What Works for Dogs With Smelly Gas?

A dog with smelly gas is not fun for anybody -- not for you, who have to live around it, and certainly not for him, who has to endure the discomfort that comes with it. Rather than spraying the room with deodorant or shopping for a gas mask, try a few home remedies and lifestyle changes to deal with the smelly gas.

  1. Do a Diet Review

    • First step: Look at what you've been feeding your doggie. If you've been slipping him table scraps, the gas could be a result of poorly digested food. For example, dairy products and eggs can increase the amount of bacteria in the intestines, which in turns can lead to gas. Rover might also have trouble digesting wheat and soy, which unfortunately are main ingredients in many cheap dog foods. If nothing else, switching to better-quality dog food might be a good place to start. And keep in mind that all the foods that can cause gas in humans -- such as beans, lentils, cabbage and broccoli -- can also give Rover gas.

    Switch Things Around

    • Gas forms because of swallowed air -- so reducing the amount of air your dog swallows is going to go a long way to slow down the production of gas. The good news: cutting down on swallowed air can be as easy as raising the water bowl, rather than leaving it on the ground. And if Rover is a speed eater, slow him down by splitting his meals or serving them in small bowls, so he has no choice but to eat slowly. The faster he eats, the more air he swallows, so keep that in mind.

    Plan a Spa Day

    • Think of yourself in times of stress, experiencing tummy troubles, nausea and even gas and diarrhea -- Rover can go through exactly the same stuff. Stress can affect bacterial growth and hormonal balance, which in turn can lead to gastrointestinal trouble. If you're recently moved or got a divorce, Rover might be feeling it, too, so spend some extra time at the park or simply playing together until things calm down.

    Plan a Visit to the Vet

    • If making changes at home is not helping you get rid of the smelly gas, it might be time for a trip to the vet. A number of health problems can lead to smelly and painful gas, including intestinal parasites, inflammatory bowel disease, gallbladder problems, liver disease and even bacterial overgrowth in the digestive system. If the cause of the gas is a medical problem, addressing the issue will resolve the gas -- and help Rover feel much better in the process.