ANITA'S ANIMAL CORNER
 "Our Dog Farts"
By Jean Sutherland

     Yes I know it's blunt, but using the words "passing gas" just does not cut it (sorry no pun intended). Suzy farts. Suzy is our 65 pound part white boxer, springer spaniel. Suzy likes to sleep in our bed, which I am sure she thinks is hers, at night. With head near the bottom and the other end facing us, it starts. Silent explosions all night long. You need a gas mask to sleep in our room at night and no matter how often we complain to her she continues "blowing in the wind". I guess we should feel lucky. Friends of ours have a small dog and he sleeps right up by their faces.
     Although the smell may be overpowering, in most cases flatulence is not indicative of a serious medical problem. Intestinal gas usually means that your animal, cat or dog, has simply eaten something he can't digest properly. The culprit most often tends to be excess carbohydrates, which contain sugar and starch that ferment in your pet's intestine.
     Have you been giving your four legged gas-passer cheese or milk? Some dogs and cats are lactose-intolerant, and any dairy product can result in occasional flatulence. If your pet's flatulence is coupled with diarrhea or vomiting, however, it is a good idea to consult a veterinarian. If there seems to be no end in sight to your pet's chronic gas, however, your pet's regular brand of food may the culprit. Check the ingredients listed on the label. ASPCA experts recommend that you opt for a formula with smaller percentages of wheat, corn and soy, which are laden with gas-producing carbohydrates.
     It may take several brands before you find the one that works best for your dog or cat, but make sure you change the food gradually, starting with 1/4 part of the new food and 3/4 old, until you've completely switched over. And remember, any sudden change in diet can bring on a bout of gas or diarrhea.
     Animals who eat too quickly, as well as those who eat too much, also are prone to flatulence. If your pet falls into one of these categories, you may need to modify his dinner routine. If you have one cat who gobbles his grub in a hurry just to keep your other cat from eating it, consider feeding them in separate rooms; the same goes for dogs who partake in group dining.
     Dogs and cats suffering from flatulence may find relief with an anti gas remedy available from your veterinarian or pet supply store.These remedies work by making the carbohydrates in your pet's food easier for him to digest. And try to get in some extra exercise, a good walk or play session can do wonders to help push that excess gas out of your animal companion's system.
     With the huge influx of puppies and kittens we have had in the last
couple of months, the shelter is in need of funds to buy medicines so that we can inoculate all the little ones and give them a healthy start in their new homes. You can donate online at anitasanimals.com or if you need a donation picked up you can reach me at 376 766 2694 in Ajijic.
     The shelter is on the road going up to the Racquet Club, left side, number 31, about 300 yards before the guards gate into the Racquet Club. If you would like to adopt a dog or cat please come and see us. We have plenty to choose from.