Gas in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms and What to Do

Flatulence or gas in our pets is common and, in some ways, a situation that makes us laugh. However, did you know that they can be a sign of a more serious problem?

Stay reading this article and together with Waggys discover what flatulence is, its causes, symptoms and much more. Remember that gases are not only a discomfort for our dog but also for us. Let's get to it!

What is gas in dogs?

Gas in dogs, as in humans, refers to the accumulation of gas in the dog's digestive tract. These gases are waste products of bacterial fermentation in the intestine and are produced as a result of the normal digestion process. Most dogs release gas from time to time, which is completely normal. However, when this gas release becomes excessive or chronic, it can cause noticeable discomfort and flatulence.

Causes of flatulence in dogs

Gas in dogs, as in humans, can have several causes such as the following:

Improper diet

A diet rich in fats, proteins that are difficult to digest, or sudden changes in diet can cause flatulence in dogs.

Eat fast

Dogs that eat too quickly may swallow air while eating, which can lead to gas formation in the digestive tract.

Alimentary intolerance

Like humans, dogs can be intolerant to certain foods, such as dairy or gluten. Food intolerance can cause flatulence and other gastrointestinal problems.

Consumption of inappropriate foods

Dogs can often ingest inedible food, such as garbage, street food scraps, or small toys, which can cause digestive problems and flatulence.

Gastrointestinal disorders

Gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal parasites or infections, can cause flatulence in dogs.

Swallow air

Some dogs swallow air excessively due to anxiety, stress or excitement, which can lead to gas formation.

Systemic diseases

In less common cases, systemic diseases such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency or kidney failure may be related to flatulence in dogs.

Gas symptoms in dogs

Unlike other diseases where the symptoms are very subtle or difficult to identify, flatulence or gas causes quite obvious and even annoying symptoms. These might be:

Excessive flatulence

The most obvious sign that a dog is gassy is the release of gas from the anus. This may be audible or you may simply notice an unusual odor.

Abdominal distension

This means that the abdomen can swell or distend, causing discomfort for the dog and often abdominal pain.

Discomfort or pain

Gas in the intestine can cause abdominal discomfort or pain in dogs. They may show signs of discomfort, such as restlessness, moaning, or excessive licking of the abdomen.

Changes in behavior

Some dogs may become unusually inactive or listless when gassy. Others may be more irritable due to discomfort.

Audible bowel sounds

Excessive bowel noises or a gurgling sound in your dog's abdomen may be signs of trapped gas.

Diarrhea or constipation

Gas in the digestive tract can interfere with normal bowel function, sometimes resulting in diarrhea or constipation.

Is gas dangerous in dogs?

Generally, gases in our pets are a natural factor. However, if the symptoms are persistent, severe, or accompanied by other signs of illness, it is important to consult a veterinarian. In some cases, chronic or excessive gas can be a sign of a problem in the dog's digestive system, such as a food intolerance, intestinal infection, or gastrointestinal disease. Remember that Waggy's  will always recommend having the guidance of a health professional at all times and also advises you on their rewards with CBD for dogs , an ingredient that helps reduce stress and anxiety in dogs , so that they are calmer during their medical visits. Another of its ingredients is Omega 3 for dogs , a necessary and essential component for the development of our pet, so they are the best option to choose.

Foods that cause gas in dogs

Just like us, there are foods that are difficult for our pets to digest due to bacterial fermentation in the digestive tract. For this reason, Waggys developed for you a list of foods that can cause flatulence in your furry friend:

Legumes

Foods like beans, lentils, and chickpeas contain complex carbohydrates that can be difficult to digest and lead to gas production.

Cruciferous vegetables

Vegetables such as broccoli, kale, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are high in fiber and sugars that can cause flatulence. Know those fruits and vegetables that dogs can eat without causing these inflammations.

Dairy products

Most dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning they cannot properly digest milk and dairy products.

Fatty foods

Fatty leftover meat can be difficult to digest.

Spicy foods

Foods with strong spices or seasonings can irritate the dog's digestive system.

Human food

Giving your dog leftover human food, especially those that are not appropriate for his diet, is a mistake.

The best diet for dogs will always be one that provides all the necessary nutrients to your puppy and takes care of gas.

What to do if my dog ​​has a lot of gas?

Change the diet

Evaluate your dog's diet and consider whether he is consuming foods that could be contributing to gas. Consult your veterinarian to determine if a change in diet is necessary. Read about the barf diet

Feed your dog properly

Make sure your dog eats his food at a moderate pace rather than swallowing it quickly, as swallowing air while eating can cause gas.

Increase physical activity

Regular exercise can help keep the digestive system functioning and reduce gas buildup.

Consult a veterinarian

A veterinarian can perform a thorough examination and evaluate if there are any underlying medical conditions that are causing the gas, and provide guidance on how to address the problem.

Remedies for gas in dogs

Natural medicine

Among the best natural home remedies to prevent gas in dogs are the following:

• Fast
• Probiotics and prebiotics
• Turmeric
• Chamomile
• Activated carbon
• Natural antiparasitics and anti-inflammatories

Medications for gas in dogs

There are no specific medications to treat gas in dogs, since as we have mentioned previously, gas is a normal part of the digestion process of dogs and does not require pharmacological treatment. Additionally, using medications without the recommendation and supervision of a veterinarian can be detrimental to your pet's health. This is why before making any decision, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian.

Tips to prevent gas in dogs

The culture of prevention is important and gas or flatulence is no exception. To prevent them you can do the following:

• In the first instance, avoid the foods that cause them or provide them in low quantities.
• Offer good quality foods to facilitate digestion.
• Differentiate pets that have gas from feeding from those that suffer from pathologies that involve the formation of gases, requiring specific treatments to stop flatulence problems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, in this blog we understood that gas in dogs is a common problem and is usually a normal part of the digestion process. However, if gas becomes chronic, excessive, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is important to address the problem. Likewise, the causes can vary, from diet and feeding rate to possible gastrointestinal problems.

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