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Relief for Gassy Dogs

Many a pet owner has been offended by the intestinal sounds and smells emanating from their favorite canine companion. How could your cuddly, four legged friend possibly emit such malodorous vapors? How is it possible that even a small fluffy lapdog can clear a room? But don't despair; there is hope for a gassy dog. People's responses to a pet's stench range from embarrassment if company is visiting to a backyard timeout.

Sniffinging Out the Source

It helps to take a closer look at the health issues behind the smell. Flatulence results from the accumulation of gases in the gastrointestinal tract, but not all such gas is bad. In fact, 99 percent of intestinal gases comprise non odorous forms, such as hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide. Odorous gases consisting of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and certain protein byproducts account for the other nauseating 1%. So, what is the source of these noxious intestinal gases in a dog? Most have two primary origins.

Aerophagia, or the swallowing of air, may occur when a dog gulps his food, causing that air to pass rapidly through the intestinal tract, initiating bloating and belching.

Bacterial fermentation of not readily digestible foods can occur because dogs are carnivores, meaning they generally do not digest carbohydrates as well. When a dog consumes commercial foods that contain filler carbohydrates and indigestible fibers, they begin to ferment, and anyone within range knows the result. Generally, it takes a day or two for the undigested component to be excreted in the form of flatulence.

The following foods are risky from a flatulence standpoint.

Such common flatulence is benign, although nonetheless stinky. Outbreaks may occur as a result of overindulgence in treats or other rich foods such as greasy table scraps never intended for animals. This type of flatulence is usually short lived and has an identifiable cause. But if a dog suffers from persistent flatulence, it may indicate a more chronic health problem, so consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.

Various conditions that may produce persistent flatulence include food allergies (prompting the gastrointestinal tract to react with an immune response, inflammatory bowel disease; virus related gastrointestinal infrctions, hepatic or pancreatic abnormalities; or the presence c$ intestinal parasites, such as Giardia, roundworms or hookworms.

Additional influencing factors can also come into play. Puppies, for instance, are often susceptible to intestinal maladies because they have not yet established a healthy balance of intestinal flora in their immature gastrointestinal tract. Likewise, obese pets are more likely to generate offensive odors due to their lack of exercise; activity increases the metabolizing of foods, thus reducing both the amount of time that food sits stagnant in the intestinal tract and the possibility of bacterial fermentation.

Focus on Solutions

In the case of a flatulent dog, an ounce of prevention is well warranted.

Alter feeding habits.

Dogs fed smaller, more frequent meals are less likely to experience flatulence as a result of aerophagia. In multiple dog households, feeding a food anxious member of the pack in a separate setting will reduce its rate of ingestion. Another way to slow down eating is to use an automatic feeder.

Choose high quality pet food.

Review ingredients closely.

Discount priced dog food brands often contain low quality grains and grain byproducts chock full of carbohydrates that do not promote optimal nutrition. Soybeans, for example, are high in proteins that are difficult for a dog to digest, thus leading to excessive gas. Likewise, avoid poor quality meats and meat byproducts, as well as generic meals,such as beef meal, lamb meal and chicken meal.

Pay attention to how a dog responds to a new diet, it may be sensitive to a food's main protein source, whether it is beef, chicken, lamb or another meat.

Go for a walk or run.

Casual daily walks stimulate digestion as food passes through the intestinal tract and encourages elimination of stool. It is not advisable to vigorously exercise a dog immediately before or after it eats; when a dog exercises vigorously such as playing ball or a game of tug it may swallow too much air, which can be problematic as noted.

Try nutritional supplements.