Flatulence

What is bloat?

Flatulence occurs when too much gas builds up in your dog's digestive tract. The gas can come from the air your dog swallows when eating or breathing, or from the breakdown of food in the intestines. The gas has to escape at some point, either through belching or farting.

What causes bloating in dogs?

There are many possible reasons why your dog has gas. Some of them are:

• Poor diet: some dogs do not tolerate certain foods well, for example dairy products, grains or legumes. These can lead to digestive problems and gas formation. Eating too much or too quickly can also cause bloating because your dog swallows more air.
• Food allergy or intolerance: Some dogs are allergic or sensitive to certain ingredients in their food, for example gluten, soy or beef. This can lead to inflammation in the intestines and increased gas production.
• Parasites or bacteria: If your dog has worms, giardia or other parasites in their intestines, this can disrupt their digestion and lead to bloating. A bacterial infection in the intestines can also be the cause.
• Stress or anxiety: If your dog is nervous or anxious, this can affect his gastrointestinal tract and lead to bloating. For example, moving house, a new family member or a loud bang can stress your dog.
• Medication or illness: Some medications, such as antibiotics or painkillers, can change your dog's intestinal flora and lead to bloating. Some illnesses, such as gastritis, pancreatitis or intestinal disease, can also cause bloating as a symptom.