Farting is perfectly normal from time to time in both humans and dogs. But, as with humans, you can tell a lot about your dog’s digestive health through the scent of their gas! If there’s something rotten egg-like about your dog’s gas, or their flatulence smells like sulfur, you may need to figure out what’s up with their digestive health…
Why Do My Dog’s Farts Smell Like Rotten Eggs?
Their Diet Is Very High Protein
Red meat contains high levels of the element sulfur, and when it mixes in excess with the gut’s naturally occurring bacteria, smelly farts may be released by your doggo! Your dog may also be having a harder time than most digesting this kind of meat, so if you have concerns over your dog’s ability to process certain foods, then check in with your vet. Easier meats to digest for dogs that still contain suitable levels of protein include turkey, chicken, and fish rather than red meats like pork, beef, venison, etc.
Too Many Leafy Veggies
It’s great if you’re offering your dog an additional source of fiber and vitamins in a complementary way and in the form of safe-to-eat vegetables. However, too many leafy greens like kale, broccoli, or cauliflower, although not toxic for a dog, can cause your dog’s farts to smell like rotten eggs. Try reducing the amount they’re being given, or alternating with other safe veggies that will likely lead to less flatulence like chopped-up carrots or cucumber.
They’re Having Too Much Human Food
Whether they’re being offered human foods by you, being scraped something cheeky off another member of your household’s plate, or they are rummaging through the trash, high-fat and high-sodium foods can make your dog’s farts smell of rotten eggs. Whilst many human foods are safe for dogs, there’s also an extensive list that are not. Not only can they cause your dog to smell like sulfur, but also cause them to put on weight or even poison them.
They Have An Intolerance
Did you know that many dogs actually have intolerances or allergies to certain meats and foods themselves!? Dogs can develop or outgrow intolerances and/or allergies at any age too. But, both can cause your dog’s farts to smell of rotten eggs… If you think this may be the case, it’s time to check in with their vet for an assessment so you can source the culprit food and rid it from your doggy’s diet.
They Have Worms
Intestinal parasites like worms in dogs can not only cause your dog’s farts to smell like sulfur, but they can also cause your dog to have other issues like diarrhea and seemingly unexplained weight loss. If left untreated, worms can lead to infections in the intestine and in turn, intensify the smell of their gas too. Eventually, if left long enough, your dog’s entire body will be affected and their life may be threatened so if you suspect a parasitic infection, it’s time to get your dog to a vet.
PetLab Co. Pro Tip: Worms are preventable! It is an essential part of owning a dog to administer regular, de-worming treatment to them. This protects them, your home, your family, and your community from the different types of intestinal worms in dogs. Consult with your vet about which is the best course for your pooch, as there are a variety of prevention methods available from injection and tablet forms to spot-on treatments.
Effective, regular flea prevention is also vital for your dog’s health and can also help guard your dog against Tapeworms, as fleas are how Tapeworms are contracted.
They Have Another Condition
If none of the above seem relevant to your dog’s farts smelling like rotten eggs or sulfur, they may be experiencing other conditions like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), canine colitis, pancreatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, or irritable bowel disease but they will need to be seen by a vet to determine this and be treated accordingly. If you have any concerns over your pet’s health, always consult with a professional, licensed veterinarian.
Dog’s Farts Smell Like Sulfur? Here’s What To Do…
Try A New Diet; Slow down your dog’s eating if they scoff their food to help slow their digestion (you can purchase bowls that help implement this), and consider switching up your dog’s food. If their food is too high in protein, or they’re receiving too many leafy greens, try re-steering your dog’s food sources. However, always do this gradually over a period of two weeks minimum to avoid your dog’s stomach becoming upset.
Stop Sharing Your Food; If your dog has been accessing human food (consensually or otherwise), it’s time to reassess the household’s habit of feeding your dog with snacks meant for humans, to secure your trash cans properly so Fido can’t get into them and engage in ethical training to stop them from wanting to rummage through your garbage in the first place.
See The Vet; If you suspect worms, parasitic infection, allergies, intolerances, or another condition, make an appointment for your dog with your vet. If these are ruled out, you can work out the next steps to diminish your dog’s farts that smell of rotten eggs with your vet too.
Sources
Author Aaron, Mark “Why Do My Dog’s Farts Smell Like Rotten Eggs or Sulfur?” Doggysaurus https://doggysaurus.com/why-do-dogs-farts-smell-like-rotten-eggs-sulfur
“Why Do My Dog’s Farts Smell Like Rotten Eggs?” Bulldog Papa https://bulldogpapa.com/why-do-my-dogs-farts-smell-like-rotten-eggs/
