Home Remedies for Gas in Dogs

Many people report that their dogs suffer from flatulence very frequently, or even daily, which leads them to wonder whether there are home remedies to prevent gas. If you're one of them, the first thing to keep in mind is that excessive gas in dogs can appear for different reasons, and is often a sign of an inadequate diet or gastrointestinal disorders.

For that reason, before using any natural therapy or home remedy, it's essential to pay attention to your furry friend's diet and behavior to identify the cause of this problem and start the most appropriate treatment. And of course, in this process it's important to have a vet's guidance. In this article we'll cover the main causes of gas in dogs and the most effective home remedies to fight it. Keep reading to learn more!

You might also like: How to improve a dog's breath with natural remedies

Why does my dog have so much gas?

There are multiple factors that can cause excessive production and buildup of intestinal gas in dogs. And to relieve the pressure in the abdominal area and the discomfort it causes, it's most likely and logical for your dog to release some gas that may have an unpleasant smell.

Flatulence in dogs is often directly linked to sudden changes in their diet. In other words, if you abruptly switch the kibble or type of diet you give your furry friend, it's very likely to cause excess gas and other gastrointestinal symptoms, like diarrhea, resulting from certain digestive difficulties.

For this reason, it's always recommended to make a gradual dietary transition, so your dog's digestive system can absorb these changes little by little and adapt to them more smoothly. In these cases, symptoms usually appear right after changes are made to the dog's diet. And they'll most likely ease over time, disappearing completely after a few days or weeks (depending on how long each dog's body needs to adapt to the new diet).

However, if you notice your furry friend has gas very frequently, or almost daily, this symptom may be linked to other dietary factors or even health problems. Below, we cover other reasons why dogs may pass a lot of gas.

Other common causes of gas in dogs

• Low-quality kibble: diets very high in grains and other carbohydrate sources encourage gas formation, since they cause a lot of fermentation in the digestive tract. So if you choose to base your dog's diet on kibble, you should pick a quality product whose formula includes a good amount of animal protein and a low concentration of grain and legume flours (rice, corn, oats, peas, and soy too).
• Bad eating habits: dogs who eat very fast are more prone to gas, since they "swallow" a large amount of air while eating. Also, furry friends who dig through trash looking for food, or swallow anything they find on the street or floor, can have serious digestive problems, not to mention the risk of eating spoiled food and potentially toxic substances.
• Food allergies: there are many foods that can trigger allergic reactions in dogs' bodies. The most common are usually eggs, soy, dairy products, and various types of grains and legumes. Remember that allergies "appear" when the immune system overreacts to an allergen. And this overreaction can cause not only gastrointestinal symptoms, like excessive gas and diarrhea, but also skin irritation or other dermatological issues.
• Intestinal parasites and illnesses: the presence of parasites in the gastrointestinal tract usually leads to excessive gas formation. There's also a wide range of conditions and health problems that can cause excessive air buildup in a dog's abdominal region. In these cases, the dog's abdomen is usually bloated and unable to release the gas trapped inside, so they'll probably feel pain and a lot of sensitivity when touched in this area.

5 home remedies for gas in dogs that actually work

Proper treatment for flatulence in dogs fundamentally depends on identifying the cause of the problem. That's why, as we already mentioned in the introduction, it's super important to take your dog to the vet if you notice any type of gastrointestinal symptoms or changes in their stool.

That said, here are some home remedies you can give a dog with gas to help ease stomach discomfort and support their digestive process.

Turmeric

If you're wondering whether turmeric is good for dogs, the answer is yes! This vividly yellow root has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-glycemic, and digestive properties. It works in the body by stimulating stomach activity and intestinal transit, preventing the buildup of intestinal gas. But keep in mind you need to respect a maximum daily dose of 60 mg, three to four times a week.

Probiotics

These contain strains of "good" bacteria (lactobacillus, for example) that naturally live in dogs' intestinal microbiota. The balance of these bacterial populations is key for a healthy digestive metabolism and optimal nutrient absorption, which is why this is one of the most recommended home remedies for gas in dogs.

Also, probiotic foods help strengthen the immune system and prevent a wide range of illnesses, as well as the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestinal tract. To add them to your furry friend's diet, you can turn to natural sources, like kefir, or capsule supplements. The most recommended dose of probiotics for dogs is 1 tablespoon per 20kg of body weight, and you can offer them to your dog two to three times a week.

Chamomile

This is one of the best allies for good digestion and offers numerous health benefits for dogs. Chamomile tea is recommended for relieving stomach discomfort, supporting digestive metabolism, and fighting symptoms of anxiety and stress in dogs. The dose can vary based on body weight, but it's recommended to offer 2 tablespoons of chamomile tea to prevent gas in dogs.

Prebiotics

These are non-digestible plant substances (fiber, for example) that serve as food for the beneficial bacteria populations found in the gut. They play a key role in digestive metabolism, preventing imbalances in the intestinal microbiota, nutritional deficiencies, and gastrointestinal disorders. Probiotics and prebiotics complement each other, and you can offer both to your dog on the same day to support their good diet. The simplest way to supplement them is by getting supplements (usually capsules or tablets), which you can find at natural product stores or online.

Cinnamon

This wonderfully aromatic spice has anti-inflammatory, anti-glycemic, antifungal, antibacterial, and digestive properties. Besides preventing stomach cramps and spasms, cinnamon is an excellent natural remedy for preventing excessive intestinal gas formation. The most practical way to add it to your dog's diet is by sprinkling ground cinnamon powder onto their food or into healthy recipes (some delicious homemade cookies, for example). Just remember to always respect a maximum daily dose of ½ teaspoon to avoid excessive intake, since cinnamon also has a blood-thinning effect on the body.

Now that you know the best home remedies for gas in dogs, also keep in mind the importance of encouraging good eating habits in your best friend's routine. For example, preventing them from eating too fast, avoiding walks or exercise right after eating, and making sure your furry friend has a positive environment where they can eat calmly and safely.