What do I do about my dog's embarrassing gas problem?

Dear Rebecca Ann,

My dog is totally housetrained, but he has an even more embarrassing problem - he is always passing gas! What do you suggest I do to help him? I am planning on having guests come over for a party and I sure don't want this to happen while everyone is here. He will clear the room!

Robyn
Cherry Hill, NJ

Hi Robyn,

Whew! What Is That Smell?

Do YOU "blame" it on the dog?

How many times have you and your dog been relaxing around the house when all of a sudden, a most awful smell arises from your dog's nether regions? Dog flatulence has got to be, by far, the worst smell. It ranks right up there with the delightful scent of something dead that he's rolled in.

What Is Your Dog Eating?
Your dog's diet has a lot to do with the frequent passing of gas. What you are feeding her? Does she get food from the dinner table? Some people foods don't always digest the best in the canine system, and can cause some serious smelling vapors, just like in humans. Some dogs are also lactose intolerant, resulting in some majorly noxious fumes after consuming dairy.

Spend Some Extra Cash, Cuts Down On the Smell Of Gas
Most supermarket brands of dog food are made up mostly of corn products for fillers. This gives your dog the feeling of being full, but also can add to a foul gas problem, and in some sensitive dogs, severe allergies. Feeding a better grade of food, with the top ingredients listed as chicken, lamb, or beef, can not only mean a happier pet, but a less odiferous one as well. High quality dog food will also cut down on the amount of waste product, meaning less poop for you to scoop, and less smelly ones too. As gross as it sounds, the contents of your dog's bowel movements can determine how healthy your pet is. A high quality diet results in less end product, because more of the meal is actually digested, leaving less mess later.

Supplementing His Diet
If upgrading your dog's diet doesn't seem to be helping, it may be time to check out some other solutions. A teaspoon of low-fat yogurt with each meal will reduce internal gas, thanks to the live bacterial cultures in yogurt.

When All Else Fails, Ask Your Vet
It may be time for a check-up. Going to the vet for check-ups are a must anyway. Your dog's anal glands may be the culprit of rear-end woes. Impacted anal glands cause noxious odors and discomfort. It is a good idea to have them checked every time you are at the vet's, just in case, or your groomer will be able to help also. If the glands seem to be a frequent problem, have either your vet or your groomer instruct you in expressing the glands at home on your own.

Sharing in your love of animals,

If you have any more questions about your dog,
please feel free to contact me!

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