It’s no secret – most mammals fart. Human farting has been the subject of sketch comedy, embarrassing elevator rides and even scientific analysis. However, dealing with a dog that farts constantly can be a very uncomfortable experience. Certain dog breeds, such as Boxers, are known for their constant flatulence. However, if your dog is farting, is there anything you can do to fix this problem? Are you cursed with a smelly canine companion, or can you find some relief? Here are a few tips to help you deal with your dog’s farting problem.

Did You Switch Foods?

A very common cause of flatulence in dogs is when they are switched to a new food formula. Switching your dog without a “transition” period can cause excessive flatulence, diarrhea and other symptoms. Many dogs need a period of time to adjust to digesting a new food formula. Try adding some of your dog’s old formula to the new formula, and gradually reduce this portion over a few days. If this is the cause of your dog’s farting, the problem should improve.

Is Your Dog’s Digestive System Sensitive?

Some dogs simply can’t tolerate certain types of foods. You may have to experiment with different food formulas to find one that doesn’t cause your dog to experience excess flatulence. Dogs with sensitive digestive systems may require food formulas that are gentle on their stomach. Also, some dogs may have reactions to certain ingredients in different food formulas.

Too Many ‘Filler’ Ingredients?

Many inexpensive dog food formulas contain a large amount of what are called “filler” ingredients. These filler ingredients are usually cheap sources of indigestible protein, or straight carbohydrates. Examples of filler ingredients that may cause digestive problems are corn, wheat and soy. These three fillers are also the most common causes of allergic reactions in dogs.

Is Your Dog Allergic?

If your dog is allergic to a specific ingredient in their food formula, this may cause them to experience symptoms such as flatulence. Other examples of symptoms that may signify a food allergy include lethargy, hair loss, diarrhea, vomiting and a lack of interest in mealtimes. If your dog is allergic to a specific ingredient, their symptoms should clear up once the allergen is removed. You can try feeding your dog a hypoallergenic dog food formula to see if you can identify which ingredient is causing the allergy. If this is the cause of your dog’s farting, you should see results in no time!