All dogs, regrettably, fart. Dogs are rather notorious for the occasional bout of, to put it delicately – wind. For some dogs, though, it can be a bit more than a minor issue. Some breeds are thought to have more of a problem with the wind than others. Beagles, in particular, are thought by some to pass gas more often than the average pooch. As much as I love my beagle girl, I have to admit that I need to fling open the windows if she eats the wrong things. Luckily, this is a problem that can be addressed.
Do beagles fart? Yes, all dogs do. Some people report that their beagles fart more than other breeds but there’s not much evidence for this. These dogs may produce more gas if they eat the wrong items or have digestive problems. A change of diet and proper treatment for intestinal conditions can help.
You’ve arrived on this page because you have questions about beagles and their alleged wind issues. Are beagles more prone to gas than other dogs? How can I stop my beagle from being so gassy? Is my dog’s food the problem? What makes gas worse in this breed? How do I stop my beagle from farting? How can I change my dog’s diet safely? Do vegetables make dogs gassy? You’ve come to the right place. We have the answers you’re looking for. Read on to learn all about flatulence in your beagle – and how you can make it stop.
Do Beagles Fart?
Yes, dogs of this breed fart. All mammals do. In fact, most higher animals produce flatus (the technical term for intestinal gas). Dogs, as any long-suffering owner will tell you, are certainly no exception. All dogs produce gas to one degree or another.
Flatus is a natural by-product of digestion. It’s composed partly of nitrogen and carbon dioxide and hydrogen, which are odorless. Unfortunately, flatus may also contain methane, which isn’t odorless, and hydrogen sulfide, which definitely isn’t odorless. It’s normal for your beagle to pass small amounts of flatus throughout the day. If they’re producing more than the occasional fart, though, you might want to take action.
Beagles have a reputation for being a bit gassier than some other breeds; I don’t think this is entirely deserved, as I’ve met plenty of other dogs who can give my beagle a run for her money. That said, the beagle is a high-energy dog that can become stressed if he doesn’t burn off some of that energy in a healthy way. They also seem to be a little more sensitive to eating the wrong things. Since both stress and dietary mishaps can cause gas, it’s possible that a beagle might produce more gas than another dog under the same conditions. In this article, we’ll look at some of the factors that can cause flatulence in beagles and other dogs, as well as discussing some steps you can take to reduce this distressing problem.
Diet and Flatulence
There are various reasons why your beagle might fart more than normal. Diet is the most likely culprit. Products that irritate your dog’s digestive tract can cause wind, as can those which are high in odor-producing substances such as sulfur compounds (eggs, for example). Starchy products such as grains or potatoes may provoke flatulence, as they can provide a useful supply to gas-producing bacteria in your beagle’s gut. If your dog’s usual chow leaves him prone to constipation, this can also cause flatulence. If a dog’s digestion is sluggish, bacteria in the dog’s waste have more time to break it down and produce additional gas.
Dogs are rather more omnivorous than cats and some may benefit from the inclusion of vegetables alongside the usual meat and poultry. Vegetables, though, should be given in moderation – a diet that’s too high in plant-based ingredients can give your dog an upset stomach and gas. Some vegetables are good for dogs but should be given in small quantities; cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli or kale, are great for fiber and nutrition but not so great if you want to help Rover avoid an attack of wind.
Avoid letting your dog eat processed carbohydrates, such as bread or white rice. Whole grains can be given to dogs in moderation but shouldn’t form the bulk of their caloric intake. In particular, you should avoid letting your dog have tables scraps or feeding him what you’re eating. If he steals the leftover pizza crusts once in a while it’s unlikely to do him too much harm, but your beagle should eat proper dog food and not junk.
Food Intolerance And Products That Can Cause Gastrointestinal Issues
Just like humans, dogs can develop food allergies and intolerances. Allergies and intolerances are often conflated, but they are different conditions requiring different approaches. All you really need to know is that an allergy is mediated by your dog’s immune system, while different systems are at work in the case of intolerance. The symptoms of both are very similar. In general, intolerances are less serious than allergies — but they still require careful monitoring and a change of diet.
Passing gas excessively is just one symptom of intolerance in your pooch. A beagle with an intolerance may also suffer from bloating and more audible digestive noise (belly rumbles). More severe symptoms include vomiting intermittently, loose stools, and diarrhea. As well as making life less pleasant for an owner, these symptoms are distressing for your pet. If the condition isn’t addressed, your dog’s digestive system could suffer long-term damage.
The digestive system isn’t the only system in the body that can be affected by allergies and intolerances. Your dog may develop an itchy skin rash (atopic dermatitis). Ear infections can be associated with bad reactions to certain foods. Your pet’s respiratory system may also be affected, with some dogs developing hayfever-like symptoms such as a runny nose and sneezing. Some dogs develop asthma and wheezy breathing due to intolerances.
Without tests and a careful elimination diet, it can be hard to track down the culprit. Here are some prime suspects, though.
- Chicken and other poultry
- Dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt.
- Eggs.
- Fish.
- Pig products like pork, bacon and ham.
- Wheat and gluten-containing products.
- Corn (maize).
- Soy.
Some dogs are also highly intolerant to veal – although I don’t know many dog owners who could afford to give their pet veal. Because allergy and intolerance symptoms are similar to those caused by other conditions, it’s important to have your dog checked out by a vet.
Medical Conditions And Gastrointestinal Disease
Excessive flatulence can be a sign that your dog is suffering from a gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. If they’re not properly treated, GI conditions can worsen and may cause other medical issues for your pet. There are several GI conditions that can affect your beagle.
Constipation: This is very common in dogs that don’t get enough exercise. Ensuring that your beagle gets regular walks is important for every aspect of physical health, including GI health. You might also look at increasing the amount of fiber (roughage) that your dog eats. Dogs who don’t drink enough water can quickly become constipated.
Diarrhea: As mentioned above, this can be caused by intolerance. Other causes are infections, parasites (worms), too many unhealthy snacks and human foods, and a too-rapid change in diet. Stress can also give your beagle diarrhea.
Pancreatitis: This is an inflammation of the pancreas, the insulin-producing gland located near the stomach. It can have a wide range of causes and it’s sometimes difficult to track down the exact problem. Fatty treats (especially processed human foods) and infections are common causes, however.
Colitis: This is an inflammation of the colon. It’s often a result of internal parasites, specifically whipworms. Allergies and intolerances can also cause colitis. Your dog may pass excessive stool, which may contain mucus or blood.
Acute gastroenteritis: Although the name sounds scary, “acute” here just refers to the sudden onset and short duration of the problem. This is very common in dogs and is usually caused by the dog eating something he shouldn’t. Comestibles very high in fat or starch are common culprits, as is spoiled food.
Other medical issues that might be associated with flatulence and an upset stomach are physical trauma (a blow to the abdomen, for example) and the consumption of foreign objects (toys, litter, fabric items, etc). Dogs are notorious for ending up with non-food items in their stomachs. Your dog may develop wind and an upset stomach if he eats something toxic, such as paint or a poisonous houseplant. All of these require medical intervention as soon as possible.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s flatulence and general health, speak to your vet. Many of these problems are an easy fix, requiring minor changes in food habits and your dog’s overall lifestyle.
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