Why Does My Dog Have Gas?
by Kymythy Schultze www.kymythy.com
When asked this question, I
sometimes joke to the person inquiring that it’s good they’re going to start
taking responsibility for their own emissions and stop blaming the dog!
But seriously, frequent gas in your dog shouldn’t be ignored. It can
be much more than just unpleasant aromatherapy. First the question:
What causes gas in dogs? Unfortunately, there is not one simple answer
as the reason can range from bad food to parasites to illness. To
get to the, uh, bottom, of what’s causing gas in your particular furry friend
you first need to look at the whole animal. Is the dog healthy and
in good condition other than having gas? If your dog is not in good
health, then a trip to your favorite veterinarian (preferably one who practices
alternative medicine) is in order. If your dog is in good health,
other than occasionally clearing the room, then it may be time to try a
few simple natural remedies. The most important factor is food and
this includes your dog’s regular diet and any treats they receive.
Your dog could have food allergies or the food may be of poor quality.
We’ve probably all heard the expression “Garbage in = Garbage out” and it
applies to your canine friend as well as yourself. If your dog’s diet
contains any ingredients that interfere with normal digestion they may experience
stomach problems, including gas. And don’t forget to examine treats
that are given. From my experience as a canine nutritionist over the
last two decades I find a fresh food diet creates the healthiest dogs I’ve
ever seen. Real species-appropriate food is easy for dogs to digest
and utilize. I’ve fed my own Newfoundland dogs this way for about 20
years now and we do not have any problems with gas (good thing too with a
dog the size of a Newf – we’d blow out the windows!). To learn more
about preparing a simple meal of real food for your dog check out my book
“Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats” as it explains exactly how to go about
doing it correctly. Even if you’re not willing to prepare your dog’s
meals, you should definitely focus on finding a better source of nutrition
to help eliminate gas.
Some dogs, even on a good diet, will occasionally get into something
they shouldn’t and let you know about it the odiferous way. Here
are few natural remedies to try:
1. Peppermint – tear up a couple of leaves of this
herb into their food.
2. Nux Vomica – this is a homeopathic remedy and should
be given away from food.
3. Enzymes – these help to breakdown undigested food.
4. Probiotics – flora found in the digestive system;
these “good guys” help knock out the “bad guys”. Look for the non-dairy
variety.
5. Massage – relax your dog onto his back and gently
massage the midline of the stomach, and yes, it does help to coo and talk
calmly!
Do not try all of the above at the same time or you’ll never know which
worked best. But, do try them, as they are all gentle and effective
ways to allow your farting furry friend back into the fold!
Kymythy R. Schultze is a clinical nutritionist and has been a
trailblazer in the field of nutrition for almost two decades. The recipe
above is from her new book “The Natural Nutrition No-Cook Book: Delicious
Food for You…and Your Pets!” She is also author of the best-selling book
“Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats: The Ultimate Diet.” Both books are
published by Hay House, Inc. For more information go to www.kymythy.com
