Canine Gas & Dry Heaving

Sickness and constant bodily release from dogs can make an owner anxious, for the symptoms could signal a number of diseases or problems. Dry heaving seems painful for the animals, and frequent gas can be smelly and unappealing. There are cures for some of these problems, while others are merely how the dog's body functions naturally.

  1. Causes of Gas

    • Gas occurs in the dog body in the same way it happens in the human body. Gas accumulates in the gastrointestinal tract from numerous sources. Bacteria decomposition naturally produces gas. A dog builds up gas when drinking or eating quickly and inhaling surplus air. Diet can affect gas in canines, as well. Dogs will have excessive gas if they eat a poor diet made of cheap food and scraps. Certain dog foods may contain ingredients that give dogs gas.

    Cures for Gas

    • While gas may just seem inconvenient, treatment could prevent serious health problems in a dog. Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) is when too much gas causes a dog's abdomen to largely distend. If excessive gas does not decrease after change of diet, a trip to the veterinarian may be in order. These pet doctors can stick tubes into the dog to help gas escape the abdomen. Veterinarians may also use a needle to bring out gas if the tube cannot reach the stomach. Massage therapy is a less stressful alternative, along with nutritional supplements.

    Causes of Dry Heaving

    • Dry heaves can result from several causes. When a dog swallows poison, such as bone meal fertilizer, it may experience dry heaves. GDV can also cause dry heaves. A dog may cough in this way if it has swallowed too much hair or dust, as well. Another cause of dry heaves in canines comes from infection or if the dog is allergic to something nearby. Kennel cough is an additional cause of dry heaves.

    Cures for Dry Heaving

    • Dogs often catch tracheobronchitis, or kennel cough, when kept in close proximity to other canines with the disease. There are medications that veterinarians can suggest that cure kennel cough. If the dog starts dry heaving because of allergies, remove the allergen or the dog from the area. Infection can be solved by antibiotics or other medications. Checking for GDV and curing the dog of that problem may solve the canine's dry heaves, as well.