Flatulence in dogs: causes and tips for dealing with it

Flatulence in dogs is not only unpleasant for the nose, but can also indicate more serious digestive problems. Just like us humans, dogs can suffer from excessive gas formation in the intestines, which can lead to abdominal pain and discomfort. But what causes flatulence, and how can you help your four-legged friend?

What digestive problems are common in dogs?

In addition to bloating, there are a variety of digestive problems in dogs that can cause discomfort. Typical symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting or bowel sounds indicate that the dog's gastrointestinal tract is disturbed. Many dogs also suffer from stomach upsets, which can be caused by food that is difficult to digest or food intolerances.

A certain amount of gas formation during the digestive process is perfectly normal. The intestinal flora in the large intestine does a good job of this. However, if indigestible substances get out of hand, digestion gets out of balance. The excessive formation of methane gases, sulfur compounds and other fermentation and putrefaction gases must find a way out

Possible causes of gastrointestinal problems in dogs are:

Poorly digestible food: Often the main trigger. Fatty food or incompatible proteins such as lactose or grains can lead to bloating and diarrhoea.
Breed-related predispositions: Short-headed dog breeds, such as pugs or boxers, often swallow more air, which can lead to bloating.
Lack of exercise: Too little activity slows down digestion and can lead to digestive problems.
Age: Older dogs are more prone to gastrointestinal problems because their digestive systems work more slowly.
Parasite infestation: Intestinal parasites, such as Giardia, can cause bloating, diarrhoea and vomiting. They are often ingested by eating grass
Side effects of medication: antibiotics and other medications can disrupt the intestinal flora.
Food allergies: dogs with allergies to certain ingredients, such as certain proteins or grains, can experience digestive problems such as bloating, diarrhoea or skin irritation. Hypoallergenic dog food can help.

How can I help my dog with bloating?

Flatulence in dogs is usually harmless as long as it is not accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhoea or vomiting. However, if the problem occurs frequently or over a long period of time, it may be advisable to change your dog's diet. In this case, it is crucial to feed your dog a high-quality food that is easy to digest in order to relieve the digestive system and stabilise the intestinal flora. Many dogs tolerate a high-quality, grain-free food best.

Food that is tailored to the needs of dogs with sensitive stomachs is particularly helpful. Our Intestinal Light Chicken, for example, is a special recipe that gently cares for the gastrointestinal tract and provides optimal nutrition for your furry friend.

Another important point is supporting the intestinal flora. Supplementary food such as DOG'S LOVE VITAL STOMACH can help to build and regenerate the microbiome in the gut. With natural ingredients such as yarrow, sage and pineapple powder, it supports healthy digestion. Thanks to the prebiotics FOS & MOS it contains, intestinal activity is also stimulated – ideal for dogs that regularly struggle with bloating or rumbling tummies.

For dogs that tend to have digestive problems, specially formulated herbal mixtures can also be helpful. Our SUPER DIGEST mixture contains beneficial herbs such as chamomile, peppermint and blackberry leaves, which can have a soothing effect on the gastrointestinal tract and promote digestion. These natural ingredients can be a pleasant addition to your dog's daily food.

Functional treats also play a valuable role in supporting digestion. We have developed the Smart Snacks BELLY especially to relieve bloating and stomach aches. With natural enzymes from pineapple and papaya that improve feed conversion, they can help to gently reduce bloating. The flea seed husks and flax seeds they contain also promote digestion and ensure that the intestines remain active. Prebiotic ingredients such as FOS and MOS contribute to a healthy intestinal flora.

In addition to proper nutrition, exercise also plays an important role in your dog's digestive health. Regular walks help keep the digestive tract moving. Also, make sure that your dog eats in a relaxed environment to avoid unnecessary swallowing of air – this can further reduce flatulence.

Tip: If your dog tends to wolf his food, special anti-wolf bowls or licking mats can help to slow down his eating behaviour. This aids digestion and reduces the amount of air swallowed – an easy way to prevent bloating.

What home remedies can help with gastrointestinal issues?

For minor discomfort, there are several home remedies you can try to support your dog's gastrointestinal health:

Chamomile tea: Soothes the stomach and alleviates nausea.
Morosche carrot soup: a particularly proven home remedy for diarrhoea and bloating.
Psyllium husks: aids digestion and helps prevent diarrhoea
Pumpkin: easy to digest and high in fibre, it helps to relieve tummy ache
Stomach massage: gentle massage can help to ease bloating and aid digestion

Warning: If the bloating gets worse or is accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain, apathy, fever or lack of appetite, please consult a veterinarian. A bloated abdomen accompanied by unsuccessful vomiting and the so-called ‘praying position’ (front paws on the ground, hind legs upright) indicates a life-threatening gastric torsion, which requires immediate veterinary treatment.

Conclusion: gently relieve flatulence in dogs

Flatulence is unpleasant but often harmless. With the right diet and some helpful home remedies, you can support your dog's digestion naturally. However, if the discomfort persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting, a visit to the vet is essential.
With the smart snacks BELLY from DOG'S LOVE, you have a natural support at hand that is specially tailored to the needs of dogs with gastrointestinal problems. Make your dog feel comfortable again – from the inside out.