In case you didn’t know, dogs do burp — just like all humans and other mammals do. Like ours, it is their body’s way of releasing the air through their mouth.
Most dog burps are totally normal. However, if you think your dog is burping more than usual, you might start wondering what’s happening and what needs to be done.
Below, we will discuss factors and causes of dog burping and the things you can do to minimize excessive burping. We will also talk about what signs you should watch out for and how to know if you need to seek medical attention for your furry friend.
Table of Contents
Factors That Affect Burping
If you suspect that your dog is burping more than usual, take note of the following factors below and see if some of these may apply to your dog.
1. Breed
Some dog breeds burp more than others. This is especially the case for flat-faced dogs, which are also known as brachycephalic breeds. Pugs, bulldogs, and chihuahuas are some of the dogs who belong to this breed.
Burping usually follows after dogs swallow air as they eat. For flat-faced dogs or those with shorter snouts, they tend to swallow air more than others, causing excessive gas to be trapped in their digestive tract.
2. Diet
A dog’s diet might also contribute to its burping condition. Make sure the foods you give your dog don’t have any ingredient that may trigger an allergic reaction for them. You should also lessen food intake that causes bacterial formation because your dog might have a harder time digesting these kinds of food, such as those with beans, spices, and excess fats.
If your dog’s diet is more on raw food with large protein content, you should also watch out for sulfur burps. Sulfur burps are produced when the gastrointestinal tract starts to digest the protein in their food.
3. Eating habits
Eating too fast is as harmful to dogs as it is to humans. As mentioned, when dogs eat, air can sometimes be swallowed along with the food. Gulping down their meals can create a build-up of air in their stomach, which can be harmful if they are unable to pass that gas.
There are many reasons for dogs to develop the habit of fast eating, and pet parents must watch out for it. Excessive hunger, greediness, or the feeling of threat and competitiveness against another dog may cause your dog to quicken their eating pace.
4. Dietary adjustments
If your dog suddenly burps after eating and you know that it’s an unfamiliar habit, observe whether it is something in their environment or the way they have been currently living that caused the change.
Dogs can have sensitive stomachs. If there is a need to change their diet, it will naturally take time for them to adjust. Therefore, it’s better to implement the change gradually.
Medication adjustments should also be made properly. You should ask your vet if it’s possible that the medications cause your dog to burp more.
Illnesses and Conditions that Affect Burping
If your dog burps a lot in its natural state, this shouldn’t alarm you. However, you should be able to notice if the burping has become more frequent, especially if there is a change in your dog’s diet, behavior, and training regime.
It is possible that burping is a warning sign of an underlying condition which your dog may have. We don’t want that for our furry best friend, so here is a shortlist of the illnesses and conditions you may want to be familiarized with, just in case.
1. Aerophagia
Aerophagia is the most common cause of burping for dogs. In simple terms, aerophagia is excessive and repeated air swallowing. As air swallowing happens, gas builds up and interacts with the food your dog is eating, the digestive enzymes, and stomach acid.
As a result – and this should happen – excessive air is passed out through burping or flatulence, more commonly known as farting.
2. Acid reflux
As mentioned, dogs have stomachs that are quite sensitive. However, some dogs tend to eat things that are not good for them, like your missing pair of socks or other household items, like tissue paper.
If your burping dog is curious by nature, their excessive burping might be caused by an upset or irritated stomach, leading to acid reflux. This can indicate that the actual food they eat isn’t digesting the proper way.
3. Inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel disease or IBD is a syndrome where dogs suffer from recurring episodes of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. This results from the chronic irritation of a dog’s intestinal tract.
Although it may be hard to track what causes an IBD, it is important to treat it because this condition may prevent your dog from getting the nutrients he needs.
4. Bloat
Dog bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a common but unfortunately lethal illness characterized by an excessive accumulation of gas, food, or fluid in the stomach, which causes it to expand and place pressure on other organs.
When GDV happens, a dog’s stomach can twist, trapping blood and preventing it from returning to the heart and circulating in other areas of the body.
How to Minimize Burping Frequency
Again, burping is usually normal for dogs. However, if it has become an increasingly alarming thing for you, you can still do something for your dog to reduce burps. Here are some tips to minimize the burping of your dogs.
- Offer small amounts of water frequently for dogs who tend to drink too quickly.
- Use mealtime as a training time for dogs who gobble down their food as soon as they see it.
- If you can’t hand-feed your dog, you may opt to get him a slow feeder to significantly increase the time spent by your dog to finish their food.
- Feed your dog high-quality food which can be easily digested, low in fat, and contains a sufficient amount of fiber.
- If you have two or more dogs, it may be best to station dogs in separate rooms during mealtimes, so they won’t have to feel threatened by the other getting their food. Dogs can be competitive, which means they will probably chow their food faster just to prevent another from taking it away from them.
- If your dog just came from a round of play and is still out-of-breath, it is best to wait for them to stabilize their condition before feeding them so they won’t swallow excess air as they eat.
When to Seek Help
An observant eye is important for a pet owner. As such, you should start seeking medical help from your veterinarian once you notice something out of the ordinary, such as:
- Vomiting alongside increased burping
- Lethargy or accelerated breathing
- Abdominal pain
- Discolored gums or bad breath
FAQ
How Does Dog Burp Work?
The process of making a dog burp begins with the dog swallowing water or food. When this happens, air rushes into the dog’s trachea . This causes the muscles around the windpipe to contract, which pushes the air out through the mouth.
Why Do Dogs Burp?
It’s not always easy for your dog to swallow. Sometimes he will choke on his food or drink because he has an obstruction in the esophagus . If this occurs, the dog may try to cough up the blockage. However, if the dog swallows too quickly, he may not have time to expel the blockage before he inhales again. As a result, the air enters the lungs instead of going down the esophagus.
What Causes Dog Burps?
There are many different reasons why dogs might burp. Some of these include:
• Swallowing too fast
• Eating too much at once
• Drinking too much water
• Eating foods that contain large amounts of fiber
• Having problems clearing the airway
• Being overweight
• Getting excited or nervous
• Staying still long enough for the airways to close
If you notice your dog making a loud burping noise, there may be something wrong with his digestive system. You should take him to see your veterinarian so that she can examine him and determine what’s causing the problem.
Can I Stop My Dog From Burping?
Yes! There are several things that you can do to help prevent your dog from burping. First, don’t give him anything to eat or drink right after he eats or drinks. Wait until he finishes eating or drinking before giving him more. Also, don’t feed your dog very large meals all at once. Instead, divide them into smaller portions. Finally, avoid feeding your dog foods that contain large amounts fiber. These types of foods tend to cause gas and other gastrointestinal issues.
Is It Normal For A Puppy To Burp?
A puppy does not need to burp. In fact, puppies rarely burp unless they are sick or choking. They usually learn how to control their breathing while they are still inside their mother’s womb. Once they come out of her body, however, they begin to breathe independently.
Conclusion
Just like their owners, dogs do burp. It is normal and not something to be worried about. Still, pet parents tend to have a special connection with their dogs. If you think something is strange, trust your gut and seek out medical help to keep our furry friends safe and sound.
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