Do Dogs Fart More During Pregnancy? [Or Something Else]

When it comes to doggy pregnancy, there are some surprising changes that our furry friends go through.

One amusing transformation that may catch you off guard is an increase in farting.

But do dogs fart more during pregnancy?

While it might make your nose wrinkle, this smelly topic can indicate important health aspects.

Get ready as we sniff out the truth and find you a quick solution for this “air-raising” concern, enhancing your bond with your four-legged friend.

Are Pregnant Dogs More Gassy Than Normal?

A lot of dog parents report that their pregnant pooches seem to pass more gas than usual.

There really is no actual scientific study that proves that pregnancy makes a dog fart more often, but it is a pretty common observation.

Farting once in a while is totally normal, however, doggy pregnancy seems to take this phenomenon to a whole different level.  

But don’t worry too much!

This condition is usually just a temporary side effect of the hormonal and physical changes happening inside their small bodies.

It’s important to remain vigilant though, as excessive farting could be a symptom of something more serious.

Why Do Female Dogs Get So Gassy During Pregnancy?

Why are soon-to-be doggy moms extra gassy?

There are a few possible causes. Let’s find them out.

Serious gastrointestinal disease

It is quite rare, but dogs suffering from certain gastrointestinal conditions can experience flatulence. 

Pancreatitis and inflammatory bowel disease are common culprits, but any digestive disorder can cause your pet to fart more often. 

Swallowed air

Just like humans, dogs swallow air while eating or drinking, and where will this air go? Into your pet’s digestive system and out the other end in the form of farts!

When your doggy pal gets pregnant, they tend to eat more, increasing the chances of gulping down air with their food.

More air = more farts!

Poor digestion

Pregnancy can slow down the digestive process in dogs and also make digesting some food a little more difficult.

The slower the digestion, the more that food ferments in your pet’s guts, causing more gas to release.

Your dog’s diet

The kind of food your dog consumes during pregnancy can also play a role in gas production. 

Carbohydrates and fiber can be harder to digest, leading to flatulence.

Some pet owners also opt to change their dog’s diets during this period.

This abrupt change for sure will disrupt normal digestion and contribute to gassiness.

Colon compression

As your dog’s uterus grows more prominent in size, it can push into the intestines, particularly the colon.

This compression can then affect the movement of gas through the digestive tract

The result? An increase in gas buildup and flatulence.

Hormonal surge during pregnancy

Pregnancy means hormonal changes in your furry pal.

Progesterone and other hormones increase when a dog is pregnant.

These can relax the muscles in your pet’s digestive system, and slow down digestion. 

Again, the slower the food passes through the dog’s body, the more gas gets to build up and cause farts.

Food intolerance 

Some pregnant dogs may develop temporary food intolerances or sensitivities during pregnancy.

Similarly, this can cause digestive disturbances, including excessive gas. 

What Causes Gas in Dogs?

Dogs can get gas when they eat or drink too fast and swallow air along with their food. This air in their belly needs to come out, so they release it as farts. 

Digestive problems can also lead to excessive gas. Your pet will be farting often if they suffer from gastrointestinal diseases or food intolerances.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also affect digestion. This, along with the physical changes that their body undergoes can cause your furry pal to experience gassiness. 

What Can I Do to Reduce My Dog’s Flatulence?

If excessive farting is bothering your pregnant pooch, you can try these solutions to help reduce their flatulence. 

• Start by getting them to eat slower. Try using a slow feeder bowl (I highly recommend getting one!) or offering smaller meal portions.
• Check your pet’s diet to see if you are feeding them something that causes gas. Switch to easily digestible food that suits their nutritional needs.
• Limit table scraps or avoid giving your pet human food altogether. Certain foods can trigger digestive issues, so it is best to stick with their vet-approved dog food. 
• Making sure that they get regular exercise can also help. Yes, making your pet move aids in digestion.
• An anxious pooch is a farty pooch. Give your pet a calm environment to help manage their stress. 

What to Give Dogs for Gas?

Feeling gassy is not a pleasant experience, and the same goes for our furry friends. 

If your dog is experiencing discomfort due to excessive gas and you want to offer some relief, You can try giving them activated charcoal. 

This product is known for its ability to absorb cas and toxins in the digestive system, and you can easily get it in tablet or powder form. 

Try mixing it in your dog’s food for some fart relief, and make sure you follow the dosage indicated on the label closely. Overfeeding can lead to poisoning!

A probiotic is something else that you can give your dog to alleviate the gassiness. It helps to promote healthy gut flora and aids in digestion. 

Similar to probiotics are digestive enzymes. These can be super helpful in addressing the problems that your dogs could be experiencing.

You can also try adding fennel or ginger to your pet’s food. These herbal remedies are known for their gas-reducing properties. 

Which Dogs Are Most at Risk?

Unfortunately, some dogs are more likely to experience excessive flatulence. 

For example, certain breeds with flat faces, like Bulldogs and Pugs, have a higher chance of being gassy because of their unique anatomy. 

Dogs with sensitive stomachs or food intolerances may also experience farting more often because they find it difficult to digest certain food. 

The same is true for your furry pals that suffer from stomach diseases. Some poor dogs also naturally have slower digestion.

Lastly, you can expect more farts coming from dogs who undergo abrupt dietary changes. 

Is Flatulence a Sign of Other Health Problems?

Yes, excessive flatulence in dogs can indeed be a sign of other health problems. 

Sometimes, digestive disorders can cause increased gas production.

Your dog could very well be suffering from inflammatory bowel disease or gastroenteritis, that’s why they fart often. 

Does the farting get worse when they eat certain foods? That could indicate food allergies.

And last but not least, issues with the pancreas or imbalances in the gut bacteria can also contribute to excessive flatulence.

In rare cases, it could even indicate a blockage in the intestines or the presence of something foreign. 

When is It Time to See a Vet?

While we can all laugh off the occasional fart, there are times when excessive flatulence is no joke and warrants veterinary attention.

Keep an eye out for the signs below that indicate it’s time to seek professional help for your furry friend’s farting frenzy.

• Gas is persistent, excessive, or has been going on for a while.
• Changes in appetite.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Abdominal discomforts like bloating or pain.
• Vomiting, or diarrhea along with flatulence. 

I couldn’t emphasize this more: Do not easily dismiss unusual changes in behavior or energy levels, especially if it persists for more than a day or two.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In Conclusion: Do Dogs Fart More During Pregnancy?

And there you have it – pregnant pooches might indeed toot more, all thanks to hormonal roller-coasters and dietary changes.

Remember, your stinky ordeal is temporary, but the bundle of joy coming is forever, and congrats to your doggy becoming a mom soon.

Don’t fur-get to check out our other posts too:

• Are eggs good for nursing dogs?
• Why does my dog only eat half of his food?
• Should you withhold water from a dog at night?