If you’ve ever woken up in the middle of the night to the awful smell of gas coming from your French Bulldog while they snore next to you, you know it’s only a matter of minutes before the farting choir begins.
Dogs, like people, are not immune to flatulence. The mild tummy bloating, grumbling squeaky sounds, and smell of gas tell you your little Frenchie has stomach discomfort.
In fact, like some naughty humans, canines tend to walk away and leave you with the malodorous gas which permeates and lingers long after its appearance.
So, what makes French Bulldogs fart?
Types of Food
The main reason your French bulldog becomes a little gas machine is his or her diet. There are many dog food products in the market, but not all have the correct ingredients for your dog.
Processed and commercial foods have excessive carbohydrates which are bad for Frenchies. Carbohydrates contain starches and sugar that cause extreme gas just like fermentable foods such as beans or broccoli.
Just like humans, dogs can develop food allergies. They don’t digest high fiber grains or wheat and as a result, produce gas. In addition, their lactose intolerance to milk or cheese could not only cause them flatulence but diarrhea as well.
And, if you get your dog cheap food, make sure it is from a trusted manufacturer. Poor quality kibble or wet food might not go well with your Frenchie’s digestive system and make them release copious amounts of gas.
Table Scraps
Despite their droopy yearning eyes, never feed your French Bulldog table scraps. Carbohydrates, starches, sugars, and other ingredients in human food are irritable to a dog’s stomach. When you feed your French Bulldog table scraps, those ingredients will likely turn farts into stink bombs.
Obesity and Lack of Exercise
You should always make walking your dog a priority, especially if you have a French Bulldog. When dogs exercise and maintain a steady weight, they remain healthy. However, when they are obese, fat contributes to chronic gas.
Should I be worried about my French Bulldog farting?
Normally, you should not worry about your French Bulldog’s farting. French Bulldogs are a breed known to have sensitive stomachs and as a result, do not digest food well. The main reason for their sensitivity is their anatomy. Just like Pugs and Boxers, the Frenchie’s flat face and nose cause them to swallow air while taking in their food. In addition, they eat fast which also causes them to swallow air. Eventually, that air comes out in excessive farting.
On the other hand, if your French Bulldog has a healthy protein diet, exercises and is energetic, then constant farting may be a sign that the problem could be a medical issue. You should check with your Frenchie’s vet to determine whether the non-stop gas results from:
- Cushing’s disease
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Parasites
- Inflammation of the intestines
What can I do to minimize the amount my French Bulldog farts?
Change your French Bulldog’s diet and keep track of their flatulence. The best way to do this is by consulting your dog’s veterinarian first. Some veterinarians prescribe probiotics mixed in the food, for example.
French Bulldogs are well-known gas machines. Farting is one of the most common complaints Frenchie Bulldog owners have. If you adopt a French Bulldog, you’ll soon discover your little canine is prone to gas.
Keeping your dog on a low-carbohydrate diet, walking them, and keeping them energetic, will maintain your Frenchie’s health and reduce the chance of them releasing gas.
Will is the proud co-owner of Frankie, a Female Brindle French Bulldog, with his wife Michelle. We share our Frenchie experiences with the world to help health-conscious French Bulldog owners who want a happy, healthy, and long-living dog.