What's the Deal with Dog Farts?

How to stop dog farts in their tracks

Last Updated:March 28, 2024

Dog farts. They're (usually) a normal, if stinky, part of life with a dog. A bit of daily gas is nothing to worry about, but if your dog is constantly dropping stink bombs, it's worth looking into.

Why does my dog have a lot of gas?

Dogs pass gas for several reasons. They may eat too fast and swallow air, or eat foods that disagree with them. Anything spoiled is a sure culprit, but lactose (in milk), bread, beans, and soy thickeners in some dog foods can all be the problem.

The most likely cause is a diet change or dietary indiscretion (eating something 'off'). If chronic, the issue is usually a poorly digested diet.

What causes the bad smell?

The noxious smell is caused by sulfur gas produced by gut bacteria during digestion. High-sulfur foods—milk, red meat, plant-based proteins—are most likely to blame.

Is it normal for dogs to fart a lot?

All dogs fart, but if yours has trouble digesting food, you get a gassier pup. Some daily gas is normal, but if your dog routinely clears the room, find the cause.

Swallowing air while eating and drinking adds to flatulence. Speed-eaters and short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers swallow more air, which escapes as farts.

Is it a recent development? If your dog has diarrhea and/or blood in stool, gas is usually dietary indiscretion. (Lock up the garbage and watch walks if they scarf things; feed plain boiled chicken and rice for a few days while recovering.) Still, several conditions cause G.I. problems: colitis, IBS, IBD, parasites, cancer, and pancreatitis.

If diet-related, try slowly switching food. Look for highly digestible or sensitive-stomach formulas. Avoid harder-to-digest ingredients like peas, beans, dairy, and high fiber.

Is a single ingredient the culprit? To find a food allergy or intolerance, you may need an elimination diet.

What home remedy can I give my dog for gas?

If your dog bolts her food, use a food puzzle or slow-feeder to slow eating and reduce swallowed air. We like Zippy Paws Happy Bowl slow feeders in Pineapple and Donut designs. ($10, zippypaws.com)

Steer clear of fart-causing foods. Some safe, healthy treats still cause gas—looking at you, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. If your dog is gassy, limit them. Bernie's Perfect Poop digestive supplement has natural fibres, enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics for digestive health. (from $12, perfectpoop.dog)

Natural aids like goat milk, ginger, yogurt, and probiotics can help gassy pets. Good bacteria = a happy gut! Raw Goat Milk from Primal Pet Foods is nutrient-rich and blends three beneficial microorganisms delivering five billion CFUs per ounce, plus added probiotics! (from $7, primalpetfoods.com)