How to massage gas out of dogs in productive ways? Gas is a common and natural phenomenon both in humans and dogs. However, it may be more severe in dogs than in humans. A dog’s bloat can be fatal. Excessive gas can be aching and can cause discomfort. Hence it would be helpful to massage gas out of your dog while the condition warrants it.
Suppose your canine suffers from bloating issues quite frequently. In that case, it is better to consult the veterinarian. Seldom it can also be a signal of some health issues that your dog must be struggling internally. For instance, bacterial fermentation in your dog’s food can cause bloating. Thus, the pet parents should massage the dog to release the gas. Let us see the procedures, methods, and applications involved in massaging a dog with a gassy stomach.
Table of Contents
What is Dog Bloat?
Bloat is a life-threatening condition that affects dogs, especially if they:
Have an overfed meal
Eat rapidly
Drink excessive amounts of water
Exercise vigorously after eating
Suffer from gastritis
Gastritis leads to bloating in the stomach. Your dog cannot vomit to get rid of excess air in his stomach, and blood flow to the heart is prevented. Blood pressure lowers, and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog may die. Suspect bloat if your dog is drooling excessively and is not throwing up. He might be restless with rapid heartbeats. If you notice the above symptoms, take your furry friend to the doctor as soon as possible.
What Causes Gas in Dogs?
Causes of gas in dogs can be due to several reasons:
When dogs swallow too much air, it may lead to bloating.
If there is any bacterial fermentation in your dog’s food.
If your dog eats too quickly.
Feeding food rapidly to your furry friend after an exercise.
Bloating can also happen when they are stressed, under-exercised.
If your dog drinks too much water.
Some food items like peas, beans, spices, milk products, citric acid, soybeans, grains, fat, table scraps, some cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli can also cause bloating.
Suppose your dog starves by the time he is given some meals.
Some foods that are rich in fiber can also cause bloating.
Some dogs, such as Pugs and Boxers, are naturally susceptible to gas since they have brachycephalic faces.
Bloating can signify other medical conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or intestinal parasites.
How Do You Know If Your Dog Has Gas?
Pet parents must look out for these signs if they suspect their dogs of being gassy.
Excessive Belching
Bloated Abdomen
Lethargy
Flatulence
Loose Stools
Weight loss
They are the signs that your dog is suffering from digestive issues, and you need to check if the gas is odorless or has a foul smell. Inspect their stomach and see if there is a rumbling sound or any strange noise. If you find these symptoms, you need to massage your dogs.
What is Dog Massage?
Applying external pressure gently to relieve pain or internal issues like bloating on dogs is called a dog massage. An ideal way to massage your dog is by placing a hand on their abdomen and applying pressure in an upward direction. This includes four strokes:
Right
Left
Up
Down
Massaging in this pattern for about 120 seconds(2 minutes) should help the dog release the trapped gas.
Reasons Why Dog Bloat Can Be Dangerous
When your dog is suffering from bloating, it can cause pressure on other organs.
The organ mainly affected is their lungs, resulting in difficult breathing.
Bloat can also lead to tearing of the stomach walls. This can lead to abdominal pain.
Bloat can also lead to Gastric Dilatation Volvulus, a stomach twist, since it restricts the blood flow in the entire body, especially the heart and stomach lining.
How to Massage Gas Out of Dogs?
Step Wise Guide to Massaging Gas Out of Dogs
1.Apply circulatory pressure along your canine’s waist. Place both palms on the sides of the dog’s abdomen in between their hindquarters and chest. Gently push until you can feel your dog’s muscles. In clockwise rotate your hands up and down. You can do this procedure with your canine in any position. You can also extend as much far as possible. Focus around your dog’s tight belly spots.
2.Apply circulatory movements along your dog’s back. Keep the fingertips of one or both of your hands on either side of your dog’s spine. Then, gently press their shoulders. Make clockwise circles in that region and then anticlockwise circles. Move down the spine till you reach your canine’s rump. This works well when your dog is lying on his stomach or standing.
3.Roll your fingers down your dog’s stomach. Keep one palm in the middle of your dog’s belly and apply gentle pressure. Run your hands down towards their rear end until you reach right above their genitals and repeat the procedure. Make your dog lie on its back or hold it upright while doing this dog massage therapy. You may require to keep them across your hand. The directions like right, left, and up in circulatory moves would work well.
4.Move your hand along your dog’s intestines. Keep one palm on the flat spot beside your dog’s right groin by applying some pressure. Slowly move upwards over the genitals and back down to the left part, making a semi circle around the genitals, and repeat the process. Your dog should be laid on their back or held upright while doing this procedure. If they stand, then get behind and follow the same direction with both hands. Now run your right hand up and your left hand down. Gently push and release your hands as you move to vitalize the intestine. You can also quiver your hands as you move to get the same effect.
5.Compression helps circulation and relieves tension. You can wrap either or both hands around your dog’s thighs and gently knead and release. Move down to the leg and then to the feet. This can aid in relieving the muscular tension that your dog faces to stand and squat, which could lead to difficulty in passing gas. Your canine must be lying down while you do this to remove the extra tension. Avoid kneading the joints or the part where the leg bends.
6.Knead and tug on your dog’s legs from the base. Circularly massage with your fingertips across the joint muscles, where your dog’s leg sticks to their body. Then pull that leg into a straight position and gently bend it at the shoulder up to your furry friend’s head. Do this to each leg for some seconds. Your dog should lie down while performing this procedure to get the best results.
7.Gently press your dog from head to tail to soothe them. Slowly run your hands from the back of your dog’s head down to their sides, reaching their legs and tail. This can unleash the tension in their body and set their digestive issues, and calm them down to prepare for other massages. You can do this procedure to keep your dog in any position. Pay proper attention to the skull and tail to relax your dog.
Tip: Avoid touching those spots that upset or hurt your dog. This is an excellent dog massage therapy to start with or end up with any other dog massages.
8.Place either hand on your canine’s neck, gently apply pressure, and move downwards to the heart. Run along your dog’s torso, legs, and tail, altering the directions of your moves, so they move towards the chest. This promotes blood circulation to the heart to switch on the body functions and digestion. You can do this with your canine in any position. Running your fingers in any direction is fine if your dog doesn’t want you to go against their coat.
Pro tips
Keep your dog away from any distractions while massaging. Take your dog to a silent and friendly room, where you both enjoy. Keep them away from windows, so your canine doesn’t get distracted, and play some music that is melodic and soothing.
To get rid of flatulence in the future, change your dog’s diet and feed your canine high-quality dog food with dog-safe ingredients like vegetables and meat and also avoid human food like peas, broccoli, and milk products.
To promote good dog health, fix a proper exercise schedule such as going on walks if they are overweight and playing fetch or catch games, and some introductory training sessions can also help them.
Massaging a dog’s stomach could be very beneficial in relieving the discomfort caused by flatulence. Not only does it help unleash the trapped gas, but it also aids in moving their food waste by their system.
How Long Should You Continue Massaging Dog Gas Out?
Although prolonged dog massage can result in vomiting, things are worse for both pet parents and their dogs. Experts recommend that a session lasts for one to two minutes at the most. Then, you can repeat when required until the symptoms subside.
Other Methods to Release Gas Out of Your Dog
If the pet owner is in a situation where his dog requires special attention, you can do these:
Remove any treats or food from your dog’s plate.
Keep water nearby and once your dog is done eating, let your dog take some sips of water.
The simplest and easiest way to massage your dog with gas is by rubbing its head. A simple pat can give them a lot of benefits, mainly to their stomachs. Massaging on the pressure points near their eyes can relieve their gallbladder and stomach. It also helps in promoting their nervous system.
Ears are the parts of their body that are closely related to their stress and anxiety levels. Paying keen attention to your canine’s ear flaps will aid in eliminating the stress they are facing.
Three ingredients that could help in solving your dog’s bloating.
Ginger – Sprinkling ginger onto their food.
Yogurt – Serving a little yogurt if your dog is tolerant to lactose can help in aiding digestive issues such as diarrhea or gas
You can also mix edible peppermint oil into their water dish to relieve flatulence.
When to Consult a Veterinarian?
While your canines can experience mild bloating as a sign of gas, it can be different from their actual bloating or GDV. Bloat in dogs occurs when the stomach is filled with gas, and there is a muscle spasm. This hinders the flow of blood and oxygen from the rest of the dog’s body and causes their belly to bloat. A canine struggling from bloating can be
Anxious
Excessively salivate
Attempt to vomit
Will likely cry if you press their stomach.
These symptoms are distinct from those of a gassy dog with mild bloat. If your dog shows any signs of flatulence, immediately approach your veterinarian. No home remedies can cure GDV or bloat, and every minute is precious with this discomfort. Other significant signs that need immediate attention from the veterinarian are:
Frequent diarrhea
Vomiting
Severe ache
Weak
Tired
These can be a red signal of severe illness, and it is best to have your vet diagnose your dog’s condition.
Conclusion
Excessive gas in a dog’s stomach can lead to many issues. If they are suffering from any discomfort due to excessive gas, the pet parents must figure out the probable reasons for the cause. Pet parents can do many things at home, and knowing how to massage gas out of the dog can be a first aid before consulting your vet.
