Pet gas can clear a room
By Christine Cowett Robinson
Special to The Star-Herald
Nobody likes to speak of it, but sometimes our dogs get gas. I am not talking a little, I am talking “clear the room” kind of gas. Yes it is easy to make fun of and to laugh at because admittedly it is funny that dogs pass gas, but could it be a sign of illness — something brewing?
Intestinal gas (flatulence) is more than just a “good laugh.” According to Rochard Goldstein DVM of Cornell University Hospital for Animals, it is the result of bacterial fermentation of nutrient residue in the large bowel. The odor is due to the composition of gas: hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, methane and methane derivatives. Most people choose to live with the gas and smell and might not mention it to their veterinarian because of embarrassment. The problem with not mentioning it is that dogs that eat ravenously often gulp large amounts of air with their food, resulting in belching, but large pockets of swallowed air might continue down the digestive tract.
How do you know when it isn’t just gas? In an otherwise healthy dog, it really isn’t a concern but not all gas is created equal! Dr. Goldstein says, “Malodorous smells can also be caused by conditions such as kidney and liver disease, ear infections and skin infections. If diarrhea, vomiting or weight loss accompanies gas, it’s a different story; it could point to pancreatic or liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease or food allergies.”
Take your dog to the vet for a good overall examination to ensure your dog is in good health. Goldstein has the following suggestion for your stinky dog.
“It’s either the food’s fault or the bacteria’s fault or both. Any food containing poor quality ingredients that aren’t absorbed well will cause gas,” notes Goldstein.
Here are some simple strategies to reduce the “stench” of gas:
• Slow your dog’s eating down. Add some large rocks to the dish so that your dog has to eat around them, forcing him to eat more slowly (there are also special dishes made for this problem);
• Feed smaller amounts of food more often. Dogs fed this way are less hungry at mealtimes and less likely to gulp air; and
• Consult your veterinarian about adding charcoal to your dog’s diet; this may help by absorbing some of the gas and odor within the intestines.
We have a kennel full of lovely dogs available for adoption at this time. Our cat cages are also full. We are working hard to have all cats altered this month, so if you choose an already altered cat, you are getting an awesome deal.
Cina-B, the cat that survived the fire, is really improving daily; her whiskers are still singed, but her eyes are clear and she is up and about purring. A true survivor!
If you are looking for a friend for life, please visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are at 26 Cross St. in Presque Isle. Our website is www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org, where you can make a donation via Paypal, or you can view our pets at www.petfinder.com/shelters/ME14.html. We appreciate all of the community support.
Please have your pets spayed and neutered.
