As a dog owner, you’re probably very familiar with your furry friend’s bodily functions. From bathroom breaks to shedding fur all over your furniture, dealing with dog bodily processes simply comes with the territory of pet parenthood. One common yet perplexing phenomenon dog owners may encounter is doggy burping. Is this normal behavior, or a sign something is amiss with your pup’s health? In this article we talk about Can Dogs Burp Understanding Canine Burping And Pet Care.
Do Dogs Burp?
Yes, dogs most certainly can and do burp. Burping, known in medical terminology as “eructation,” is the release of gas from the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract out through the mouth. The reasons dogs burp are generally the same as for humans – after eating or drinking too rapidly, as a side effect of gastrointestinal upset or infection, or due to swallowing excess air.
Some breeds of dogs tend to be more prone to frequent burping episodes, including small brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, and Pugs. This is due to their shortened airways and tendency to ingest more air when eating and drinking. Large, deep-chested breeds like Great Danes and Mastiffs are also notorious for belching regularly. Their deep chest shape allows their stomach to fill with more air that then has to escape one way or another!
Is Frequent Dog Burping Normal?
An occasional dog burp here and there, especially right after mealtime, is perfectly normal and nothing to be concerned about. However, chronic or excessive doggy burping could indicate an underlying health issue may be present.
Causes of frequent burping in dogs include:
- Eating too fast – Gulping food or water can cause a dog to ingest excess air that then gets released in the form of burps or flatulence. Using puzzle toys or slow feed bowls can help moderate your dog’s speed of consumption.
- Gastroesophageal reflux – This condition occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus. The dog may burp, lick their lips frequently, and have bad breath.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – Chronic digestive upset and burping can indicate gastrointestinal inflammation or infection.
- Food allergies – Just like humans, some dogs are sensitive or allergic to ingredients like corn, wheat, dairy, and soy that may cause digestive issues.
- Bloat – Excessive burping can be one early sign of this life-threatening emergency where the stomach becomes distended with gas and twists on itself. Bloat requires immediate veterinary treatment.
- Medications – Certain drugs like corticosteroids can list increased burping as a known side effect. Always review all prescription and over-the-counter medication risks with your vet.
If your dog starts burping way more than what’s normal for them or shows signs of distress like abdominal pain, lethargy, retching, or poor appetite along with increased belching episodes, contact your veterinarian right away to rule out any potentially serious underlying sickness. Don’t just brush it off – excessive dog gas can indicate a real problem requiring medical intervention.
Tips for Caring for a Gassy, Burpy Dog
If your pup seems to have a tendency towards canine gas – both the burping and farting variety – have no fear. There are several remedies and changes in diet, environment, and schedule you can implement to help minimize Fido’s flatus (the technical term for gas):
- Slow down chow time – Investing in puzzle toys and slow feed dog bowls can encourage your dog to eat at a more leisurely pace instead of gobbling down their grub in two seconds flat. This allows less air to be swallowed along with their food.
- Avoid soy, dairy, and other dog food allergens – Check the ingredients in your dog food and eliminate any that are common allergens. Feed a limited ingredient dog food formula made with digestible protein sources like fish, lamb, or duck.
- Add probiotics and digestive enzymes to their diet – Supplementing with probiotics helps support healthy digestion and gut flora while enzymes like lipase and amylase assist in properly breaking down fats, oils, and carbs in your dog’s stomach.
- Rule out underlying illness – Make sure excessive gas isn’t a symptom of a more serious health problem. Have your vet give your dog a thorough wellness exam if belching and flatulence persists despite diet changes.
- Activate your dog’s digestion with exercise – Taking regular brisk walks helps stimulate digestion and keeps the GI tract muscles toned. This assists the stomach in productive breaking down food and passing waste.
- Limit food and water before crating – Don’t give your dog free access to food and water overnight or confine them immediately after eating. Allow at least an hour for digestion before crating to allow trapped gas to pass.
- Investigate over-the-counter dog gas remedies – Several doggy digestive aids are available including Beano for dogs which contains simethicone to help break up gas bubbles. Check with your veterinarian before use.
Rover’s Rumbly Tummy
It’s easy to become alarmed the first time your canine companion lets out an epic belch. But just like passing gas out the other end, burping is a perfectly normal bodily function for dogs. The key is monitoring frequency and paying attention to any concerning symptoms that may accompany chronic doggy burps. Armed with the information above, you can now consider yourself an expert in all things dog digestion – from eating and pooping, to burping and farting! Just part of life with a four-legged friend. I sincerely hope you find this “Can Dogs Burp Understanding Canine Burping And Pet Care” article helpful.