Flatulence in dogs: Dog farting and what to do about it

Why do my dog’s farts smell so bad?

Dog farts can range from slightly whiffy to seriously stinky. If your dog’s wind becomes noticeably worse, it may be a sign that something isn’t quite right. Below are some common causes of flatulence in dogs.

A change in diet  

While you might be upset at the smell of your dogs’ farts, it could be coming from an upset tummy. Sudden changes in your dog’s diet can be a shock to your dog’s gut, causing strong flatulence. If you want to change dog food, you should gradually introduce it to your pup’s diet. Mix the new food with part of the old food, and slowly amend their diet over time. 

Gastrointestinal issues

There are a range of gastrointestinal issues such as Canine Colitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) that can cause your dog to fart.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a condition where your dog’s intestinal muscles don’t work properly. Symptoms include constipation, diarrhoea, and a build-up of gas.
• Canine Colitis is when your dog’s large intestine becomes inflamed, which can similarly cause constipation and diarrhoea. Your dog may also have a painful abdomen, causing them to stand with a hunched back and fart more.

If you’re ever worried about your dog’s farts smelling worryingly bad, you should contact your vet for advice.

With Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance, you can get 24/7 access to helpful advice from registered vets.

They’ve eaten something they shouldn’t  

Dogs are known scavengers, and they rarely turn their noses up at the opportunity for a snack, even if that’s out of the bin or off the floor outside. Fatty, out-of-date, or dairy foods can cause a lot of gas, so try to prevent them from eating these. Try and train your dog not to eat food off the floor to help reduce the likelihood of them eating food that’s harmful. 

If your dog’s smelly farts linger for too long, don’t wait around – visit a vet if you’re ever concerned about something your dog has eaten.

Intestinal parasites 

Whether they’re drinking from muddy puddles, swimming in lakes and rivers or getting friendly with other dogs in the park, your dog could be at risk of picking up intestinal parasites. Worms are a common group of parasites that can cause problems with your pup. 

• Roundworm can cause dehydration, gut blockage and even death in young dogs and puppies. One of the symptoms is an upset tummy, which could be accompanied by increased gas. 
• Tapeworm dwell in the small intestine and are like roundworm in some ways. They aren’t fatal to adult dogs but can cause problems for puppies. Again, one of the side effects of this parasite is increased flatulence. 

While these parasites can be worrisome, prevention is easy. Regularly worming your canine companion can keep your dog’s intestines happy and their farts less smelly.  

Allergies or intolerances  

Just like us, dog sometimes eat things that don’t agree with them. If your dog regularly has bad gas, they may have allergies and intolerances. 

If you notice certain foods are giving your dog flatulence, it’s a good idea to visit your vet. They will be able to help with dietary advice, including foods that are tailored to dogs with delicate tummies.

Cancer

If your dog’s flatulence doesn’t subside, and they have a constantly irritated tummy, it could be a sign of some types of cancer. Symptoms can vary depending on the location of the cancer, but if it’s in the intestine you might notice:

• Vomiting (sometimes bloody)
• Reduced appetite
• Lethargy
• Gradual weight loss
• Blackish stool

If your dog has gas along with any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your vet so you can be sure it’s nothing sinister.

Why is my dog farting so much? 

If you notice your pooch passing gas much more frequently than normal, there are a number of things that could be causing it:

Swallowed air 

Dogs aren’t known to be gourmands who savour their food. If there’s food in front of them, they’re going to gobble it down – especially if they’re competing with other dogs. This can cause them to swallow a lot of air as they eat, resulting in some serious wind. Remember, what goes in must come out. 

If you want to get a grip on the gas, you need to slow down your pup’s eating habits. If you have multiple dogs, you can feed them in different rooms so they’re not in such a rush to finish. If your dog doesn’t slow down, you can also introduce a slow feed bowl.

Some short-nosed breeds like pugs can swallow a lot of air when eating or drinking – so be extra-vigilant with them. 

They need to go to the toilet 

Dogs can’t tell you in words when they need to go to the toilet, but there may be other signs. If your dog has frequent flatulence, they may need to relieve themselves. If your dog has an upset tummy or is regularly farting, give them plenty of opportunities to relieve themselves outside. If you don’t, you might have bigger problems on your hands (and carpet).

Obesity

Obesity can cause flatulence in dogs, so if you’ve got a windy woofer, it could be a sign your dog is overweight. It’s important to ensure your dog is being fed an appropriate diet and getting enough exercise. More time outside means less tooting indoors too. 

Protect your pooch and teach them healthy habits, find out more about pet health and wellbeing.

Dog flatulence remedy

If your dog is suffering with a bout of bad flatulence, you can try giving their tummy a reset with a plain diet for a few days. Plain boiled chicken and boiled sweet potatoes can be easier on your dog’s stomach than some foods. If your dog’s flatulence hasn’t improved in a few days, then your pooch may need more help.

When to contact your vet 

An upset tummy doesn’t last forever. Your pooch’s potent pumps may only last 24 hours, and before you know it, they’ll be back to smelling like roses again – or at least like a regular dog.

However, if your dog’s farts remain smelly for a long period of time, you should contact a vet. They may be able to and give you some clarity on what’s going on with your pup’s gut.

Sainsbury’s Bank Dog Insurance

Help to cover the costs of vet bills for check-ups, treatment, medication and more with Sainsbury’s Bank Dog Insurance. With 24/7 vet assistance, you can get help and advice when you need it. 

No-one wants a poorly pooch, so help to protect  them with pet insurance:

• Lifetime – get up to £10,000 toward vet costs each year, depending on the level of cover you choose. 
• Maximum benefit – cover vet costs on each condition up to £3,000 or £6,000.
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Please note that we won't cover any pre-existing conditions and that terms, conditions, excesses, exclusions and limitations apply.