There are many reasons why dogs get gas. The most common cause is an intolerance to certain foods, also known as flatulence. This is a sign of food intolerance, where the body reacts sensitively to certain ingredients and doesn't digest them properly. This intolerance can often be accompanied by symptoms such as itching or a flaky coat. Sometimes, a single instance of eating something is enough to upset a dog's digestive system. Often, it can be as small as a small amount of compost, found food, or something similar. If dogs eat table scraps, the food might be too spicy or fatty and could also cause lactose intolerance.
Other possible causes of bloating include conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal infections, inflammation of the intestinal wall, and pancreatic insufficiency. A stool sample can provide information if a parasitic infestation is suspected. It is particularly important to test for Giardia. To ensure the most reliable results, collect stool samples over a three-day period, as worms or their eggs are not always excreted with every bowel movement.
If the cause of flatulence in dogs lies in their diet, the following aspects should be considered in order to optimize the type of food and feeding if necessary:
- Possible intolerances such as lactose intolerance, histamine intolerance and fructose intolerance
- Additives and fiber in feed
- Type of meat
- Source of carbohydrates
- Using leftover table scraps
