#Middlebury
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: Why does my Great Dane fart so much? – James K., Syracuse, New York
DEAR JAMES: Hoo boy. Great Danes are notorious for passing gas. And because they’re big dogs, well, it’s impossible not to notice. Part of the reason is that they often are prone to digestive issues and can be sensitive to some varieties of dog food.
Talk to your dog’s veterinarian about this, as he or she will have some suggestions for reducing flatulence. The No. 1 recommendation will be a change to a different brand of dog food.
Try introducing the new food gradually, replacing part of its current food with the new brand and increasing the ratio of old to new. Note whether its gas symptoms diminish, or if there’s no change.
Theories abound as to why Great Danes and other large breeds like Bull Mastiffs rip so many stinky farts. Fermentation of digesting food in the large intestine is one. Dry dog foods with a lot of grain filler may make this worse. If your dog is fed table scraps, even occasionally, this could contribute to the problem, as human food tends to be higher in fat with lots of spices.
Large breeds also are very susceptible to bloat, so stay aware of your dog’s physical condition. When the stomach swells up with excess gas it can be very painful and put the dog at risk of gastric torsion, which requires immediate surgery. Labored breathing, excessive drooling, vomiting or an enlarged abdomen are among the symptoms of bloat. Take your dog to the emergency vet right away if you notice any of these symptoms.
Send your questions, comments or tips to ask@pawscorner.com.
(c) 2018 King Features Synd. Inc.
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