• 🐶 Artemis will never face hunger again

• 🥰 The ultimate guide to your pup’s gas

• 🐾 The most overlooked aspect of dog nutrition

• 🦴 Watch this Blue Heeler “eat” oncoming traffic

• ❤️ A special word from our pups

Did you know…

How many muscles are in a dog’s ear?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Artemis went from the brink of starvation to never having to worry about hunger again.

When Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Officer Rupe responded to an animal cruelty call, she found Artemis in appalling conditions: injured, unable to stand, and soiled in her own feces. At just one year old and 18 pounds, her chances of seeing her second birthday seemed unpromising.

Officer Rupe was struck by Artemis’s incredible spirit. She spent most of her life in a cage, yet she showed a will to live—trying to wag her tail even though she couldn’t do much and eating food after her fluids kicked in. Artemis was choosing to get through to the other side of her life.

As the animal control team worked hard to save her, Officer Rupe chose to foster Artemis... and never let her go. ultimately made her a permanent part of his family.

Now, after three months of living with Officer Rupe, Artemis is living her best life. She’s still learning the ropes of dog life, but she’s smart, curious, energetic, and wants to be everywhere her mom is. You can see how bonded she is with her mom in this video.

Named after the goddess of the hunt and bounty, Artemis will never face hunger again. She’s now healthy, happy, and enjoying every moment of her new life.

Dog toots are just another part of life as a dog parent. Even so, sometimes the amount of gas and smell can be overwhelming. Do they just fart all day? How can a smell like that come from such a cute pup butt? I often wonder how it doesn’t seem to bother them – those super-noses don’t even twitch! In most cases, dog farts are harmless, but excessive gas or a particularly bad smell can indicate that a change needs to be made. Let’s take a closer look at everything gas: causes, how to reduce it, and when it might be time to call your vet.

Why Do Dogs Toot?

Dog toots can be as simple as food moving through their digestive systems. However, if your dog’s gas suddenly changes, becomes excessive, or starts clearing the room, it might be time to investigate further (I know my dog’s silent-but-deadly farts can be a real mystery!).

1. Dietary Causes

What your pup eats plays a huge role in how their digestive tract functions. Some dietary causes of gas include an abrupt change or change that wasn’t slowly acclimated enough in the diet, difficult-to-digest foods like dairy, beans, peas, or foods high in fat, high-fiber foods, spices, and low-quality food that is full of fillers or artificial preservatives.

2. Swallowing Too Much Air

Swallowing too much air is a common culprit of causing gas in dogs. Dogs can swallow air when they’re eating their food too quickly (aka the food shovelers). Short-nosed breeds like Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Shih Tzus are particularly prone to swallowing air when they eat or drink—so be prepared for some dog toots if you’re a parent to any of those breeds. Swallowing excess air can also happen if your pup goes to eat or drinks after playing or running and is still panting heavily.

3. Gastrointestinal Issues

In some cases, dog gas can be attached to something deeper that may require some digging. If your dog already has tummy problems, then it’s important to check off these boxes. Gastrointestinal conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), intestinal parasites, pancreatitis, canine colitis, or even neoplasia (cancer of the bowel) can all cause excessive gas. When gastrointestinal disease is the cause, there are usually other symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or weight loss.

But… why do they smell so bad?

The horrendous smell coming from your dog’s toots can be from a few things.

• Dietary intolerance: If your dog consumes foods they can’t properly digest, like lactose, bacteria in the gut can ferment these undigested particles, leading to foul gas.

• High-fiber foods: These take longer to break down, often resulting in stronger odors as they move through your pup’s digestive system.

• Sulfur-rich foods: These foods are notorious for producing gas that smells like rotten eggs.

• Bacterial infections and inflammation: Issues within the intestinal tract can cause bad gas.

Simple Steps for a Less Gassy Pup

There are a few ways you can help minimize your dog’s gas, and these strategies can also help rule out any potential health issues. Remember, most of the time, smelly farts are nothing to worry about!

Regular exercise can help keep your dog’s digestion on track. Feeding smaller meals more frequently and using slow-feeding bowls can prevent your pup from swallowing too much air. It's also wise to avoid giving them table scraps, fart-inducing vegetables, and hard-to-digest foods. Lastly, consider making a diet change—perhaps removing common allergens or switching your dog’s protein source under your vet’s guidance.

Proper nutrition goes beyond just filling the bowl—it’s the cornerstone of your dog’s overall well-being. The right food can energize them, bolster their immune system, and keep their coat looking its best.

One of the most overlooked aspects of dog nutrition is the tailored nutrition needed for each breed. Each dog breed is magnificent in their own way, and their nutrition should reflect that.

Royal Canin at PetSmart stands out by crafting tailor-made formulas that cater to the specific health needs of each breed. From supporting strong bones and joints to maintaining a healthy coat and aiding digestion, Royal Canin’s food is customized to help your dog thrive.

For example, their kibble is not just about nutrition but also about the experience—it’s designed with your dog’s unique muzzle and eating habits in mind. Whether it's promoting a healthy weight, reinforcing skin health, or ensuring digestive comfort, Royal Canin’s attention to detail makes all the difference.

So, whether your dog is a playful pup or a loyal guardian, trust Royal Canin, available at PetSmart, to keep them happy, healthy, and thriving.

Be sure to claim this exclusive offer while still available: Spend $50 on Royal Canin Dog & Cat food and get 5,000 Treats Rewards points (excludes Vet diet) at PetSmart.com!

Thank you to Royal Canin for sponsoring Daily Dig.

This short, funny video shows a Blue Heeler with his head out the window during a car ride. But this isn’t your typical pup enjoying the wind or the smells of the outdoors—he’s on a mission: to "eat" oncoming traffic! The Blue Heeler watches intently, patiently waiting for cars, and then bam—he chomps as they pass by and considers them taken care of. You can tell he’s not picky either and his "palette" includes all makes and models. It’s 10 seconds of hilarious, and the more you watch, the funnier it gets. One commenter even said it looks like he’s playing a real-life Pac-Man game, and we couldn’t agree more. With 25 million viewers laughing along, it’s clear this Blue Heeler has found his purpose. We just hope he can keep up—there’s plenty of traffic out there, and we need his services to keep the roads clear!

Spend $50 on Royal Canin Dog & Cat food and get 5,000 Treats Rewards points (excludes Vet diet) at PetSmart.com!

Daily Dig is inspired and brought to you by our wonderful dogs. Our dogs, and all the other pups out there, make the world a happier, brighter place. ❤️

With lots of love,

Stitcher, Minnie, & Finnegan 🐾

🦴 A Little Treat

🤔 Did You Know: Dogs have around 18 muscles in each ear.

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