Bloating in a dog is a fairly common occurrence, which can be a danger to the health of the animal. If gas formation torments the pet constantly, there may be a gastrointestinal tract pathology. Then you need to be examined by a veterinarian. If treatment is not started in time, the problem will lead to serious malfunctions of the digestive tract, and in severe cases to death.
Understanding the concept
Bloating is the formation of excess gas in the stomach or intestines of an animal. Strong flatulence can result in belching or expulsion of gases through the anus that you hear. Normally they depart silently. Flatulence in dogs leads to rumbling in the gastrointestinal tract, which can sometimes be heard from another room.
Belching, rumbling, flatulence periodically occur in all dogs, but if they become excessive, this may indicate possible problems that require medical attention. It is likely that there are certain problems in the digestive tract and the pet needs veterinary care.
If these symptoms develop along with weight loss or diarrhea, then all the more you need to hurry to a specialist. Normally, bloating occurs when gas builds up in the dog’s colon. This is a normal process, which indicates that bacteria destroy certain types of food. Therefore, bloating alone is rarely a sign of serious health problems.
What breeds are most often affected by this problem
All dogs can develop flatulence, especially when they are fed poor-quality food. You can be sure that you are giving the pet the right food, but in fact it turns out that it contains harmful fillers and artificial preservatives. Accidental waste from your table, too much fiber or allergenic products can contribute to severe bloating.
But there are some rocks that are located to flatulence more than others. An example is the basset hound. This is a dog with problem digestion, which requires special food and care.
Gas formation in a healthy animal
A certain amount of gas in the digestive tract is normal. There are three sources:
- Swallowing air.
- Gas production in the digestive tract.
- Diffusion of gas from the blood.
In this case, the symptoms in all cases will be different. For example, swallowing air gives the strongest bloating. Physical activity or too fast food intake also increases the amount of air swallowed. Another source is the fermentation of carbohydrates and certain fibers in the colon. Soy, which is often added to feed as a protein source, can also increase flatulence. It usually depends on its quantity. Separated gases are mostly odorless. The appearance of a persistent, unpleasant odor indicates dysbiosis.
Causes of Flatulence: Malnutrition
There are quite a lot of them, so we will take it apart in turn. And the very first thing to note is improper feeding, getting into the dog’s bowl products that are unacceptable to her. A common cause of flatulence in a dog is a change in diet. Or the dog ate something spoiled, that is, dietary negligence was allowed.
Most cases of chronic flatulence are caused by foods that are poorly absorbed by the pet. This causes excessive fermentation in the colon and subsequent gas formation. Soybeans, peas, dairy, fatty and spicy foods are associated with flatulence in a dog.
Most dogs and cats are lactose intolerant. If they are fed milk and dairy products, they will suffer from flatulence or an upset bowel. Remember how many people give cats milk. But if the animal is kept on a premium diet, but the problem remains, you need to be examined by a veterinarian to identify gastrointestinal diseases or other causes of poor absorption of nutrients from the diet.
If the dog is in a hurry and eagerly grabs food from the bowl, then he, too, most often experiences problems with bloating. Another risk group is an animal with overweight and obesity. In this case, the risk of developing chronic flatulence is very high, regardless of diet. But still, every owner should know what foods cause flatulence.
Enzymatic deficiency
This is a condition in which the animal cannot absorb the food that enters the digestive tract due to the fact that there is not enough of the necessary enzymes. Most often in this case, problems with the pancreas are diagnosed. However, bloating then may not be the only symptom. Additionally, the host will observe chronic diarrhea, feces acquire a pasty appearance. Often there is a perversion of appetite, a decrease in body weight with increased appetite, the hair loses its luster. The animal in this case does not lose activity.
This may include the third reason - a violation of the motility of the gastrointestinal tract. This condition is not an independent disease, but it accompanies a number of pathologies.
Mechanical obstruction
Bowel obstruction is a serious problem that threatens the life of the animal. In many cases, it leads to a guaranteed fatal outcome if the operation is not performed on time. There are several causes of intestinal obstruction in a dog:
- Bowel obstruction by foreign bodies (bones, stones, ropes).
- Inversion of the stomach.
- Various tumors.
Symptoms of intestinal obstruction are not always pronounced and depend on the specific case, the characteristics of the animal's body. The most striking symptomatology occurs with problems associated with the stomach and duodenum. In this case, repeated vomiting, severe pain and a deterioration in the general condition of the patient are observed.
In the absence of obvious symptoms, a tumor can be suggested, which complicates the movement of feces and gases through the intestines. In this case, there is a strong bloating.
Diagnostics
Flatulence in a dog is rarely an independent disease. To establish the cause of increased gas formation, it is necessary to analyze the diet of the animal and the feeding regimen. It is important to obtain data from general and biochemical blood tests, feces and urine tests, ultrasound examinations of abdominal organs, and x-rays of abdominal organs. Gastroscopy and colonoscopy are sometimes necessary. Treatment of flatulence in a dog should be prescribed in accordance with the results of the examination. Only in this case will it be effective.
Prevention
The main components of the prevention of digestive disorders in dogs, which lead to flatulence, are high-quality food suitable for the animal and compliance with the feeding regime, as well as sufficient exercise. If the animal is prone to swallowing food quickly, and with it a large amount of air, it is necessary to feed it in calm conditions, separately from others and preferably with chopped food.
Dry food can be soaked. When switching to new products, they should be introduced gradually, mixing in small portions to the usual ones. Most likely, in this case, the dog will not need flatulence treatment.
Treatment usually includes dietary changes. At the same time, experts recommend a diet low in fiber and fat. Quality protein and a small amount of cereals must be mandatory. In parallel, drug therapy is carried out, which may include carminative agents.
Small, frequent feedings are recommended for dogs that eat very fast. Additionally, the veterinarian will offer a treatment method designed specifically for your pet. Do not forget that the prevention of flatulence in a dog is the main method, simple and affordable for each owner.
Emergency help
Why flatulence in a dog can lead to its death? Here it is necessary to highlight such a thing as acute bloating, or acute flatulence. It develops rapidly, most often with liver pathology. Literally before our eyes, the abdomen grows in size, and if urgent help is not given, then the pet dies. Assisting yourself is difficult, so try to get the animal to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
If the dog has severe bloating and pain, usually the first action is gastrointestinal decompression. The veterinarian may try to intubate the dog by passing a special tube through the mouth down the esophagus. If this succeeds, the gas escapes through the tube. Unfortunately, the tube cannot always get into the stomach. Then the veterinarian may try to decompress the abdominal cavity by inserting a needle. They pierce the abdominal wall and the stomach itself. This allows gas to escape through the needle, making a hissing sound.
Help at home
If your pet's bloating is a common problem, then in the medicine cabinet should always be preparations for flatulence. For dogs, the medicines given to children are often used. Therefore, if a child grows in a family, then there are probably already carminative drugs. It remains only to figure out how to give them.
Activated carbon
This is one of the most affordable, effective and inexpensive tools that should always be at hand. Activated carbon is usually used for poisoning and flatulence. It is used for all mammals, that is, for both humans and animals. It is important to understand that this is a medicinal product and it must be used strictly in accordance with the recommendations of the doctor. In particular, consider the weight of the animal.
If your dog is a representative of small breeds and its weight does not exceed 10 kg, you need only one tablet of activated carbon. For large animals, the dose is increased. The guideline is simple, for every 10 kg give one tablet. How to give a dog activated charcoal so that the effect is as quick as possible? It is best to grind the medicine to a powder state and prepare a suspension. And it is convenient to introduce it into the jaws of a dog with a conventional syringe without a needle.
Activated charcoal will quickly relieve pain and discomfort. Moreover, if flatulence is associated with poisoning, the drug will collect all the toxins and ease the condition. And we will continue to consider how to treat flatulence in a dog.
Smecta
This is another natural product with an adsorbing effect. Smecta for dogs can be used as well as for humans. Initially, this powder was not used in veterinary medicine, but over time it found application in this industry. Today, doctors recommend Smecta as a drug for the treatment of digestive disorders.
The tool has not without reason won a high rating. Smecta for dogs can be used for digestive disorders, poisoning, flatulence caused by a violation of the diet or other reasons. "Smecta" facilitates digestion, binds toxins, restores the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. But there are contraindications. That is why it is important to first understand why flatulence in a dog has developed right now and what symptoms it is accompanied by. Contraindication is obstruction of the intestines of the animal, osmotic diarrhea, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
Can I use Espumisan for dogs
This drug acts as follows. It is not absorbed into the bloodstream, and the effect is the destruction of gas bubbles in the intestinal lumen. As a result, gases are excreted unchanged from the body. This means that by removing the accumulation of gas bubbles in the intestine, it does not have any effect on the body as a whole, that is, it is completely safe even for an immature puppy's body.
How to apply
The basis of this drug is the active substance simethicone. Its price is higher than that of most similar products, but there is no doubt in efficiency and safety. But despite this, you need to carefully observe the animal and based on this decide whether it is possible to give this drug. First of all, you need to understand whether the animal is experiencing pain and discomfort. If the dog is obviously worried, looking for a place, often jumps up, or, conversely, tries not to move, then measures must be taken to eliminate the painful symptoms:
- First you need to eliminate the causes of increased gas formation. Whether the dog visited the bin, or you just gave her something hard for her digestion - this is not so important. Adsorbents will help to remove all unnecessary, and in severe cases, you need to rinse your stomach.
- After that, you can use "Espumisan" (simethicone). The price of one bottle of 30 ml drops is about 380 rubles. Capsules will cost about 270 rubles for 25 pieces.
- After that, the irritation of the mucosa is removed. For this, "Smecta" is used.
- And finally, you can populate the intestines with beneficial microflora. For this, both pharmacy preparations and natural yogurt are used.
Such an integrated approach to solving the problem is much more effective than a one-time use of one of the above drugs. But do not forget that bloating has its own reasons. If this is a one-time phenomenon, then nothing special will be required. But with regular flatulence, which is accompanied by pain, you should definitely consult a doctor.
One dose of the drug for a small animal is half a teaspoon or one capsule. The dosage in milliliters is calculated by the attending physician. The medicine should be given immediately after eating. The product tastes good, but everything is individual, and your dog may not like it. Therefore, you can use a syringe without a needle, which will allow you to pour the medicine directly into the mouth.
Side effects of drugs
We emphasize once again that treatment will be effective only if you manage to establish the cause of the phenomenon. Otherwise, the problem will recur and you will need to think again what to do. Flatulence in a dog can be normal, in which case nothing can be done. In a few hours, the problem will resolve itself.
When taking these medicines, there are usually no side effects. This also applies to puppies, pregnant and lactating bitches. But allergic reactions of the animal to excipients are possible. Hypersensitivity is extremely rare, but if you notice an itch, it is better to stop taking the drug and consult a specialist.
Puppies are not contraindicated in any of the listed remedies. An overdose is unlikely due to the inertness of the drugs. It should be borne in mind that if you have a large dog or a Caucasian shepherd, then the medicine may not have any effect on them. In this case, the doctor may prescribe the drug in an increased dosage or choose an analogue.
Conclusion
Based on the experience of many pet owners, it can be said that a diet for a dog with flatulence is a priority. With strong bloating, you can leave the animal for a day without food, and then start with a small piece of chopped beef and gradually introduce the rest of the products. If you feed the dog dry food, then here you need to carefully look at the composition. In cheap fodder, soy, dyes and flavorings are sometimes in first place, but there is no meat at all. Of course, such food will cause bloating.
The second important point is physical activity. Even if you feed the animal perfectly, correctly and balanced, but take it outside for 15 minutes in the morning and in the evening, it will most likely have digestive problems. Be sure to give at least two hours a day to walks and games in the fresh air. For large dogs - at least 3-4 hours.
And the third point is gastrointestinal tract diseases. Here you can’t figure it out on your own. You need to go to the clinic, take tests, and only then the doctor can make a diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment. In any case, in the first-aid kit you need to have a minimal set of tools that will help relieve pain and calmly wait for a visit to a specialist.