Why Do My Dog’s Farts Smell So Bad?!

For doting pet parents out there, we know our floofballs let one rip every now and then. As funny (and as smelly) as it is, sometimes their digestive system needs a little TLC – especially if you find yourself wondering way too often, “Why do my dog’s farts smell so bad?”

Along with some tips on how to tell whether your pup’s gas is just an innocent pffft or a sign of something more serious (hint: their dog food might be the culprit), we’ve also got a video to brighten your day – featuring pups who truly enjoy a good ol’ fart every now and then. The fact of the matter is, when a dog’s farts smell horrible, sometimes all you can do is laugh and hope for fresh air soon.

Better out than in, right?

Why do my dog’s farts smell so bad?

So, Milo decides to lean on you while you’re watching TV, and suddenly, a smell from the depths of the earth’s deepest trenches fills the air …

You’ve also noticed Milo has a habit of scavenging in the garden. Or munching on plants and other odd bits – plus, anything that drops on the floor is fair game.

Sometimes, a little doggy gas is just part of the package, but if Milo seems to be clearing the room on a regular basis, it might be a sign that something deeper is going on with his digestion…

via GIPHY

Doggy detonations: What’s fuelling the fire?

A sudden switch in their dog food, a sensitive stomach, or even an underlying gut issue can all lead to some serious stink bombs. What they eat matters, too – not just the ingredients, but the quality of those ingredients.

When their digestive system struggles to break down certain foods, like fibre or proteins, the bacteria in their gut get to work fermenting them, and, well… the result isn’t always pleasant. Some foods, especially those containing oligosaccharides (which are naturally found in things like soybeans, beans, chickpeas, and lentils), are notorious for causing extra gas.

While some dog breeds are naturally more prone to gas (we’ll get to that soon), a lot of the time, their diet and daily routine play a bigger role than genetics. Excessive farting can be caused by:

• Sudden diet changes – Switching foods too fast can wreak havoc on a dog’s digestive system.
• Food intolerances or allergies – Some ingredients just don’t sit well with certain dogs.
• Low-quality or hard-to-digest food – Fillers and poor-quality proteins can contribute to extra gas.
• Gastrointestinal issues – Conditions like parasites, inflammatory bowel disease, or colitis could be the culprit.
• Swallowing too much air while eating or drinking (aerophagia) – Dogs that eat too fast gulp down air, which later escapes… the smelly way.

If your dog’s farts smell horrible, happen way too often, or could probably be classified as a biohazard, it’s time to check in with your vet to make sure there’s nothing more serious going on under the hood.

Symptoms to watch out for

If your pup’s tummy troubles seem to be happening more often than not, it might be worth looking a little closer at what’s in their bowl and what they’ve been sneaking on the side. Here are some symptoms to watch for that could indicate their gassy episodes are actually signs of a more serious digestive issue:

• Excessive gas: If your pup is passing gas more than usual or in a particularly smelly way, it could be a tell-tale sign of digestive trouble.
• Vomiting: Frequent vomiting, especially of food, water, or bile.
• Loss of appetite: If your dog suddenly refuses to eat or eats much less than normal.
• Restlessness: Pacing or an inability to settle down.
• Sensitive belly: If your dog growls, snaps, or seems to pull away when you touch their belly.
• Fatigue or depression: If your dog is unusually tired or disinterested.
• Behaviour changes: Sudden mood shifts, like aggression or hiding away.

How to help with the farting situation

Love your dog, but not their toxic gas? 🤢 We feel you. If your pup is clearing the room with their farts, here are some tips that may help:

• Blend their food – Less chewing = less swallowed air = fewer stink bombs. If your dog’s farts smell horrible, this simple change might help cut down on the stink.
• Add moisture to dry dog food – Dry kibble can be tough on digestion. A little water or broth can make all the difference.
• Slow down their eating – If your dog inhales their food like a vacuum, they’re gulping air too. Try a slow feeder dog bowl!
• Switch up their diet – Sometimes, their food just isn’t working for them. Test out different options and see what helps. Here’s more info on how to change your pet’s food without upsetting their tummy.
• Get them moving – A little exercise can do wonders for digestion (and tire them out in the process). Exercise doesn’t always have to mean walking! Here are 4 tips for exercising dogs without walking.

More tips to help beat the stink…

• Watch those portions – Overfeeding = over-gassing. Keep meals balanced and portioned right. If your pet is packing on extra pounds and tipping into unhealthy territory, check out this article for tips on how to shed the chunk.
• Try probiotics or supplements – A healthy gut means fewer stink clouds. Because when a dog’s farts smell horrible, a little gut support can go a long way.
• Skip the gassy foods – Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts? Hard pass.
• Keep them hydrated – Water helps everything move along smoothly (and less explosively).
• Check for allergies – Some dogs are sensitive to certain foods, and their farts are their way of protesting.

If nothing seems to help, and you’re still asking, “Why do my dog’s farts smell so bad?”, it’s definitely time for a vet visit!

8 dog breeds that are well known for their flatulence powers

So, how did we come up with this list? Well, there isn’t a large-scale study measuring flatulence levels by breed (imagine being the researcher for that project). But based on plenty of anecdotal evidence, these dog breeds seem to be the undisputed champions of letting one rip.

1. French Bulldog – Their squished snoots (a condition known as brachycephaly) means they swallow air, and well … what goes in must come out.
2. English Bulldog – Sensitive tummies and their signature snorts make for a gassy combo.
3. Pug – These little eating machines inhale food (and air), resulting in frequent butt trumpets.
4. Beagle – Scavengers by nature, they’ll eat anything, and their stomachs make sure you know it.
5. Boxer – A mix of short snouts and sensitive digestion means they’re basically fart factories.
6. Boston Terrier – Their tendency to gulp air make them sneaky farters.
7. Golden Retriever – Food sensitivities mean their toots can clear a room in seconds.
8. Staffordshire Bull Terrier – They inhale their meals, and unfortunately, the aftermath isn’t subtle.

Watch video: Funny dogs farting compilation

Not all species experience gassy struggles, but dogs and homo sapiens sure do. Watch this compilation video of dogs farting!

Got a gassy pup? Here’s pet insurance to save your nose (and wallet)

Whether your pup’s got a natural talent for passing gas or just occasionally lets one slip, pet insurance helps make those vet visits easier on your nose and your wallet.

All our pet plans reduce the cost of unexpected visits to the vet and offer a range of other vital benefits too. With our dog insurance plans, you’ll get protection that puts your pup first, without costing you an arm and a paw. Plus, fetch yourself one or more months of FREE pet insurance when you buy a policy!

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