Most pet owners would agree that a flatulent dog is rarely pleasant to be around. Unfortunately, flatulence is something which can become a significant problem for some dogs (in fact, boxers are renowned for having flatulence problems).
Cause
The most common cause of canine flatulence is swallowing large amounts of air while gulping down pet food. The next is eating highly fermentable foods, such as beans, cauliflower, cabbage, and soybeans. Flatulence also occurs with malabsorption syndromes (which occur as a consequence of underlying disorders of the small bowel or the pancreas). In these cases, the excess wind is related to incomplete digestion of carbohydrates.
Treatment
When attempting to reduce canine flatulence, the first thing an owner should do is change their dog’s food to a highly digestible, low-fibre diet, and avoid giving them any table scraps. Feeding their animal three small meals instead of one large one will also help to stop them from gulping their food and swallowing air. If this does not stop the flatulence, then an owner should consider switching to a prescription diet which has been devised by a veterinarian.
If further treatment is required, then owners can give their pets WindEze as this can help to absorb intestinal gases. WindEze is widely available over the counter in both liquid and tablet form (naturally, owners should consult with their vet before giving WindEze to their pet). Charcoal-based treats and biscuits, and supplements that contain yucca, can also help in a similar way.
