I'm not making this up, dogs have gas!
A little flatulence from time to time is not a cause for concern, but finding the causes of this unpleasant symptom can be interesting, both for your dog and for you!
Symptoms
A build-up of gas in the intestine causes an escape that you know well; you got it right, flatulence. As the volume of gas increases in the intestine and stomach, they become more swollen and hard to the touch.
Flatulence is sometimes accompanied by burping and stool changes.
Sometimes you can hear bubbles in your dog's belly, in addition to smelly gas. When this becomes painful for your dog, it will be increasingly difficult to palpate his belly, and he will prefer the curled-up position for comfort. If you notice this in your dog, coupled with a loss of appetite, your dog may be experiencing a dangerous build-up of gas in the gastrointestinal tract.
Causes
Although this is a natural organic response for a mammal, there are some cases that should be taken seriously.
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Pathologies of the digestive system
A problem with the pancreas or intestinal diseases (tumors, worms, infections, obstructions) can cause flatulence. Some viruses like Giardia cause symptoms similar to gastroenteritis.
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Too little activity
Exercise stimulates digestion and improves your dog's overall condition. If your dog doesn't get enough exercise during the day, you run the risk of some unpleasantness!
Obese dogs will fart more than others, so watch their figure!
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A poor diet
And yes, just like us! Most digestive problems are caused by a low quality diet, with few essential nutrients. Certain food allergies can also cause flatulence, such as a sensitivity to grains or legumes. These are poorly digested and cause bloating.
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Gluttony
By eating too quickly, your dog will swallow air (aerophagia), which will turn into flatulence. Don't hesitate to get an anti-bloat bowl to reduce the speed of ingestion and give your dog back the pleasure of a good meal. Eating from an elevated bowl can also help reduce air intake while eating.
Treatments
If the frequency and smell of flatulence is unbearable, do not hesitate to consult a specialist to make sure that your dog does not suffer from a pathology that would require treatment. In less serious cases, a course of pre and probiotics will be prescribed.
If your dog suffers from episodic gas, check the food contained in his diet and make sure that he is getting a good supply of quality proteins. Of course, also make sure your dog is active enough to expend his energy and improve his digestion. Don't forget, a deworming every 3 months for an adult dog, and regular anti-parasite treatments!
See you next time on The Pets Ark!
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