Why does my dog fart so much and stink?The causes of dog farts vary but they are generally the same as in people. After a meal, bacteria in the intestinal tract break down the food into nutrients that the body can use. During this process, stinky hydrogen sulfide gas releases as a by-product of digestion for certain foods in the colon.
A number of intestinal parasites and worms can cause gas. Roundworms, which live in your dog intestines, can be the cause of gas, bloating and diarrhea. Hookworms can also cause gas, as well as increased appetite and loose stools. If your dog hasnt been dewormed for a while, ask your vet what to do first. He might need several doses of deworming medication in order to get rid of different worms. At any rate, a vet visit will allow your vet to give a thorough exam that might turn up medical causes for flatulence.
Dogs cant digest carbs well, so feeding a dog food high in carbohydrates can lead to gas. The most common culprit is corn, although wheat and rice can also cause tummy trouble. High-quality pet food should contain little to no filler such as corn. Read the ingredients list to find a dog food that lists a non-byproduct protein — chicken, duck or salmon, for example — as the first ingredient. If you plan on switching to a different dog food, gradually switch over by mixing old with new over the course of about 10 days. Sudden dietary changes can cause digestive upset.
Doggies gas leaves you gasping for breath, and its not likely a lot of fun for him either. Intestinal gas, itself not dangerous, can be uncomfortable. It can make Doggie feel bloated and might affect his eating habits and behavior. If gas is a recent phenomenon, a vet visit is in order. Rule out sickness before you work through behavioral options.
Tammy Dray has been writing since 1996. She specializes in health, wellness and travel topics and has credits in various publications including Womans Day, Marie Claire, Adirondack Life and Self. She is also a seasoned independent traveler and a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. Dray is pursuing a criminal justice degree at Penn Foster College.
A number of people foods can wreak havoc in Doggies tummy and cause gas. Dairy foods can cause digestive upset in many dogs, and so can spicy foods or foods high in fiber, such as beans. Foods that are very high in fats — such as french fries, potato chips and chicken skin — can also cause cause gas and stomach upset.
Dietary Issues
Because digestion plays such a big role in flatulence formation, your dogs food can be an important factor. If your dog has food allergies or a food intolerance, they could become more gassy after they eat the offending food. New food or table scraps that our dogs arent accustomed to are also more likely to cause our dogs to fart, as are low-quality dog foods.