Boston Terrier flatulence is most commonly known as being gassy or farting a lot. Yes, a LOT! They may be called American Gentlemen because of their tuxedo-like coat, but not in this area. Now, let’s talk about how gassy my Boston Terriers may be and what I can do about it.
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Everything You Need to Know About Boston Terrier Flatulence
Boston Terrier flatulence is normal. Farting doesn’t mean they are unhealthy. They fart a lot mainly because they are brachycephalic dogs. They have a shorter snout, their nose is pushed a little inward, and they have a small face.
This affects the way they take in air. I can say that the more air they take in, the more they should give out. Some methods can minimize farting, though I cannot completely eliminate it. Let’s look at some other reasons why my Boston Terriers are gassy.
Why Do Boston Terriers Fart So Much?
Being a brachycephalic dog may be a big reason for flatulence in Boston Terriers, yet there are many other reasons why they fart so much.
Swallowing Air
Most Boston Terriers also breathe through their mouth due to their small nose. Some of them are also speed-eaters. They will eat their food as if someone’s going to get it away from them.
Because of this, some air is swallowed along with every bite. Swallowing so much air means they have more to release through farting.
Eating Human Food
Giving your Boston Terriers human food or table scraps can cause digestive issues including gas. They cannot easily digest the food that I eat, especially those that are rich in fats and sugar. The only human foods that I should give them are those that are rich in essential fatty acids and other nutrients such as egg, fish, and chicken.
Some kinds of vegetables can also be given to them such as carrots, celery, or cucumber. They can be served as raw or cooked. Spicy food should not be given to them as well.
Eating Carbohydrates
A diet that is low in protein, and high in grains or carbohydrates is hard to digest for my Boston Terriers. There will be more gas in their tummy if they cannot digest the food.
When the undigested carbohydrates reach the digestive tract, the bacteria that normally live in the colon ferment them. This fermentation often results in the production of gas. Carbohydrates put stress on the pancreas, too.
Dogs have no nutritional requirement for dietary carbohydrates. They can get the nutrients they need from protein and fat. Just be careful in choosing meats for your Boston Terriers. Too much red meat can cause stinky farts.
Changing Their Diet Suddenly
It is not recommended to change your dog’s diet at once. You must do it little by little, by mixing their old food with the new one that you want to introduce, until they’re used to it. A sudden change in your Boston Terrier diet will upset their stomach.
For example, you can mix 25% of the new food with the old diet of your Boston Terrier for the first week. You can increase it by 50% on the second week, and so on. Do it until they’re completely used to the new diet.
Food Allergies
A food allergen can cause irritation in your dog’s digestive system. Knowing which type of food your Boston Terrier has allergies to will help you eliminate it. It will help not only in farting but also in their skin and coat condition.
The most common allergens are beef, dairy, wheat, chicken, egg, lamb, soy, pork, rabbit, and fish. Most dogs are usually allergic to more than one thing. It’s funny that they need so much protein, yet most of the allergen are protein sources. Therefore, it is really important to know about dog allergy and tolerance of your Boston Terrier.
Since these reasons are all about food and eating, here’s a list of foods that may cause farting:
- Processed treats, such as bully sticks
- Legumes, like peas and peanuts
- Fibers found in fruits and beans
- Kibbles, high in carbohydrates and contains fewer nutrients than its promises
- Yeast can cause intestinal and stomach upset
- Grains, like wheat, corn, or rice
- Dairy products, such as cheese or milk
Boston Terrier Flatulence Causes and Treatments
| Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Swallowing air | Use a slow feeder |
| Consumption of human food | Create a healthy diet |
| Too much carbohydrates | Set an exercise routine |
| Sudden change in diet | Consult the vet for medications |
| Food allergy | Test for intolerance or allergies |
How to Reduce Boston Terrier’s Farting
Though farting is part of Boston Terriers’ life, I can do something to reduce it. Here are some ways to minimize flatulence in Boston Terriers.
Maintain a Regular Exercise Routine
Make sure that they have at least 30 to 40 minutes of exercise each day. Regular exercise will keep your Boston Terrier at its ideal weight. Overweight dogs are more likely to fart compared to those with the right weight.
Make sure not to overfeed them as well.
Feed Them a Healthy Diet
While I could feed them the best possible dog food, their food must be protein-based and in fewer amount of carbohydrates. It is also better to give them raw food than processed ones, such as very dry kibbles. Boiled chicken or turkey and vegetables, like carrots and squash, are also good alternatives.
Limit the amount of processed human food or table scraps that you give them. You can feed your Boston Terrier the following foods:
- Cooked Turkey in very low and gentle heat with no herbs and spices
- Shredded chicken
- Bone broth
- Pumpkin
- Scrambled eggs
Keep Them Out of Trash
Eating food that they should not eat will induce farting. I should keep them far from trash. If I am out with them for a walk, make sure that I am paying attention to what they sniff and put their mouth into.
Give Them Time to Poop
Boston Terrier should be given enough potty time, at least every two hours or every after a meal. Allowing them to release their waste freely can minimize the release of gas out of nowhere.
Slow Down Speed-Eaters
The way they eat can also induce farting. You need to slow them down while eating. You can do this by giving their food in a slow-feeder bowl or puzzle toy. The slower they eat, the lesser air they will intake.
Cut down on the stress your Boston Terrier might feel in association with their mealtime.
Test for Intolerance or Allergies
If you know what not to feed your Boston, will also lessen the amount of gas that they will release. This may also avoid other complications or digestive system irritation.
If you’re testing intolerance by yourself, you can give them a very little amount of food that you want them to try, then take note of their body’s reaction. Allergy testing may be done by your vet.
Consult for Medications
Though farting may seem normal for Boston Terriers, if it is too excessive and includes other symptoms, there may be a medical condition behind it. Some gastrointestinal problems that may cause flatulence are:
- Intestinal parasites: can cause indigestion and nutrients are not absorbed properly by the small intestines
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): happens when the walls of the digestive tract are swollen, resulting in irritability and gas release
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): prevents the small intestine from absorbing the nutrients from the food they eat due to inflamed cells in the digestive tract
- Pancreatitis: when the pancreas is inflamed, it cannot produce enough enzymes for digestion
- Cancer: if the dog has cancer in its digestive tract, its stomach, small and large intestines, and even the rectum are affected and may not function properly.
These problems require proper medications based on your vet’s prescription. Close medical attention is needed in any of those situations.
Use Supplements
You can add prebiotics to their diet. Those are good bacteria needed by your Boston Terrier’s digestive tract. You may also add digestive enzymes to your Boston Terrier’s food if they have a condition such as pancreatitis.
Natural Remedies for Boston Terrier Flatulence
These two natural remedies can be used to reduce flatulence in Boston Terriers. Make sure to put the minimal amount mixed with your dog’s diet.
Peppermint Leaves or Oil
Add a few bits of leaves of peppermint into their food or make peppermint tea to pour over their food. Observe proper precautions when giving peppermint to your dog. Too much peppermint can be toxic to them. Diluted peppermint oil can be used along with ginger to help soothe your pet’s upset stomach.
Ginger
Ginger is generally safe for dogs in small doses. It contains many antioxidants that can relieve gastrointestinal problems, bloating, nausea, and motion sickness. Ginger is anti-inflammatory as well.
You may consult a dog nutrition specialist for the right amount or dosage of these two natural remedies.
When Is the Right Time to See the Vet?
If you have done every remedy mentioned above and your Boston Terrier is still releasing excessive gas, it may be the right time to visit your vet. Flatulence can also cause physical discomfort for your dog.
If your dog has a medical problem such as IBS, IBD, or inflammation of the pancreas, or they have a food intolerance or allergy, their gas may be accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Weight loss
- Loss of Appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Schedule a visit to your veterinarian if your dog shows any of those symptoms.
Related Questions
Why Is My Boston Terrier’s Flatulence So Smelly?
If your Boston Terrier’s fart smells so much, it’s because there’s too much undigested food in the large intestine. It’s also likely that the bacteria has been staying in your pet’s intestine for quite a long time.
Do Boston Terriers Have Sensitive Stomachs?
A Boston Terrier has a sensitive stomach. A sensitive digestive tract will react more to food intolerance or allergy, causing flatulence.
How Long Does a Boston Terrier’s Gas Last?
An increase in gas in Boston Terrier may last for a day or two. If it lasts longer than two days, and you notice other signs of illness, it would be wise to bring your pet to the veterinarian to check for gastrointestinal problems.
Conclusion
Boston Terriers are naturally “farty” animals. They release gas because of many reasons. Primarily because of their brachycephalic face features. Another is due to their diet and the way they eat their food. Flatulence in Boston Terriers can be minimized by giving them proper nutrition, doing some exercises, and giving them correct medication as necessary.
