Ever wondered why do dogs fart? If you suffer from pet-induced flatulence, you’re not alone. Dogs and other animals expel gas in their intestines that is similar to a human’s. But the difference is- they have more odor than their human counterpart.

Whether these odors are loud or silent, a certain amount of gas from your pup is seamlessly fine. But sometimes your dog’s farts can be overbearing to your senses. It might not be alarming, but too much flatulence in your pup might be a sign of underlying health problems.

So why do dogs fart? Here is everything you need to know about flatulence in canines.

What Is Canine Flatulence?

Farts, also known as flatus in medical science, are intestinal gases that are released as part of the digestion process. These gases are exogenous, found outside the body, and endogenous, produced within the body. As with humans, when dogs swallow food, they also gulp down exogenous air containing oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. These gases slowly travel through their digestive tract for food digestion. Endogenous gases such as hydrogen, methane, and sometimes hydrogen sulfide form when bacteria break down food in the large intestine. When these gases escape from their bodies, they come out as farts.

Canine flatulence occurs when dogs expel the intestinal gas trapped in their colon. They need to fart to release some unwanted digested air from their body, just like us.

Why Do Dogs Fart?

There are many reasons why dogs fart. Some breeds of dogs are more disposed to flatulence than others. Especially if your pup is a speed-eater or a short-nosed brachycephalic like pugs, bulldogs, Lhasa Apsos, Boston terriers, and Shih Tzus. Brachycephalic canines – dogs having broad and short faces – swallow more air when eating or drinking. It leaves room for more air in the digestive tract, hence more farting.

Here is a breakdown of 5 reasons behind your dog’s farts.

1. Your Dog’s Diet

The main culprit of your pooting pup is their diet. Dogs fart when their food ferment in their intestines. So, the reason why your dog farts are most likely the type of food you gave to your furry best friend. If you have a dog with a sensitive tummy, then they may experience cramping, diarrhea, and other digestive problems after eating particular types of food. Some dogs are also gassy because they have allergies to grains or meats. Some treats that contain a lot of fillers and additives can also be the reason why your dog farts.

So, why your pup feels gassy vastly depends on what they eat. Here are some foods that are known to cause flatulence in dogs:

• High-fat diet
• Dairy products
• Spices
• Soybeans
• Peas and beans
• Sugary items
• High fiber diet

We recommend cutting down on the foods mentioned above for your dogs if they are passing gas too often.

2. Health Issues

In some cases, the reason your pup keeps breaking wind might be a sign of underlying health problems. These problems can lead to gastrointestinal issues, causing your puppy to release gas frequently.

Some of the health problems that might be concerning your four-legged best friend’s digestion are:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Intestinal Parasites
• Canine Colitis
• Pancreatitis
• Cancer

When these diseases cause your pup’s flatulence, there are generally other symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. They might also have a loss of weight and appetite.

If your dog has been releasing foul gas more often, you require a vet’s visit. Once they have been diagnosed and treated, they should be fine. After the treatment, you will notice a decrement in your pup’s farts.

3. Swallowing Too Much Air

Sometimes your dog can feel gassy simply because they have consumed too much air.

But how does that happen?

Eating or drinking too fast can cause ample air to flow down your pooch’s respiratory tract. This phenomenon is known as aerophagia. To avoid this condition, you can try puzzle feeders when you’re trying to feed your dog. These feeders slow down your pup’s eating and they take in less air.

4. Food Intolerance

Your dog might also be farting too much because they are intolerant to certain foods. For instance, if your pup is lactose intolerant, feeding them dairy products can cause indigestion and of course, gas.

Research also shows that some food additives are suspected of causing flatulence in dogs. For example, additivities, like carrageenan, cause inflammatory bowel diseases. It is a non-nutritive food thickener that has the potential to cause cancer, even in small amounts.

You might also be interested in Why Do Dogs Burp?

5. Stress And Anxiety

Some dogs are gassy because they are anxious or stressed about the environment that they’re in. Dogs that are suffering from separation anxiety will suffer gas if they aren’t taken out for at least two hours a day. Other dogs feel anxious if there is an unfamiliar person or thing in their territory.

Since dogs fart when they are anxious, their nervous gas is just like humans’ nervous farts -it’s odorless but it’s definitely noisy.

Why Do Dog Farts Smell So Bad? 

The fart of a dog has a smell that many people find repulsive. There are a few reasons for your dog’s stinky farts. However, one of the main causes is bacterial fermentation. It is commonly caused by foods that aren’t digested or haven’t been broken down quickly by your pup’s stomach. These foods can be high-fiber beans, soybeans, oats, and even peas.

Another reason for your dog’s foul-smelling flatulence could be sulfur gases, specifically hydrogen sulfide. A research study shows that farts are most likely related to sulfur-rich foods like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts.

Also, check out Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?

Tips For Minimizing Farts in Dogs

There are numerous things you can do to take care of your dog’s digestion. Here are a few tips you can apply to minimize or even prevent your pups from releasing flatus.

• Switch to a highly digestive food diet.
• Refrain your dog from eating table scraps. These leftovers from your food can be indigestible to dogs.
• Supplements such as prebiotics and probiotics explicitly designed for your furry friend can help regulate their gut health. But be sure to consult your vet before providing them to your dog.
• Eliminate any allergens that may be in the dog’s diet. Foods like corn, wheat, and soy can cause your dog to fart more.
• Slow down speed eaters through the use of slow dispensing food dishes.
• Avoid feeding meals in a competitive environment.
• Keep your pup active with exercise. Exercise helps in digestion and consequently helps in controlling their flatulence.

Research shows that activated charcoal prevents smelly gas in dogs. There are plenty of charcoal-made treats and supplements that you can feed your dog to reduce their stinky farts.

Is It Time to Call the Vet? When To Be Concerned

It is time to examine your dog’s health if they are passing gas frequently. This could be a hint that your dog has an underlying condition. For instance, your pup might be suffering from intestinal parasites, liver diseases, or inflammatory bowel diseases. If their farts are followed by other symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea or any other unusual behaviors, we advise you to set up a vet’s appointment immediately!

Conclusion

For the most part, dogs fart for the same reasons a human does. Their flatulence is normal. However, if the flatus is frequent, excessive, and has a foul odor, then you might want to analyze and alter their diet first. Besides, refrain your dog from eating too fast and also avoid an intolerant diet. Make sure to look out for any unusual symptoms.

Thank you for reading the article.

To explore more, check out our other articles covering everything on dog flatulence. 

Have you ever heard your dog fart? How often do they let out their gas? Do you take any measures to control their smelly gas? We would love to hear from you. Please share with our community by leaving a comment below!