All the Reasons Why Your Pet is Gassy

Food allergies and sensitivities are one of the leading causes of animal flatulence.

Low-cost pet foods have byproducts, additives, and artificial ingredients that make it hard for some animals to digest them. If you suspect your pet's food is the cause of their gas, try changing it for a product that consists of better ingredients. Switching out the main ingredient is an excellent first step, but wait at least a week before changing it again. This way, your pet's gut bacteria has a chance to reset.

While most off-the-shelf pet foods contain harmless ingredients, some pet owners tend to give their pets other foods, including supplements and human food.

It's important to only feed your pet food that has been designated as pet food. Even though an occasional tasty treat, say a bit of steak off your plate, might not cause too many digestive problems, you're tempting the fates and will likely run into a foul situation.

Fiber is a crucial nutrient most living beings need to have healthy gut bacteria — your pets included! On the other hand, a diet that is too high in fiber can result in an overproduction of smelly gut bacteria in your pet, leading them to become gassy.

Finding a good balance of nutrients is key to maintaining a healthy stomach. Many high-quality food brands are packed with above-average levels of fiber content. If you suspect your pet is getting too much fiber in their diet, try cutting their food with a lower-quality kibble to create a more balanced meal.

Not enough exercise

Another simple cause of what's making your pet gassy is they're not getting enough exercise. Sedentary pets experience flatulence far more than active ones because food sits in their stomachs longer than if they were moving around and moving it through.

Addressing this cause of gas is an easy one. Ensure your pet has some exercise after meals. Taking a nice walk or playing a game of fetch is a great way to give your pet time to stretch their legs and their stomach.

Sometimes what's making your pet gassy is, well, your pet! Genetics plays a significant role in gut health and bacteria. Brachycephalic or flat-faced breeds like French bulldogs, pugs, and boxers will experience more smelly gas than any other breed of dog partially because these dog breeds tend to swallow large amounts of air while eating.

If you have a brachycephalic dog, be prepared to have a naturally gassy pet. While there are some steps you can take to reduce the amount of gas in these dog breeds, it is an unfortunate characteristic of the breed.

Pets that eat too much too quickly can experience bloating, irritation, and gas.

Pets that eat too fast can swallow large amounts of air, leading to gas bubbles in their stomach. If your pet needs better eating habits, try using a special bowl that can help them slow down while eating.

There's a common belief that, unlike dogs, cats don't fart. This assumption, however, is false. Although cats don't produce the loud, stinky farts that accompany canine companions, cats do experience flatulence and upset stomachs.

One major contributor to feline gas is hairballs. Long-haired cats are more likely to get hairballs, which can make them gassy. Regular brushing and grooming visits are a great way to keep your cat's coat and stomach healthy.

Maldigestion, or malabsorption, is common in pets and occurs when an animal's body doesn't make enough of the proper enzymes to break down food or absorb nutrients. It happens most often in dogs, especially German shepherds and collie breeds, but it can also happen in cats. The two leading causes of maldigestion are genetics and old age.

If you suspect your pet is experiencing maldigestion or malabsorption, you should talk to your vet. They can identify the missing nutrients in your pet's diet and prescribe supplements to help.

If you have a young pet experiencing an unusual amount of gas, you should have them examined by a vet for intestinal parasites.

Parasites, specifically roundworms, tapeworms, and stomach worms, are commonly found in puppies and kittens. These nasty creatures can cause flatulence in pets that don't receive treatment.

Pets with underlying health issues tend to experience more flatulence than those without. This includes pets that are older or have health problems, as well as pets that are known to have cancer, heartworms, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, or enteritis.

While there are steps you can take to reduce the amount of excess gas your pet experiences; unfortunately, without mitigating the underlying health issues, you will only be able to do so much.