Dog wind – what can it mean and when to see a vet?

Updated 2026-09-30 · 1 sources

Based on: PDSA

Book a vet visit

This is not usually an emergency on its own – contact your vet if it lasts, gets worse or your dog seems unwell in any other way. Wind can be a normal part of digestion, but it may follow a change in diet, eating something they should not or eating too fast.

What to do now

What you can do now

  1. Contact your vet if it lasts, gets worse or your dog seems unwell.
  2. Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see.
  3. Take a photo or short video to show your vet.
  4. Keep fresh water available.
  5. Let your dog rest somewhere calm.

Don't

  • Do not give any human medicine.
  • Do not wait if it gets worse.

What it can mean

Wind can be a normal part of digestion.[1] It can follow a change in diet, eating something they should not or eating too fast.[1] Smelly or excessive wind can be linked with food intolerance or allergy, colitis or obesity.[1]

Other signs that can come with it

  • Smelly or excessive farting
  • Gas build-up causing discomfort

gradual

Possible causes

  • Sudden change in diet
  • Table scraps, fatty foods or scavenged food
  • Food that has gone off
  • Dairy food such as milk or cheese
  • Eating too fast
  • Swallowing air while eating in flat-faced dogs
  • Food intolerance or allergy
  • Colitis
  • Obesity
  • Stomach upset

What the experts say

“Farting is likely to be normal and may not require any investigation from your vet. However, your vet might want to investigate further if your dog’s farting is excessive, or if any gas build-up is causing discomfort.”

If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure or can't stand up: go to the nearest vet now.

Not sure how serious it is?

OkPaw asks a few quick questions about your pet and tells you in 30 seconds whether it can wait. Free on Google Play for Android.

Get it on Google Play

OkPaw is on Android now – an iPhone version is on its way.

Common questions

Is farting normal for dogs?

Yes. Farting is a normal part of digestion, and if your dog is well otherwise, it is likely to be normal.[1]

What can cause wind in dogs?

It can follow a sudden diet change, table scraps, fatty or scavenged food, food that has gone off, dairy food or eating too fast.[1]

When should I contact a vet about wind?

A vet might investigate if the farting is excessive or gas build-up is causing discomfort.[1]

Sources

  1. PDSA

How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages

Other symptoms in dogs

Hair lossHead tiltHumping BehaviourIncreased ThirstItchingItchy Ears and Head ShakingLimping and stiffnessLoss of balanceLow energyLumpsMouth PainNystagmus