What Stinks? Dog Farts and Their Causes
Updated On: Monday, July 12, 2021 10:12:52 AM America/Los_Angeles
What causes dog farts? A certain amount of flatulence is to be expected from all dogs. Like humans, farts are a normal part of digestion. Most of the time, a fart is just that. But if your dog is experiencing excessive or extra smelly farts, there might be something else going on. The causes for stinky farts are many and range in severity. Below are some common causes for your dog's toots.
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A diet change: Some foods just make us gassier than others. If your pup’s new food includes ingredients like brussel sprouts, carrots, or apples, then the diet change or new ingredients could be the culprit. Table scraps can also cause smellier farts than usual.
Indigestion: Indigestion could be the result of eating too quickly or consuming foods that don’t sit well. You may even notice your dog trying to eat fresh grass during their walk to try and remedy an upset stomach. Indigestion that isn’t associated with a chronic disorder should pass quickly.
Irritable bowel syndrome: IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. Gassiness is one of the milder symptoms of IBS, and you’ll likely notice more serious symptoms like diarrhea or constipation as well.
Internal parasites: Internal parasites commonly reside in the gastrointestinal tract, which can cause gassiness amongst other symptoms.
Breed propensity: Some breeds -- especially those with short snouts like Frenchies -- are prone to flatulence because they tend to swallow more air than other breeds.
So, why are your dog’s farts so stinky? If your dog is in healthy condition, then you can likely point to their diet. A canine diet typically consists primarily of meat-based proteins. If you’ve ever let one loose after a meat-heavy BBQ, you know that eating a lot of meat can result in some atrocious farts. As you can imagine, dog food that is made mostly from meat and has some gas inducing veggies can result in very smelly gas.
While you can't get rid of stinky farts entirely, there are some adjustments you can make. If you’re certain your fur baby is experiencing gas from food ingredients and appears to be healthy otherwise, exercise and play can help encourage proper digestion. Adjusting your dog’s diet or supplementing their diet with treats that support digestive functioning are also ways to remedy smelly farts.
Keeping an eye on your dog’s stool will be helpful if you’re concerned about their flatulence. Having an indoor dog potty like DoggieLawn will help make keeping track of your dog’s bowel movements easier. After they use the pee pad, check and see if there are any irregularities like diarrhea or blood in the stool.
It can be hard to pinpoint what exactly is causing your pup’s stinky farts, but you know your dog best. Take note of any out of the ordinary gas or stinkiness and check in with your vet if you feel there’s any cause for concern.
