Flatulence in dogs: identifying and treating the causes
It is not uncommon for dogs to suffer from flatulence. The possible causes for digestive problems are numerous. If the symptoms occur more frequently, it may therefore be advisable to consult a vet.
The following section explains which causes of flatulence in dogs are possible and what you can do about it.
Detecting flatulence in dogs
If a dog suffers from flatulence, it means that too many gases are formed in the intestines. Since these gases cannot escape easily, this very often leads to colicky pain. In addition, dogs with flatulence naturally have characteristic intestinal noises and an unpleasant smell when the gases escape.
Apart from this, the excessive formation of gases in the intestines and stomach sometimes leads to the dog's stomach being significantly bloated and hard. In addition, dogs with flatulence often show changes in the consistency of their faeces and increased belching.
Causes of flatulence in dogs
Bloating in dogs can have very different triggers. In many cases the causes are largely harmless. However, it can also happen that there is a serious reason for the flatulence.
If a dog suffers from flatulence, it is usually due to one of the following causes:
- Feeding mistakes
- Lack of exercise
- Health problems
Nutritional flatulence in dogs
Very often the flatulence in dogs is nutritional. This is because mistakes in feeding almost inevitably lead to digestive problems and associated discomfort.
For example, a dog may suffer from a food allergy and not tolerate certain components of its food. If this is the case, flatulence and other digestive problems are among the typical symptoms with which the allergy to the dog food becomes apparent.
Apart from this, some ingredients that are occasionally used in dog food can cause flatulence in dogs, at least in larger quantities. This is true, for example, of soya and pulses such as peas or beans.
Furthermore, cereals in dog food in particular are proving to be a major problem in terms of digestibility. After all, a high wheat content may reduce production costs. However, such food is a great challenge for the digestive system of dogs, which sooner or later usually leads to flatulence and other digestive problems.
Flatulence in dogs due to lack of exercise
Physical activities stimulate the intestines and promote digestion. If a dog suffers from flatulence, this may well be due to lack of exercise. Regular exercise is very important for healthy digestion. This, in combination with a diet that meets the dog's needs, helps to prevent digestive problems such as flatulence.
Disease-related flatulence in dogs
Unfortunately, flatulence in dogs cannot always be traced back to harmless and easily remedied causes such as the wrong food or too little exercise. Moreover, it is quite possible that they are caused by serious health problems.
For example, flatulence in dogs can be caused by worms, infectious diseases, tumours in the intestines or even functional disorders of the pancreas. Another possible cause, which in the worst case can even be life-threatening, is intestinal obstruction.
Counteract flatulence in dogs
Flatulence in dogs can always have serious causes that cannot be easily detected by a layperson. If you have regular complaints, you should therefore make an appointment with your vet.
The veterinarian can examine your dog and thus rule out possible diseases that cause flatulence or, if necessary, take appropriate measures to treat it.
If the vet's examinations are unsuccessful, you have two options for counteracting flatulence in your dog. First of all, we recommend that you switch to a more easily digestible dog food in the future. It is also important that you make sure that your dog starts to get enough exercise. Provided you observe these two points, your dog's flatulence should soon disappear in this case.
The right dog food against flatulence
If your dog suffers from nutritional flatulence, we recommend that you use our insect-based varieties. The food is cereal-free and consists exclusively of natural ingredients. In addition, the insect protein it contains is very easy to digest and has a high biological value.
Furthermore, it is a hypoallergenic protein source, which is ideal for nutritionally sensitive four-legged friends and dogs with a feed allergy.
Our dog food with insect protein from the larvae of Hermetia illucens (black soldier flies) is available both as wet food and as extruded and cold-pressed dry food. You will also find tasty insect-based dog snacks in our range, so that a complete change of food is no problem for your dog with flatulence.
In order to optimally counteract digestive problems, we recommend that you supplement your dog's diet with Bellfor Immun. This easily digestible food supplement provides your dog with valuable nutrients for a strong immune system.
Natural food supplement against flatulence in dogs
If your dog often suffers from flatulence, it may be advisable not only to rely on a more digestible food, but also to support his digestion with a suitable food supplement such as Shiimun Gastro.
Shiimun Gastro is a purely natural preparation with shiitake and other ingredients that can aid digestion. Shiimun Gastro is therefore ideal for improving the well-being of and counteracting flatulence in dogs.
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