All pet owners have to deal with their dog’s smelly farts at one time or another – and sometimes they’re so bad they can literally clear a room. But if you have a Pug, chances are you notice this gas more than other dog owners. While flatulence isn’t the most glamorous topic, your Pug’s smelly farts may actually be a cause for concern. Here’s what you need to know about what excess flatulence says about your dog’s health.
Why Do Pugs Fart So Much?
Passing gas is a normal part of being a mammal, so you should expect some farting in dogs. However, not all breeds are created equal. If you’re wondering, “Why does my Pug pass gas so much?” it’s because Pugs are more prone to gassiness than other breeds. Here are some reasons why.
Genetics
The first reason has to do with the way your Pug is built. Their flat face (otherwise known as brachycephaly) and the shape of their nose let them breathe in more air. But how does that cause constant gas? Because they take in more air as they eat than other non-brachycephalic breeds.
Gas-Causing Foods
You already know that certain foods cause gas in humans (like beans and dairy products). The same is true for our furry friends. Some common gas-inducing foods in dogs include:
- Dairy
- Beans (like soy)
- Corn
- Broccoli
- Dairy
- Fiber-rich foods
Gobbling
It’s no secret that dogs are enthusiastic at mealtime, but eating too quickly can cause them to swallow lots of air. These air bubbles pass through the dog’s digestive system and come out as gas. As you know, this gas can be quite smelly.
So if you notice your Pug gobbles down its food in no time, you may want to invest in a slow feed bowl.
Food Intolerances
Like humans, Pugs can have food intolerances that lead to smelly farts. When they eat those foods, they get unpleasant side effects. Farting is the most common side effect, but they may also experience diarrhea or an upset stomach.
Table Scraps
It can be so hard to resist that cute face, but you should probably avoid feeding your dog table scraps. Human food can be hard for dogs to digest, and you may be inadvertently making the problem worse.
Health Issues
If the excessive flatulence has gone on for a long time, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue. In this case, it’s a good idea to check with your vet to address the condition. Your Pug may be suffering from something like:
- Parasites
- IBS
- Cancer
- Stomach inflammation
- Stomach infection
How to Stop Excessive Gas in Pugs
The good news? You can do a few things to reduce flatulence in your Pug. The objective is not to stop their farting altogether–that would be impossible–but rather to reduce it. Here are some steps you can take.
Change Your Pup’s Food Dish
Like we mentioned above, a slow feed bowl is an excellent swap for gobblers. They come in many varieties, but they all do the same thing: force your Pug to work for its food and eat more slowly.
If you’d rather not buy a new bowl, you can choose to give your Pug smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.
Change up Their Diet
You’ll likely need to change your dog’s diet as well. Take a look at their current food, and check for these common gas-inducing ingredients:
- Peas
- Liver
- Beef
- Beans
Feeding them a lot of these ingredients may be the problem, so you should stick with natural foods that give your pup the right amount of meat. If you have questions about what’s best for your pup, your vet can recommend a high-quality kibble.
In general, a good dog food option will include:
- High-quality protein (chicken, beef, fish, meat meal)
- Complex carbs or grains that come from fruit, veggies, oats, rice, and barley
- Healthy fats/oils (like omega-3s and omega-6s, as well as fish oils)
- Vitamins and minerals
- Water
You should also try to avoid these ingredients:
- “Whole meat”/extracts from meat
- Simple carbs (sucrose, fructose, and lactose)
- Artificial colors
- Gluten and dairy
- Preservatives (BHA and BHT)
You may also want to consider adding a digestive supplement to their diet. Digestive supplements like Porzyme are an excellent way to facilitate digestion and reduce gas. You can also add things like canned pumpkin or charcoal dog treats–both of which aid digestion and are cheaper than a supplement. You should also make sure your dog is getting enough water.
Exercise
Okay, Pugs aren’t the most athletic dogs, but they can still benefit from regular exercise – especially right after eating. Take them for a thirty-minute stroll after they eat, which may help improve digestion and get them to eliminate some gasses.
Similarly, you should avoid having mealtime right after exercise. Doing so can cause lots of flatulence in your Pug.
Lay off the Table Scraps
If your table scrap habit has already become an established routine, it’s time to get it under control. Human food is full of fats and sugars, which is a surefire way to cause lots of farting in your dog. It’s best to stop altogether.
Not sure you can say no? If you decide to give your dog human food, it’s vital to know which ones you can and cannot feed them. The following foods should be off-limits to your Pug:
- Foods high in fat
- Milk or dairy products
- Spicy foods
- Foods with sugar
Visit Your Vet
What if you’ve tried all the above tips and nothing seems to be working? In that case, it’s probably a good idea to visit your vet. Your vet can help you determine if they must treat an underlying condition (like an allergy or gastrointestinal problem).
So, Why Do Pugs Fart So Much?
Passing gas is a normal part of being a mammal, but it’s more typical in brachycephalic breeds. While you should expect a healthy amount of farting, too much can signify that something’s amiss. If all else fails, you should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
