Dog flatulence will often be paired with diarrhea, and may be the result of a non-food item ingested by the dog. However, the same symptoms may also be indicative of various other health problems. There are also a number of foods that can cause flatulence and diarrhea.
Causes of Dog Flatulence and Diarrhea
Dog flatulence is the accumulation of gas in the intestines. The gas will be eliminated through the anus. The elimination of gas may happen on a daily basis, as it is a normal process accompanying the digestion, but the dog may have excessive gas and this can also be accompanied by diarrhea. Dog flatulence and diarrhea can be caused by a few factors:
- Food gone bad which is ingested by the dog, or ingestion of non-food items
- Gastrointestinal infections that cause fermentation of food
- Malabsorptive problems, may be genetic but may also have numerous underlying causes
- Digestion problems
- Inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Tumors located in the gastrointestinal tract (i.e., lymphosarcoma)
- Intestinal parasites
- Ingestion of air (i.e., when the dog eats or drinks too quickly), may not necessarily result in diarrhea
Additional Symptoms in Canines
The conditions causing flatulence and diarrhea may often cause additional symptoms such as:
- Vomiting (may contain blood)
- Weight loss
- Poor appetite
- Hair loss
- Poor condition of skin and coat
- Pot bellied appearance
- Swelling of the stomach or visible lumps
Foods that Cause Dog Flatulence and Diarrhea
A number of foods that are high in fibers can cause flatulence and possibly diarrhea:
- Soy products
- Dairy products (especially in dogs with lactose intolerance)
- Sodas that contain a lot of bubbles
- Legumes such as beans or lentils
- Foods that are difficult to digest (i.e., meats with excessive fat content), which start fermenting in the intestines
- Fresh vegetables and fruits that haven't been properly washed and may contain bacteria or different pesticides
The dog may also have specific food intolerances that can cause gas and diarrhea. These foods may vary from dog to dog.
Treating Dog Flatulence and Diarrhea
The treatment of flatulence and diarrhea will vary according to what the vet finds when diagnosing the pet. The treatment may be made up of:
- A change in diet, so that it contains fewer foods that can make the dog gassy
- Reducing the amount of fibers or fiber supplements
- Eliminating ingredients that are not tolerated by the dog's digestive system
- Making sure the dog eats without being disturbed, preventing him to hurry and ingest air
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Surgery, if tumors are present
- Chemotherapy if the dog has cancer that has spread throughout the body
- Deworming treatment
Occasional flatulence is normal, but when in excess or paired with diarrhea, it could mean the dog has a problem.