Gas (Flatulence)

This condition is very common in dogs and rare in cats. While the vast majority of the time it is just a nuisance, there are potential diseases that can be associated with flatulence.

Any animal that eats rapidly or is fed right after exercise is prone to swallow air. Poorly digestible diets or a change in diet can cause gas formation. Beans, peas, oat bran, and fiber are all gas-forming ingredients. Dogs and cats are lactose intolerant so most dairy products can cause gastrointestinal upset. Parasites, pancreatic disease, and small intestinal diseases should also be ruled out.

Symptoms of gas are self-explanatory, but pets can also have abdominal discomfort and distention. If parasites, pancreatic disease, or small intestinal disease is present, patients may also vomit, have diarrhea, or lose weight.

Once the patient is deemed healthy and the flatulence due to diet, a dietary change is adequate. Sometimes changing brands with a different protein or carbohydrate is all that is needed. In other cases, a low fat, low fiber diet is required to keep the flatulence at a minimum. Some cats do very well on a high protein-low carbohydrate diet. Exercise is very beneficial at encouraging bowel motility.