask questions, have your pet checked over, and get a definitive answer before wasting your time, money, and effort on an unnecessary trip.

Treatment of Gas in Dogs

The treatment of gas in dogs will depend on the cause. If this is indigestion or a food allergy/intolerance, your vet will recommend a change in diet, to something that doesn’t affect your pet’s sensitive stomach.

In some cases, the underlying cause of gas in dogs can be quickly and easily treated, either with dietary changes, increased exercise, doggy massage (to encourage the gas out), or a course of medication. The latter will be the case for infection or parasite-based causes.

Problems such as acute gastroenteritis can go away by themselves, so plenty of fluids and rest might be on the cards.

You can buy pet feeding bowls that are designed to reduce air intake when feeding. These have raised nodules and bumps in the bottom, to slow down the rate at which your pup consumes them.

Your vet will recommend a course of treatment specific to the cause.

FAQ

What is a “normal” amount of gas in dogs?

Each dog is different, just as each human is different, so there is no “average” or “normal” when it comes down to gas. You may find that your puppy has terrible has. Other dogs don’t seem to get gas at all. You know your dog better than anyone else, so you’ll know what a normal amount of gas is for them.

Dog gas relief home remedy

You should avoid feeding your pup human foods, anything spicy or acidic, cheese-based foods, milk-based foods, and doggy treats. Taking your pooch for a walk can help to encourage excess or trapped gas to be expelled from the body, and you can also try doggy massage.

This will mean using your hands to rub your dog in specific places to try and work the gas through the digestive system quicker.

What can you give a dog for gas and bloating?

It is not recommended to give your dog any human medications designed to ease gas and bloating. Such medications have not been designed for canine consumption and the outcome might not be as you expected. Speak with a vet, either online or in person, for recommendations. They will be able to suggest gas meds for a dog.

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Silent But Deadly: Flatulence in Dogs

You and the family are sitting around, maybe watching TV, with the dog sleeping at your feet, and all is well. Then, without warning, it’s like a mustard gas attack as a terrible aroma fills the room. Everyone starts coughing and maybe clearing out, expressing their displeasure.
The dog looks up at the commotion and seems to be the only one enjoying it, oblivious that he’s the culprit.

Congratulations! Like countless other dog owners, you’ve just been a victim of the infamous silent but deadly canine flatulence. The “silent” part is a fact of anatomy. Because the usual position of a dog’s rectum is horizontal, their sphincter doesn’t have to be quite as tight as a human’s; our rectums generally point straight down, so we need extra security.
A looser opening means less resistance, so most dogs can pass gas while making little if any, sound. So, unlike a human doing the same, dogs rarely give an audible warning of the coming storm.

One French inventor, Christian Poincheval, is now selling a powder that he claims will make pet flatulence smell like flowers, inspired by his earlier creation of pills that will do the same thing for humans in the scents of ginger, chocolate, or roses. So it is possible to turn your dog into a walking air freshener, but what if you want to reduce the frequency and eliminate the odor almost entirely?

Why Does it Smell Bad When Dogs Pass Wind?

Like humans, a dog’s intestines are full of bacteria that feed on the food passing through us and release gas. Depending upon the composition of that gas, the smell can be benign or horrifying — sulfur is a particularly nasty culprit. Also, depending on other factors, a dog can be more or less inclined to sudden flatulence. Here are some of the causes.

What Causes Flatulence in Dogs?

It is normal to have some gas while food goes through the digestive process. However, excessive flatulence or very foul-smelling gas shouldn’t be happening. When a dog’s digestive system has food that is having a hard time processing, it essentially sits in the colon and ferments. Digestive issues typically stem from obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise habits, and sometimes medical conditions like a parasite. For most dogs, as with humans, it all comes down to diet and lifestyle.

Food Consumed

Like humans and the infamous beans. Some foods are likelier to make a dog flatulent than others. Things to avoid are beans, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, meat, and soybeans.

Eating low-quality food full of soy or corn fillers can also cause problems; unlike humans, dogs are not fully adapted to digest vegetable fiber.

Finally, if your dog is lactose intolerant and eats dairy products, this can increase the frequency and foulness of flatulence.

Top Ten Foods That Give Dog Gas

• Legumes and beans
• Low-quality dog food
• Dairy
• Too many fruits and vegetables
• Too much meat
• High-fat foods and treats
• Food from garbage cans
• Spicy food
• Table scraps
• Sudden change in diet

How Your Dog Eats

In dogs and humans, a significant source of intestinal gas comes from swallowed air, although this flatulence is rarely as smelly. If your dog gulps their food down too quickly, it’ll swallow a lot of air, and there are only two ways for it to come back out — either in a burp from the front end or a belch from the rear.

The Dog’s Breed

Some breeds are more inclined to flatulence than others, as any boxer owner will tell you. This tends to be an issue with dogs with brachycephalic or “pushed-in” faces, like pugs, bulldogs, Pekinese, and Boston terriers; since they breathe through their mouths, they naturally swallow a lot of air.

Other breeds that tend to be gassy include the German shepherd, mastiff, Labrador retriever, Doberman pinscher, poodle, and beagle. If you own one of these breeds, that powder to give them a pleasant scent might not be a bad idea.

Medical Conditions

If your dog is suddenly excessively gassy, it may be due to a medical condition. Possible causes include pancreatitis, liver disease, food allergy, or lactose or grain intolerance.

If your dog has diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite in combination with excess flatulence, it’s time to visit the vet.

Parasites, like intestinal worms, can also worsen the problem, so it’s a good idea to talk to your vet about possibly prescribing a broad-spectrum intestinal wormer for your dog every three months.

How to Reduce Flatulence in Dogs

If your dog is regularly gassing you out of the house, there are steps you can take to stop flatulence in your furry friend.

Better Quality Food

Feed your dog the highest quality food you can afford, high in protein and without fillers like corn, wheat, or soy. Many cheaper dog foods contain large amounts of beans and peas, which lead to gas.

In all cases, though, remember to make changes to your dog’s diet gradually. They do not adapt as quickly as humans do to new food. Also, try to limit the variety. Bouncing from chicken to beef to lamb and back constantly can contribute to your dog’s gassiness.

Tips for Choosing the Best Food for Your Dog

Your vet is a great resource for selecting high-quality foods for your furry pal, but you can also research options on your own. Look for labels that include the following:

• Little to no chemical preservatives
• The label includes words like “low residue” or “highly digestible”
• The ingredient list contains at least two animal-based proteins at the top

Stop Offering Human Food.

Also, avoid giving your dog human food, especially if it’s fatty, sugary, or high in carbs, and cut down on the dog treats — more to digest equals more to expel. How we cook our food does not usually sit well with a dog’s digestive system, and the ingredients cause smelly flatulence that is hard to live with.

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise

An active pup is crucial to having a balanced dog and can help them have a balanced digestive system and reduce flatulence in our pets. Exercise stimulates the intestines to do their job efficiently, and the more efficient digestion is, the less gas will be produced.

Take plenty of time for the walk and outdoor playtime, and don’t worry if it doesn’t work at first — it’s much better to be outside with your dog than when she lets loose with a barn burner.

Encourage Slower Eating

If your dog eats too quickly, try putting a ball in their bowl or buying a slow-feed dog dish, which has raised obstacles that will make your dog eat more slowly. An option you can use right away is a muffin tin. Put a small amount of food in each spot to add time between eating.

Weight Management

Obesity can contribute to excess smelly flatulence in any breed, so if your dog is overweight, work with your vet and design a diet and exercise program to help him lose weight and develop a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria.

Keep Trash Secure

When dogs eat spoiled food or go digging in the garbage can for a treat, they risk getting sick to the stomach, which can cause gas. Keep your kitchen trash secure, and when on walks, train your dog to obey when you give the command to “leave it.”

Natural Remedies

Yogurt with live culture can help adjust the balance of bacteria in your dog’s gut, as can canine probiotics from your vet, leading to lower production of volatile gasses.

Ginger and edible peppermint oil are known to reduce flatulence symptoms naturally. Add a few drops of peppermint oil to the water bowl or sprinkle some ginger on top of their food. Talk to your vet before incorporating any natural remedies into your dog’s diet.

Supplements Can Help

Talk to your veterinarian about supplements to help with your furry friend’s farting. Supplements paired with a healthy diet and exercise can be a beneficial way to reduce flatulence. Ask your dog’s vet for the best supplement for them.

A Breath of Fresh Air

A dog’s gas will never naturally smell like roses and rainbows, but it doesn’t have to reek like a slaughterhouse inside a burning sewage treatment plant. With a few simple steps, you should be able to reduce the volume and the aroma and take the “deadly” out of “silent.” Your nose — and your dog — will thank you.

Has your dog ever embarrassed you with her farting? Or do you have a remedy that has worked for your pup? Tell us all about it in the comments.