Why Does My Dog Fart?
Walter the Farting Dog is about a pup that farts so much, his human dad wants to rehome him (WHAT???). Like all dogs, Walter is a fine dog, except for a tiny problem: he has gas. He can’t help it; it’s just the way he is.
Our Sasha farts… a lot. While she is adorable, the smell is not endearing. We do get a laugh out of seeing her turn around and stare at her rear end, wondering what the smell is, or maybe curious as to where the sound originated from. “Did I do that?” “Yes, precious girl, you did that!”
Let’s explore the earth-shattering, perplexing reason why dogs fart AND what we can do about it.
WHY DOES MY DOG FART?
Just like in humans, the excessive formation of gas in the stomach or intestine is referred to as flatulence. Fortunately, more than 99 percent of the gases that pass from a dog’s intestinal tract are odorless (whew!).
Brachycephalic breeds like Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers fart more than other dog breeds because they breathe more by mouth than by nose.
Excessive gas in dogs can be caused by various reasons–from diet to health issues.
YOUR DOG’S DIET
What your dog eats can play a huge role in how their digestive tract functions. Here’s a list of the most common dietary culprits of bad gas in dogs:
- Foods that are difficult to digest (soybeans, beans, etc.)
- Spoiled food
- Change in diet
- High-fat foods/treats
- Milk/dairy products
- Spicy foods
- High-fiber foods (fruit/veggies)
- Low-quality dog food
- Too much red meat
- Table scraps
HEALTH ISSUES
- Swallowed air – If your pup gobbles down food, consider using a slow-feed
- Gastrointestinal Disease – Symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting. Your dog may also suffer from a loss of appetite and weight.
- Inflammatory bowel disease is a possibility, as is bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
- Neoplasia, cancer of the bowel, may also be a culprit.
- Some other diseases that may cause excessive flatulence are food sensitivities/allergies, parasites, an inflammation of the intestine caused by a virus, or a failure of the pancreas to function normally.
WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?
- Feed a mixture of dry and canned foods
- Discourage rapid eating by using a slow-feed bowl
- Avoid soy, soybeans, beans, and peas in the diet
- Avoid any treats containing milk, cheese, or other dairy products with lactose
- Avoid fresh or dried fruit treats
- Avoid canned foods containing the texturing ingredient carrageenan
- Increase activity – a sedentary lifestyle can increase the amount of gases produced as well as how long they “hang out” in the digestive tract. Activity increases gastrointestinal motility, which in turn expels gas and increases the regularity of bowel movements.
If you notice a sudden increase in dog farts, if your dog seems in pain, or they exhibit other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, or weight loss, consult with your veterinarian.