June 22, 2025, 4:04 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Flatulence in dogs is completely normal, but if it becomes a persistent issue, it can quickly become unpleasant. However, the problem can often be easily resolved—without medication or a visit to the vet.
Stomach rumbling, restlessness, and frequent flatulence: Gas in dogs is not uncommon. In most cases, excessive intestinal gas is harmless. However, if the problem occurs regularly, it can become burdensome for both the dog and its owners.
How Does Gas Develop in Dogs?
Gas, also known as flatulence, occurs when excessive gases accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract. The formation of these gases is a normal part of digestion. However, certain factors can disrupt the balance of natural gut bacteria, throwing digestion off track.
The diet of the pet can be responsible for the sometimes odorless, but often foul-smelling intestinal gas. Certain foods, such as legumes, cabbage, or too much grain, can promote gas. Fatty foods, dairy products, or table scraps can also prevent the proper breakdown of nutrients by gut bacteria, leading to gas formation. Allergies to specific ingredients, such as proteins or grains, are also not uncommon in dogs.
Eating too quickly can also lead to excessive air intake, causing a bloated stomach. This so-called aerophagia is particularly common in dog breeds with short snouts, such as bulldogs, pugs, or boxers. 1
What Helps?
To avoid gas and other digestive issues, it’s advisable to opt for high-quality, easily digestible food. Changes in diet should not be abrupt—ideally, the transition should be gradual and in consultation with a nutritionist or veterinarian, allowing the dog’s digestive system to adjust calmly.
If your dog eats particularly quickly, so-called anti-gulping bowls or smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can help slow down eating behavior. A short walk after meals can also stimulate digestion and help prevent excessive gas formation in the intestines.
Home Remedies for Gas
Some home remedies can also be used to counteract gas in dogs, including specific spices. “Caraway reduces gas formation in the intestines and promotes digestion, so foul odors have no chance to develop,” says Tina Hölscher, a veterinarian with Aktion Tier.
Depending on the size of the dog, 0.5 to 2 grams of caraway is needed. Pour 250 milliliters of boiling water over the spice and let it steep for ten minutes. Strain the tea and let it cool completely before adding it to the food. Fennel tea also has antispasmodic and calming effects—1–2 tablespoons can be added to either the food or the water bowl. 2
To support your dog’s gut health in the long term, it is worthwhile to focus on a gut-friendly diet as a preventive measure. Fermented fruits and vegetables and probiotics with live lactic acid bacteria can help strengthen the natural gut flora. Herbal mixtures with peppermint or chamomile also promote the balance of microorganisms living in the gut, contributing to healthy digestion.
Also of interest: These medicinal herbs are suitable for dogs
Causes and treatment for dogs vomiting on an empty stomach
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When to See a Vet?
If gas occurs frequently and is accompanied by other symptoms such as apathy, vomiting, diarrhea, or a hard, bloated stomach, a veterinarian should definitely be consulted. If your dog shows general discomfort, it’s better to have it professionally checked—food intolerances or gastrointestinal diseases could be behind the symptoms.
With material from dpa