Silent but deadly; reasons your dog is gassy

We might not like to talk about it that often, but passing gas is just a part of life. All dogs let one go every now and then but there’s a difference between a normal level of flatulence and excessive flatulence. If your pooch seems to be passing gas at a much higher frequency than normal, or the gas smells a lot worse than usual, there’s probably something underlying going on. Remember, always consult your vet if you are concerned.

Read on for reasons why your dog might be gassy:

They might not be able to tolerate lactose

It may come as a surprise, but many dogs are lactose intolerant and this is actually one of the leading causes of excessive flatulence. That occasional slice of cheese or lick of your ice cream cone can really disrupt the canine digestive process and have a bigger impact than you think. The best thing to do is use a process of elimination; if your dog is less gassy when they haven’t had dairy for a while then chances are this is the culprit. 

They might have a grain intolerance 

There’s a good reason why there are so many brands of grain-free dog food on the market. Many dogs struggle to digest a range of grains and this in itself can cause excessive flatulence. If you suspect your dog has a grain intolerance or allergy, it is worth seeing your vet before you make any big dietary changes. There’s no need to unnecessarily stop your pet from eating grains so make sure they’re properly diagnosed before grains are eliminated from their diet. Our Turkey sausage is a great option for those dogs living the grain-free life.

They might be eating too fast

If your pooch has a larger than life appetite and clears their bowl in five seconds flat, this may be the cause of their gas. Just like humans, dogs swallow air when they eat too quickly and this can cause unpleasant odours when this air eventually exits the other end. You can try giving your pooch a slow feeding bowl to ensure they’re taking their time when chowing down on their favourite dish. 

They might have eaten something rotten

As much as we love them, dogs can be a bit gross at times. They love pungent smells and may occasionally eat something they shouldn’t or something that is well past the expiration date. This can naturally cause more gas so if your pet is suddenly passing more wind than usual, it is worth considering what they may have managed to get their paws on in the last 24 hours. 

Their food may be low quality

Many dog food brands include bulking agents and chemicals in their recipes, which can wreak havoc on your dog’s digestive system. It is important to read labels when deciding on what dog food to buy and keep in mind that if something is cheap, there’s probably a very good reason for it. Here at Meatiful, quality and nutritional value are high up on our priority list; you can shop our varieties here. 

They have an underlying health condition

Unfortunately, excessive flatulence can sometimes be a sign of a more serious health condition. They may be suffering from maldigestion problems, IBS, stomach infections or even intestinal parasites. If you suspect there is something bigger going on, speak to your vet. It is always best to air on the side of caution when it comes to your fur baby!

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