It's a gas-gas-gassssss!

Unless you're the Rolling Stones, gas is not something to sing about! Shockingly enough, it's not always your human partner who is to blame... that sheepish, guilty look that your pup gives you when they pass wind confirms that even THEY know how rotten it is and that, on this occasion, the guilty party is his own good self... the one with four legs! Yet the nature of things is that "gas", "wind", "farts", "fluffs" (fluffs?), "cutting the cheese" and plain old flatulence is normal and a part of everyday life for all living beings... excluding women, of course! :-)

But first a little science! You see, animals swallow air, which contains oxygen, nitrogen and other gases. Oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream and nitrogen eventually passes through the body and out the "back door". Other factors can affect the intensity of the smell of the gas/fart/fluff (you choose) produced and, as we all know, that intensity can vary excessively - just think of the term "silent-but-violent" and you'll know what we mean! It's so important to offer your animals a nutritious, digestible food that is low in preservatives and fillers (i.e. corn starch, wheat, soy, various cereal grains), as these "inputs" may aggravate gas issues, particularly in sensitive dogs, and get you quite an "output"! Also, those leftover bits and bobs from preparing the dinner could also be to blame, and because these leftovers are so variable, the constant change in diet can itself be the cause of some very smelly outcomes. Soooooo.... stay away from feeding your dog broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, lentils and beans - just as it does to you, so it does unto them as well!

If you feel your pet's farting (there, we said it!) is excessive, a trip to the vet is definitely recommended because this could be a sign of more significant health issues. Your vet would want to know in detail your pet's living environment, diet, other health issues and a full medical history to be able to assess it all, as even things like prescription drugs can cause an increase in flatulence. However, there may be even more serious underlying issues at stake, including bowel conditions, trouble with digestive enzymes, bacterial overgrowth, and many other potential causes responsible for the sweet sweet scent of your lovey dovey.

If you're unsure where to start, always start with their diet. There are numerous pet food brands that cater to pets suffering from plenteous gaseous (there's always someone selling something that will help, help, help!, isn't there?). By starting with the diet, you're starting with the most benign and most likely cause, and it could be the quickest way to a fresher smelling home.