Kelly
Ah, the beloved Boston Terrier – an adorable breed known for its charming personality, expressive eyes, and, well, a tendency to emit more gas than a rocket launch! If you’ve ever shared your home with a Boston, you probably know the eye watering farting I’m talking about.
But fear not, fellow pet parents, for in this article, we shall take a journey to explore the mysterious, and often humorous world of Boston Terrier flatulence. From the scientific explanations behind their gassy nature to practical tips and tricks for mitigating the air pollution, let’s dive right in and clear the air on what causes these cute canines to be so gassy!
I probably don’t need to tell you what a fart is and why they smell like, well, you know….but, here goes…
I had farts explained to me by my gastroenterologist (I have Crohn’s Disease, so got to know my Doc pretty well). It’s basically air passing over poop still in the intestines. There are other factors that go into the smell, but that is pretty much the gist of it.
What Causes Boston Terriers to Fart SO Much?
Brachycephalic Anatomy:
One of the primary reasons behind Boston Terriers’ gassiness lies in their unique facial structure. Brachycephalic breeds, characterized by their short noses and flat faces, tend to gulp down air while eating or drinking, leading to an increase in swallowed air and subsequent gas production.
Dietary Habits
Like humans, a dog’s diet plays a significant role in their digestive health. Certain ingredients in commercial dog foods, such as soy, wheat, and excessive fiber, can contribute to flatulence in sensitive Boston Terriers. Additionally, if your mischievous pooch is adept at dumpster diving, they may consume foods that don’t agree with their digestive system, resulting in more frequent gas episodes.
Food Allergies or Intolerances:
Just like us, our canine companions can have food sensitivities too! Food allergies or intolerance to specific ingredients can lead to excessive gas production. Common culprits include dairy, certain grains, and ingredients like onion and garlic.
Swallowing Habits:
Boston Terriers may be enthusiastic eaters, often swallowing their food quickly without chewing adequately. This rapid consumption can introduce additional air into their digestive tract, contributing to flatulence.
Tips to Avoid Flatulence in Boston Terriers
Mind the Menu:
Opt for high-quality, easily digestible dog food formulated for sensitive stomachs. Avoid foods containing ingredients that have been linked to gas production in dogs. A grain-free diet or limited ingredient diet might be worth considering for some Boston Terriers.
If you are unsure if your Boston will like grain free dog food, many manufacturers sell it in smaller sizes so you can test it out without a huge financial commitment. Or being stuck with a huge bag of food your Boston won’t eat.
Nature′s Recipe Dry Dog Food, Grain Free Recipe comes in 4lb, 12lb and 24lb bags. Flavors available are: *Salmon, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin,
*Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin and Lamb,
*Sweet Potato & Pumpkin.
If you purchase from Amazon, you can get set up for auto delivery if you want. This food also helps with loose stools and skin allergies. The price is on par with other brands, but they don’t all give the option for smaller “trial” sizes, like this one does. I tried the small bag for my Boston, Nella, and although she is “The Non-Farting Boston”, it DID clear her mild skin issues and stopped most of the “upchuck” she would do occasionally.
Slow Down the Feast:
To help reduce swallowed air, consider using slow-feed bowls or food puzzles that encourage slower eating habits. This simple trick can make a noticeable difference in your Boston’s gassy escapades.
The CAISHOW Slow Feeder Anti Gulping Dog Bowl is made of thick, quality plastic and makes your Boston work for the food by forcing him to use his tongue to get the kibble at the bottom of the bowl. This bowl is very effective because it’s deeper than the other brands.
If your dog inhales food without chewing and finishes it in 5 seconds flat, this bowl should slow them down to 5 minutes at least. They can be a little challenging to wash, but soaking it first before cleaning helps!
Be Aware of Allergens:
Monitor your Boston Terrier’s diet and observe if certain ingredients trigger excessive gas. If food allergies or intolerance are suspected, work with your veterinarian to identify and eliminate problematic items from their diet.
Limit Table Scraps:
As tempting as it may be to share a bite with those soulful eyes, resist the urge to feed your Boston Terrier table scraps. Many human foods are unsuitable for dogs and can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances.
Consider Natural Supplements:
Probiotics and digestive enzymes are natural supplements that may aid in maintaining a healthy gut, reducing gas and promoting overall digestive health in Boston Terriers. Advanced Probiotics and Enzymes by NaturVet gets a perfect 5.0-star rating for ingredient quality, and consistently ranks above 4 stars for flavor, scent, and value for money.
There are various sizes to choose from, but if you are not sure if your Boston will like it, start out with the 70 chew size. At two per day, this product should last about 2 months — if not more, depending on your Bostons weight.
Another plus, this not only helps with flatulence, but also other stomach issues like runny stool. It may take a few days or a few weeks before you start noticing a difference, however some people notice an immediate improvement. Also, is this product also helps with bad breath. It’s a win-win….for both ends!
Beano – so there will Beano gas 🙂
Yes, fellow Bostie lovers, it REALLY works! With my first Boston, whose name was Woody, the gas was so toxic, he could clear the living room, from a back bedroom! It didn’t matter what kind of food I gave him. It was so BAD! Finally, in desperation, I thought about Beano after seeing a commercial for it.
Could I safely give this to my dog? I decided to call the Beano hotline (this was back in the 90s, pre-internet). I was told that it was 100 % safe for dogs. Just a few drops on Woody’s food was all it took! The hard part was remembering to do it. I’m not sure if they had a “Beano” like product just for dogs back then.
Unfortunately, Beano stopped making it in liquid form, but Golden Paw Probiotic for Dogs with Natural Digestive Enzymes comes with a liquid dropper and is 100% safe for animals of all sizes. Most Bostons will take one to two droppers full per day over their food, depending on weight. It’s very easy to dispense and is virtually tasteless, so your Boston should be none the wiser.
The Gender Factor: Is There a Difference in Farting Between Male and Female Boston Terriers?
Now, here’s a topic that might fuel some hilarious debates at dog parks! Is there any truth to the notion that male Boston Terriers are gassier than their female counterparts? (This has been the case with my Bostons. The males I had were pretty bad, but my female does NOT fart. At. All.) This may be due to the boys’ eating habits, as opposed to my girl Nella, who is not as food motivated and therefore doesn’t gulp it down like it’s her last meal.
Well, brace yourselves, dear readers, for the answer may leave you in stitches – there is no scientific evidence to suggest that male Boston Terriers are more prone to flatulence than females! The propensity for gas varies from one individual to another, irrespective of gender. So, let’s keep things fair and not blame the boys for all the air pollution!
In conclusion, while Boston Terriers might be notorious for their gassy reputation, fret not, for there are practical measures you can take to alleviate this fragrant predicament. By understanding the root causes of their flatulence and making informed dietary choices, you can significantly improve your Boston Terrier’s digestive health and bring some much-needed fresh air back into your home!
So, fellow pet parents, as we embark on this comedic yet informative journey through the world of Boston Terrier flatulence, let’s remember that our lovable Bosties are just like us – sometimes delightfully quirky! Embrace the laughter and the occasional pungent surprises that come with having a Boston in your life.
But most importantly, prioritize your Boston’s well-being by ensuring they have a healthy, balanced diet for a happy, gas-free existence! After all, a little gas won’t dampen the joy of sharing your life with a Boston Terrier – and a good sense of humor never hurts either!
Have you found something that helps with the gas? Share your tips and tricks below…
Sources:
- “Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)” — The Kennel Club. Link
- “Food Allergies in Dogs” — VCA Hospitals. Link
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