Simethicone For Dogs: Uses, Dosage, & Side Effects

Mary Simpson
by Mary Simpson
Does your dog have a lot of gas? If you can’t stand the smell anymore, then maybe you should check of simethicone for dogs.


If you live with a dog, you know that gas happens. And nothing can clear a room faster, than a heavily flatulent pooch, right? But while the occasional “outburst” is common with all dogs, excessive gas that causes your pet discomfort isn’t. The good news is that for those dogs who suffer from gassy cramps, relief is at hand.


It’s called Simethicone but you might know it by its over-the-counter name of Gas-X. And how it provides your pet (or you) with temporary relief is fairly basic. It simply binds all those tiny gas bubbles into larger ones that are easier to pass through belching or flatulence.


While this medication doesn’t require a prescription, it’s best to consult with your vet before you run out to your local drug store. He or she can recommend the best dosage for your dog based on his size, age, and medical history.


Now before we talk about how it resolves the farting dog dilemma, let’s take a quick look at what causes gassiness. Just like in humans, bacteria in the intestinal tract breaks food down after a meal to allow for nutritional absorption. It’s during this process that a sulfur-smelling gas is created and that build-up is what leads to a tooting pooch. It’s just nature’s way of relieving the pressure inside of him.



With brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Pekingese – any type of dog with a flat facial structure – they tend to gulp air as they eat because their nose is quite literally buried in kibble. Of course, this swallowed air needs to find its way out of his system and this is just one more way that your pet can become gassy. And why this type of breed is notorious for passing wind.


But whether it’s down to gulped air or over-indulging, a little flatulence is all part of your dog’s digestive system and perfectly normal. What’s not normal is when it becomes chronic and excessive to the point of causing him discomfort. And because he can’t let you know he’s feeling crampy, you need to watch for signs that include a slightly bloated belly, rumbling that you know is not down to hunger, as well as chronic farting. While the latter may seem like he’s dealing with the situation quite well on his own, it may be just the tip of the iceberg and a sign that he’s not passing this gas out of his system efficiently.


If you notice any of these signs, speak with your vet and decide if it needs to be explored in more depth. Potential gastrointestinal issues could be causing problems for your dog and you need to eliminate them (no pun intended) before assuming it’s just part of his usual smelly charm. They include parasites, pancreatitis, food allergies, colitis, or even IBS.


Assuming he’s been given the all-clear by your vet and you’ve opted to try Simethicone, there are still a couple of hurdles you need to be aware of. They include potential sensitivities as well as a full-blown allergic reaction. If his system is typically touch-and-go, you may find giving him this medication results in diarrhea and vomiting that will eventually clear when you cease the medication. However, if he breaks out in hives, begins panting, or exhibits other concerning behaviors, get him into your vet as he may be having an allergic reaction. Either situation is unlikely, but not impossible and that’s why you need to have your vet involved in the decision to treat your pet with Simethicone.

Mary Simpson
Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and two felines who prefer to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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