Is flatulence a sign of illness in dogs
It is quite common for people to suffer from indigestion and stomach ailments every now and then, and dogs are no different. They too suffer from indigestion and other stomach problems. When excess gas forms in the stomach or intestine for some reason or the other, it eventually has to be released through one end of the gastrointestinal tract. But the question here is whether it is normal or a sign of underlying illness. To understand this is in a better light, read on.
Flatulence in dogs – Cause and effect
Dogs and gas don’t go well together, and excessive flatulence in dogs is usually linked to inefficient digestion, mostly because of inappropriate diets. Giving your dog excessively processed dog food is one of the primary reasons for this. But there are also certain underlying medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome that can be the cause of flatulence. In addition, it may be due to exocrine deficiency or intestinal parasites as well. In some cases, it may also be caused by tumors.
Further, flatulence can lead to chronic indigestion problems and other serious health concerns, if left untreated. These diseases also pose a severe threat to their spinal system as the digestive system in dogs are very close to the lower spinal area. It can affect your dog’s’ mobility and can lead to other spinal issues. So if you notice flatulence problems with your dog, it is imperative to seek medical attention to get a proper diagnosis and proceed with appropriate treatment.
Three effective tips to prevent flatulence in dogs
If you want to keep dogs and gas far apart, switch from processed food to a natural diet that consists of fresh cooked/uncooked meat (do not use frozen meat) with bones and vegetables. You can find various online guides on how to prepare meals for specific breeds of dogs depending on their nutrition requirements.
If you notice specific foods are aggravating the flatulence condition in your dog’s, stop feeding them to your dog temporarily and re-introduce them later. If they continue to be problematic for your dog’s digestive system, eliminate those foods permanently. The usually problematic foods include milk or grain-based products. Some dogs also succumb to flatulence from consuming beef or other red meats because of its high arachidonic acid content, which can cause parasitic diseases in their digestive system.
Try to avoid regular antacid usage at all costs. While they will provide relief to your dog temporarily, they will not offer permanent solutions. It is essential to go for a more holistic approach to help your dog lead a healthier lifestyle, and a few changes in diet can keep dogs and gas apart.
These simple steps can drastically reduce the odds of dogs and gas along with other underlying diseases that may cause health hazards for your dog. Keeping your little friend healthy can help it lead a long and full life!
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