Why does my dog fart so much?

Dogs really don’t care how much or where they fart. They’ll let it rip whatever’s going on without batting an eyelid. But for those of us who are unlucky enough to be near them at that fateful time, it can be a struggle.

Flatulence in dogs is normal. But having a dog that farts a lot can be more than just embarrassing; it can indicate an underlying health concern.

Here, we answer “is it normal for dogs to fart a lot?”, what we mean by “excessive farting”, what it means if your dog’s farts are especially noxious, and when you should see a vet.

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Common causes of dog flatulence

Age

Age plays a factor in excessive farting. Puppies, for example, still have developing digestive systems, while senior dogs can deal with flatulence due to a slower metabolism and changes in their gut bacteria.

Breed

Brachycephalic breeds, like French Bulldogs, tend to fart more as they draw in excessive air when they eat and drink.

Diet

A poor diet or one with too many high-fibre foods can cause excessive flatulence. Your dog may start farting a bunch if they:

• Consume spoiled food

• Eat a lot of high-fibre foods, like beans, cruciferous veggies or pumpkin

• Eat low-quality food

• Have food intolerances or allergies

• Munch on table scraps, like vegetables and high-fat foods

• Suddenly change their diet or food

• Scavenge food when they’re out on walks

Eating style

Some dogs eat too quickly and swallow air, which is known as aerophagia. This causes a build-up of air in the digestive system, leading to flatulence. Food-motivated breeds, like Dachshunds and Golden Retrievers, tend to do this, and you can reduce the chance of it happening with tools like slow-feeder bowls.

Exercise habits

Too little exercise can lead to excessive flatulence. Exercise allows air to pass through a dog's digestive system, meaning it doesn't have a chance to build-up.

What does the smell mean?

Sorry to do this to you, but have a think about what the smell is like. Typically, it comes in two categories:

• A strong rotten egg smell - Usually from insufficient protein breakdown or excessive protein.

• Unusual, pungent odours - Normally points to dietary or underlying health issues.

When the smell is a concern

No dog farts smell nice. In fact, pretty much every owner has properly said "why does my dog fart so much and stink?" at some point.

But particularly foul-smelling gas - especially if it consistently smells awful - is a potential sign of underlying digestion issues. It can indicate issues like food allergies, gut issues or poor digestion.

You should see your vet if foul-smelling gas persists, especially if it’s combined with other symptoms. Symptoms you should look out for alongside smelly farts are:

• Appetite changes

• Behaviour changes

• Diarrhoea

• Lethargy

• Signs of pain

• Vomiting

• Weight loss

Why does my dog fart so much at night?

Sometimes, dogs just get especially gassy at night but are completely fine during the day. This is because dogs have slower digestion when they sleep, plus they typically eat and don’t move much in the evening. This slows down how quickly food breaks down, leading to more flatulence.

To avoid this, we recommend not feeding your dog close to bedtime, assuming there isn’t an underlying health reason for it.

Why does my dog burp and fart so much?

Excessive burping has similar causes to farting, so if both are happening at the same time, it’s likely worth an investigation. The causes are likely due to air swallowing, gastrointestinal disorders or infections.

Excessive air swallowing is the most likely cause if both are happening, as too much air can lead to both burping and farting.

Medical conditions that cause excessive gas

Excessive gas is a common symptom for numerous conditions, like:

• Cancer - (don’t panic too much about this. This is very rare, and excessive gas alone usually isn’t the sole symptom of this. It’s why it’s essential to get a vet’s diagnosis for accuracy and spot things early).

• Chronic pancreatitis

• Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)

• Food allergies

• Gastrointestinal disorders

• Giardia

• Hookworms

• Infections

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

• Parasites

• Roundworms

• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Bacterial or viral infections can cause gas, too. Often, they cause diarrhoea too as a result of infections like salmonella and campylobacter.

It’s important you get the right diagnosis from a vet instead of just guessing.

Medications

Some medications cause excessive gas as a side effect. Common drugs that can cause farting include:

• Antibiotics

• Gastrointestinal medication

• Painkillers

• Seizure medication

• Some allergy medication

What can owners do? Practical tips for gassy dogs

Chronic, excessive flatulence will need long-term management.

Diet adjustments

• Avoid feeding your dog table scraps or “human food”.

• Picking better-quality dog food that suits your dog and prioritises their nutrition.

• Reduce fibre intake if a vet confirms this is the issue.

• Take care when changing your dog’s diet and make gradual changes, always consulting your vet first.

• Try slower feeding methods, like puzzle feeders and slow-feed bowls.

Hydration

Aids digestion by helping to break down food, so making sure your dog’s well-hydrated is essential.

Managing stress and anxiety

People often say the gut is our second brain, so it’s natural that a dog’s anxiety, behavioural problems or stress can impact their health.

Physical activity

Exercising your dog regularly can help reduce gas as it moves air through the digestive tract.

Supplementation

Vets may recommend supplements to help reduce flatulence, like:

• Activated charcoal: The porous nature of activated charcoal allows it to trap gas particles in it through a process called adsorption.

• Digestive enzymes: They help dogs who lack certain digestive enzymes needed to digest food - you need a proper diagnosis before these medications are started as they are for specific conditions only.

• Probiotics and prebiotics: Influence a dog’s gut microbiome (the bacteria in their gut) to make it healthier and less likely to cause problems like gas.

When to see the vet

You should always see the vet if you’re concerned about your dog’s health. It’s why routine vet care is so important as it gives you a chance to discuss issues like this and allows your vet to spot problems early.

And don’t feel embarrassed about mentioning gas or poop to your vet; your dog certainly isn’t! The symptoms in addition to excessive gas to look out for that you should see a vet about are:

• A consistent change in stool consistency or flatulence

• Appetite loss

• Blood in the stool

• Diarrhoea

• Lethargy

• Persistent, very foul-smelling gas

• Unexplained weight loss

• Vomiting

Peace of mind for pet parents

Dogs will be dogs. They'll fart, guff and fluff around without a care in the world. But if their gas becomes more than just a passing breeze, you should get it checked out.

That's where dog insurance can help - it's there to help with the unexpected health costs. With us, you get up to £20,000 vet fee cover on our Complete Care plan, 24/7 video vet access on all plans and a host of fun extras with ManyPets Perks.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I give my dog human anti-gas medication?

No, you can’t - human medications can be dangerous or toxic for dogs. Only do so under veterinary guidance, and always consult your vet before giving your dog any medication.

Why does my dog sometimes get scared or jump when they fart?

Dogs don’t understand their own body as well as us, so the unexpected noise can still make them jump. It’s not anything to worry about.

Do certain dog breeds fart more than others?

Yes, breeds with sensitive tummies or flat faces tend to fart more often.

How quickly should I see a change in my dog’s gas after adjusting their diet?

It depends. 7-10 days is a good, rough estimate, but sometimes you’ll see changes quickly. Other times, it’ll take around a month for your dog’s digestive system to catch up. It depends on what your vet has diagnosed as the problem.