Dog owners can rest easy knowing that a burping dog isn’t usually any cause for concern, but there are some things to look out for. Knowing why a dog is burping will help an owner make informed decisions about their dog’s digestive health.
A burp is an oral emission of excess gas from the stomach or esophagus. Unlike a fart, which is a byproduct of digestion, burping is often a byproduct of swallowed air.
But where does this air come from?
Often, while consuming food or drink, we also take in a large amount of air. The same is true of our dogs. This air eventually makes its way out of us in that special way we’ve all grown to love: a burp.
But dogs especially have a tendency to scarf down their food and water rapidly with little regard for how much air they’re forcing into their stomachs. Unfortunately, this rushed feeding is usually the culprit when it comes to our burping dogs.
How can I stop my dog from burping?
Most times, a dog’s burping will subside in a matter of minutes and doesn’t normally occur on a day-to-day basis. However, if your dog’s burping persists, you may be asking what you can do to help.
As previously mentioned, your dog is probably feeding too quickly. This is forcing air into their stomach which finds its way back out again in the form of a burp. If you have other dogs in the house, this is usually a sign of competitive behavior. Try feeding your pets in separate rooms so that their natural, protective instincts don’t have them racing to finish their meal. It’s not uncommon for dogs to feel territorial at the threat of losing an ounce of their chow.
If there are no other pets in the house, or they seem like they’re not interfering with one another during mealtime, an underlying health issue could be what’s causing your dog’s burping. There is a slew of gut-related health issues ranging from mild to severe that could be causing your dog’s gastric distress. If you notice any other strange behavior accompanying your dog’s burping, especially if their sudden, or unprovoked, it’s always a wise consideration to take them to a veterinarian.