What makes a certain dog breed particularly gassy? Some dogs, due to their relative shape and size, are subject to developing certain conditions that cause them to be excessively gassy. The two main conditions we’ll be discussing below are Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) and Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV). We’ve also included a complete list of the recognized dog breeds that are genetically predisposed to developing these conditions.
Brachycephalic Dog Breeds
Brachycephalic means, literally, “short-headed.” So, dog breeds that are distinguished by their shortened muzzles, cramped skulls, and flattened faces are often referred to as brachycephalic dogs.
Over time, these dogs have been repeatedly bred to adopt increasingly disproportionate features. Most notably of these features is a distinctly shorter upper jaw. This shortening of their upper jaw and shift in their anatomical development has caused these dog breeds to encounter a number of related health problems.
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is a condition exclusive to brachycephalic dog breeds. BOAS is, essentially, airway obstruction. Something is blocking clean, effortless airflow inside the dog’s respiratory system. The source of this blockage differs amongst brachycephalic dogs, but the result is often the same: swallowed air. This extra air in their gastrointestinal tract makes these dog breeds especially gassy.
What causes BOAS?
Sometimes, partially or fully collapsed nostrils are preventing proper airflow inside the dog’s nasal cavity. Other times, the dog’s palate can be elongated, stifling airflow into the lungs. Additionally, the trachea could be the source of the problem, where a growth or excess tissue is causing a blockage in the airway.
Whatever the cause, brachycephalic dogs suffering from BOAS should be monitored closely. If you own or are considering to own a brachycephalic dog breed, consider the risks.
If your brachycephalic dog is snoring or snorting while they inhale or exhale, or panting excessively, or breathing primarily through their mouth, or farting excessively, or showing other signs of respiratory distress, it’s best to seek out the advice of a professional.
A veterinarian will determine the best treatment based on the frequency of the affliction and the location of the obstruction. Unfortunately, surgery is often the only solution to alleviate these symptoms, but symptoms may improve with routine diet and exercise. Provided, is a list of these gassy dog breeds.
List of Brachycephalic Dog Breeds
Affenpinscher (as well as the Boston Terrier)
- Affenpinscher (as well as the Boston Terrier)
- Apple-Headed Chihuahua
- Boxer
- Brussels Griffon
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (as well as the King Charles Spaniel, Tibetan Spaniel, and Japanese Spaniel)
- English Bulldog (as well as the French Bulldog and Valley Bulldog)
- English Mastiff (as well as the Bullmastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, French Mastiff, and Italian Mastiff)
- Pekingese
- Pug
- Shih Tzu
Dog Breeds Predisposed to GDV
Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) is a condition where a dog’s stomach dilates and inhibits its ability to fart or defecate. Volvulus refers to the possibility that the dog’s stomach may rotate and, essentially, flip over in its abdomen. When this occurs, the condition becomes both life-threatening and immediate. From there, a quick diagnosis and major surgery are vital to the dog’s survival.
The key, therefore, is identifying the condition before it’s too late. If your dog is drooling excessively, has abdominal swelling, seems anxious, stretches repeatedly, farts abnormally, is dry retching or heaving, or experiencing other signs of discomfort, see a veterinarian as soon a possible. Owners of dogs on the GDV risk list below should heed this warning.
What Causes GDV?
The exact cause of Gastric Dilatation Volvulus isn’t completely known, but a dog’s relative size and diet have a lot to do with it. Certain food, especially dry food, builds up within the dog’s stomach and traps excess gas along with it. The dog soon lacks the ability to pass this food and gas effectively as they continue to grow inside its stomach.
In response, the stomach dilates and expands. This often takes the shape of bloat in your dog (although bloat is not always a sign that your dog is suffering from GDV). The increased stomach mass and gas pressure can cause the stomach to rotate within the dog’s abdomen. If this occurs, it can cut off blood flow to the stomach, heart, and spleen. Provided, is a list of these gassy dog breeds.
List of Dog Breeds Predisposed to GDV
Basset Hound
- Basset Hound
- Doberman Pinscher
- German Shepherd
- German Shorthaired Pointer
- Gordon Setter
- Great Dane
- Irish Setter
- Newfoundland
- Old English Sheepdog
- Saint Bernard
- Standard Poodle
- Weimaraner