How do you effectively massage gas out of dogs? These techniques will help you keep your dog relaxed and stress free!
Gas is a common health issue faced by many of us, but sometimes it indicates a serious issue that needs to be addressed promptly. Dogs suffer from it quite often and, sadly, if the problem is not quickly fixed, it can turn into a dire situation.
Occasionally, dogs do have health problems, but most of the time it is merely gas, which, if not passed, may aggravate the situation.
You may have to massage your dog to help them get rid of gas, but you need to be aware of the pros and cons, so let’s discuss the proper procedure, appropriate methods, and applications.
Table of Contents
What Causes Gas?
The reasons can be numerous, but usually fermentation of bacteria leads to an accumulation of gas. Gas can also be developed by dogs when they swallow a lot of air. This happens quite frequently and, sadly, it is a very common problem in dogs that puts them in extreme discomfort and causes irritability.
When gas is generated by bacterial fermentation, it is mostly caused by a change in diet that is hard on a dog’s stomach. This can be a result of consuming gas-causing foods like milk, peas, soybeans, beans, and many others. Since they are hard to digest, they form voids of gas in the dog’s stomach.
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Since the consumption of too much air also leads to excess gas, we need to understand and figure out the situations that lead to our dogs swallowing air. Mostly, dogs tend to eat too fast, which could be a result of inadequate training, or sometimes, the dog jumps into a competition of eating faster than its peers.
On other occasions, the owner may give their dog a good run and then make them eat immediately after, which can put too much strain on the poor dog.
To ease this, slow dog feeders are a handy choice as they assist in normalizing a dog’s breathing pattern, allowing a better eating speed, and digestion of food in a manner that supports your dog’s well-being.
How Does Soreness Affect This?
Occasionally, your dog may partake in more physical activity than normal, thus causing them soreness.
This is often observed in older dogs after their owners take them on long walks or make them participate in a lot of activities on weekends, for example when attempting to amuse little kids. Afterwards, your dog may experience soreness and face unbearable body aches.
They might not be as cheerful as you expect them to be on a normal day, and their mood swings could be upsetting for you and your children.
Hence, if you observe your dog limping or lying down for long periods, you should consider whether your dog is overworked, as they might be in need of special care and rest.
Sometimes, your poor dog might flinch from their intolerable suffering, so be proactive and give them a wonderfully relaxing massage. Do it with the warmth of your love and be ready to be amazed by the remarkable results.
Anxiety Kills!
Anxiety is the main contributor to many physical and mental impairments that can cause changes in your dog’s behavior and attitude. Anxiety makes dogs suffer both physically and mentally. When a dog is anxious, its system can get totally blocked up. They are then more likely to suffer from constipation.
How can this situation be managed? You may tackle anxiety by giving your dog a massage. In large amounts, you should perform a massage quite soothingly. It is advisable to massage their back and then slowly increase pressure, provided that your dog responds favorably.
You may move your hands over the spinal cord, then down the sides while avoiding touching their belly. Unwantedly touching a dog’s belly can be annoying and irritating to them, so it is best to avoid it!
Bloating- Take It Seriously For Gas and Stress Relief!
Bloating is unimaginably painful in dogs, as it is quite difficult to handle and they can’t do anything about it themselves. Massages are definitely beneficial for bloating, but they must be performed with a dash of love.
Should it be an indifferent massage? No, not at all! Caressing, patting, and stroking your dog during their massage may help to alleviate their bloating in no time. Take charge of the situation before it’s too late.
How To Massage Gas Out Of Dogs Effectively
Since some dogs are unable to pass gas on their own, which leads to accumulation of gas, massaging targeted parts of your dog will relieve the trouble-causing gas, substantially decreasing discomfort. However, it is important to consult a vet if the situation persists.
Certain methods exist regarding proper handling and massaging for your dog, so you must consider the problem area carefully. If the targeted area is mishandled, your dog may experience more pain.
Applying too much pressure unnecessarily may unsettle your dog. Since the purpose of the massage is to get rid of gas, remember that the gas may be painful, and putting unnecessary strain on a delicate part of your dog’s body may increase your dog’s discomfort.
Some experts advise moving flat palms over the dog’s body, rhythmically and gently. They say this could be the best possible method. All you need to do is distinguish between hard and soft areas to manage your hand pressure.
Your hands are a medium to transfer your loving thoughts to your dog. Pay heed to all parts of their body. For large sections, simply rub so that the pressure is released. Squeezing can prove more useful for small sections of the body.
Vets advise treating both large and small sections patiently and skillfully to get your desired outcome. Not all areas can be treated or massaged alike: bony parts may be massaged with more pressure, while soft, delicate areas might not be able to bear the same amount of pressure.
This understanding of your dog’s body will strengthen the bond of love and mutual respect between pet and owner. Your dog will stay healthier and happier. Sounds great, doesn’t it?
If your dog does not enjoy massaging, they may not keep calm. In this case, a good pat on the back would be beneficial as it conveys your warm thoughts to your dog.
You will transmit positive energy to your dog by treating them respectfully and affectionately so that they relate the massage to something quite desirable and sought after.
Where To Massage Your Dog and Why
You need to massage the area where gas has accumulated. The problem may not be as simple as gas accumulated at just one point—it could be stuck throughout their whole system.
Anxiety could be the main reason that prevents your dog from feeling light, relaxed, and happy. Just be mindful of the right pressure on the right spot. Your dog will love it!
Gently Pushing Gas
If the reason for gas is unknown or you want to avoid an appointment with a vet, we recommend that you massage your dog’s sides and stomach. If you fail to provide quick relief, your dog’s condition may worsen and even become critical.
The Reasons For Dog Bloating
Bloating in dogs can be directly linked to too much fluid consumption, accumulated gas, frustration, mounting stress or anxiety, lack of physical activity, or eating too fast.
As discussed earlier, the way you massage gas out of your dog and bloating can both be directly linked to eating or drinking too fast, allowing a large amount of air into the body. An owner should never make an animal eat too quickly.
Similarly, you should allow some time after a long run or walk before offering food to a tired dog. Not chewing the food properly also puts extra strain on your dog’s stomach for digestion.
You should give your dog ample time to eat before planning any other activity, such as chasing a ball or playing with your children in the evening, or entertaining the weekend guests with play and tricks.
A bloated dog experiences a stomach that expands too much, putting a lot of strain on other body organs, especially the lungs, making breathing extremely difficult for the poor dog.
Another grave impact of bloating could be tearing of the stomach walls, resulting in stomach pain, which, if not addressed in a timely manner, could greatly aggravate the issue.
In the worst cases, the blood flow is restricted, barely reaching the lining of the stomach and heart, thus becoming a very serious health concern.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, gas in a dog’s stomach could be an extreme problem that calls for urgent actions.
It is an owner’s sole responsibility to treat their dog with care and affection since the innocent creatures absolutely depend on their owners for food, shelter, and medical help.
Depending on the gravity of the situation, you may have to call a vet if the problem is not resolved via massaging.
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