Dog Gas Problems - Natural Solutions

Does you dog have gas frequently? If the gas is coupled with other symptoms such as diarrhea, weight loss or blood in their stool, there could be a problem in their digestive tract. If though gas is the only problem there are still many things you can do at home to decrease the amount of gas your dog passes. Cats have gas problems sometime too but are much less likely than dogs to have a significant problem.

Here some natural ways holistic vets recommend to help rid your pet of gas:

Walk your dog - Hard to believe that walking is a remedy for dog gas but exercise helps push gas out of the intestine and more gas will be released if your pet does their business on the walk.

Soybean content in food - Soybeans make up to 25% of some pet foods. Soy beans are a good way to add protein to the diet but it is hard for some pets to digest. Try a food with less or no soy and see if the change in diet doesn't help. Switch brands slowly. Vets say it takes some time for the digestive system to adjust to a new diet. Take three days to switch by substituting one third of the new food for one-third of the old each day.

Keep trash can tightly covered - Dogs who are fond of eating out of trash cans usually have more gas so make sure your lid is tightly shut.

Feed your pet the right amount of food - Overeating can overload the digestive system so foods end up fermenting that would normally pass through their colon quickly and as a result your pet will have more gas. If you have been overfeeding your pet this remedy for dog gas will save you money.

Try yogurt or an acidophilus supplement - Many yogurts contain digestion-friendly bacteria also known as probiotics that can help decrease flatulence. Vets recommend giving 1/4 teaspoon of plain yogurt to cats and small dogs, 1 teaspoon to do 15 to 20 pounds and 1 tablespoon for large dogs. Most pets like the taste, so just go ahead and put it in their bowl with their food. You can use acidophilus supplements instead of yogurt if your pet does not like the taste or can not tolerate yogurt. Give pets over 15 pounds the human dose and smaller pets can take half the human dose.

Try activated charcoal - For small pets add 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon to their food daily. For larger pets, 1/2 teaspoon is about right. Be aware activated charcoal can absorb nutrients as well as gas from the digestive tract. Don't use it for more than a few days at a time.

Try a natural anti-gas product - Pets often have similar digestive problems to people because they are subject to the same environmental factors therefore many holistic vets say to give pets with digestive problems digestive enzymes daily. You can also give your pet an herbal product specifically formulated for dogs and cats which will soothe and support the stomach lining, esophagus, and entire digestive tract. This is a remedy for dog gas and a preventative measure.

Reduce mealtime competition - If your pets are fed together, they may eat too quickly because they are afraid the other animal will eat their food. Eating quickly causes your dog/cat to take in too much air causing excess gas. Feeding your pets separately will eliminate the anxiety and encourage them to eat more slowly. Make your pet eat more slowly.Place a large object - like a ball- in your pet's bowl. Your pet has to nose the ball around to eat all the food in the dish, therefore slowing their rate of food consumption.

Raise the food dish - If your dog does not have to bend their neck so far down they will swallow less air. You can buy or make a stand to hold their water and food bowl or you can find a way to secure the bowl on a raised surface. A skid proof footstool is an easy way to raise the food dish and keep it secure.