Unfortunately, gastrointestinal problems have a very high incidence in pets. Among the most common digestive discomforts in dogs, we find the excessive formation of gases Although the smell may be unpleasant, the real concern is in the possible causes of the flatulence canine.
Does your dog have a lot of gas? Of course, you should quickly consult the veterinarian you trust to find out the he alth status of your best friend and confirm the cause of this gastrointestinal disturbance. In this new article on our site, you will be able to learn about some home remedies for gas in dogs, yes, do not forget that the veterinarian is the only duly trained professional to prescribe a specific treatment suitable for your furry.
Why do dogs have gas?
There are several possible causes of gas in the digestive tract of dogs, but they always appear as asymptom that your body has some imbalance. For this reason, it is essential to go quickly to the veterinarian when observing that your dog has a lot of flatulence. So that you can inform yourself, we summarize below the main causes of gas in dogs.
- Diet and eating habits: Gastrointestinal problems are usually related to an unbalanced diet or poor eating habits. A gluttonous and/or fast-eating dog often ingests a large amount of air while feeding, which makes it easy for digestive problems to develop. In addition, a diet that contains an excessive intake of carbohydrates and cereals also favors the formation of gases in dogs. We must be very attentive to the composition of the feed that we offer our furry ones. Low-quality products often contain little animal protein and a lot of flour from cereals, such as corn, soybeans and rice. This is an economical way, but not very responsible, to reach the minimum percentage of protein required for a balanced food for dogs. However, these cereals cause a high fermentation in the digestive system of animals, giving rise to excessive gases. Therefore, if you choose to feed your best friend with feed, remember to always choose high-end products (Premium line).
- Allergies: allergies in dogs are very common and can interfere with their digestive process. Some foods, such as eggs, dairy, chicken and cereals, are among the main causes of food allergies in dogs. Hypersensitive responses of the immune system often cause skin reactions, stomach upset, and intestinal gas formation. In these cases it may be advisable to carry out some of the allergy tests for dogs with our veterinarian.
- Pathologies: many diseases can lead to the concentration of air and swelling in the abdominal region of dogs. In these cases we would observe that the dog has gases and does not expel them. In addition, intestinal parasites are a common cause of gas in dogs.
In order to start an effective treatment and eliminate gas in the dog, it is essential to know the causes that are causing it, what determined after performing diagnostic tests at a veterinary facility. The specialist, once the origin of the problem has been determined, will recommend one treatment or another. For this reason, if you have observed gas in your dogs and other alarming symptoms, go to the vet
What can I give my dog if he has gas?
As we have mentioned, the specific treatment for flatulence in dogs must be prescribed by a veterinarian, after theidentification of the cause of this gastrointestinal problem. The professional may consider it appropriate to include natural supplements and homemade recipes for the recovery of the dog. But what can we give a dog if he has gas?
Here are some home remedies for gas in dogs:
- Probiotics: Probiotic foods contain a set of beneficial bacteria (such as lactobacillus) that are naturally found in the intestinal flora of dogs. The presence of these microorganisms helps improve digestive metabolism and optimizes the absorption of nutrients. They also collaborate to strengthen the immune system and prevent the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria in the digestive tract. Ideally, offer natural sources of probiotics to your dog, such as kefir and yogurts without sugar or preservatives. The recommended dose is 1 tablespoon (tablespoon) for every 20kg of body weight, 2 to 4 times a week.
- Prebiotics: Prebiotics are fibers and non-digestible plant substances that serve as food for the beneficial bacteria of the intestinal flora. They contribute to balance the intestinal flora and strengthen the immune system, improving digestion and avoiding gastrointestinal problems. Prebiotics and probiotics have a complementary action in the body, but you should not offer them to your dog on the same day. You can find prebiotics as natural supplements at most he alth food stores.
- Turmeric: Not only can dogs eat turmeric, but they also benefit greatly from its controlled intake. In addition to its recognized anti-inflammatory, antiglycemic and antioxidant properties, turmeric is also an excellent ally for digestion. Its action in the body allows it to stimulate stomach activity, improve intestinal transit and prevent gas formation in dogs. Always remember to respect the maximum dose of 60 mg. per day, between 3 and 4 times a week.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon, in addition to being fragrant and delicious, offers many he alth benefits for dogs. This species is highly valued for its antiglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties. As if that were not enough, it also facilitates digestion, calms muscle spasms, and prevents the formation of stomach gases. However, we must respect the daily dose of ½ teaspoon (coffee) to avoid an overdose and excessive anticoagulant action in the body of our best friends.
- Chamomile: Chamomile is one of the most delicious and beneficial herbs for dogs. Its infusion helps calm stomach pains, relieve symptoms of stress or nervousness, and facilitates the digestive process. You can offer 2 tablespoons (soup) of chamomile infusion to your dog to prevent the formation of stomach gases.
Prevention: the best natural remedy for gas in dogs
Although gases in dogs are frequently diagnosed, they should not be understood as "something normal". A dog that releases foul-smelling gases has a gastrointestinal problem that may stem from its diet or some underlying pathology, and must receive veterinary attention to establish an effective treatment. In addition, the dog may be in pain if he experiences a lot of gas.
Therefore, preventing the formation of gases is essential to preserve the good he alth of your best friend. Here are some tips to avoid gas in dogs:
- Always choose an excellent quality feed (high range) as the basis of your best friend's diet. These balanced foods must contain high-quality dehydrated meat that is easy to digest to guarantee an excellent supply of animal protein and avoid digestive problems.
- Be very careful with the food that you incorporate into your furry's diet, and never give him leftover human food or prohibited food for dogs Some vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower, as well as most legumes, are difficult to digest and produce high fermentation in the digestive tract, favoring the formation of gases. Excess dairy products and eggs are also not recommended and can cause allergies.
- Check how your furry eats his food If he does it very quickly, it means that a huge amount of air enters his digestive tract. Feeding your dog a kong is often very effective in reducing anxiety about eating and preventing gas formation. You can also make use of anti-voracity feeders. It is also important that the size of the feed is appropriate to the size and age of the animal; if the kibble is too small, dogs can swallow it without chewing.
- Provides a positive and safe environment for your dog to feed peacefully. Stress and negative feelings are terrible for the digestive process and also affect the immune system of our dogs.
- Avoid exercising your dog just before or after the meal After walking, running and playing, your dog will be very active, so which is more likely to eat quickly and not chew. Therefore, allow between 40 and 60 minutes to feed your dog when you return from a walk, or to take it for a walk after eating. In addition, walking your dog or exercising it right after eating can facilitate the appearance of stomach torsion, a pathology that can be fatal.
- Offer appropriate preventative medicine to your dog throughout his life. Regular visits to the vet (every 6 months), a good diet, vaccinations and deworming are essential to prevent all types of disease and maintain the good he alth of your best friend.
