Yay internets. The online responses seemed in favour of such medicinal relief but I found a few naysayers.
"Always keep a product with simethicone on hand (e.g., Mylanta Gas (not regular Mylanta), Gas-X, etc.) in case your dog has gas."
"Some people give their dogs over-the-counter anti-flatulent (Simethecone products, such as Gas X®), just before or after they put their dogs through stressful situations. It may also be handy when the dog appears to have a lot of gas. Simethecone works by breaking down the surface tensions of the small air bubbles in the stomach, thus causing bigger bubbles to form, which theoretically, are easier for the stomach to pass."
And a mixed bag of responses on the question "Can you give gas- x to dogs?" on Yahoo Answers.
This seems like a more reliable source from a news radio station:
Q: My dog farts non-stop. Is it safe to give her Gas-X or Beano? Please answer ASAP; my house smells! -- T.C., Lake Marcy, Fla.And while we are on the canine subject, I came across this handy list of recommended first aid materials for dogs:
A: Let's define the science of your pup's problem. Dr. J.B. Dalley, associate professor of the small animal clinic at Michigan State University, East Lansing, offers explanations for canine flatulence, such as fermentation of food that hasn't been digested, or swallowed air from gulping food or water. Parasites, such as hook or round worms, are another possibility. People-food can also create stink bombs. One dog we know prompts an evacuation of the household whenever it gets into Chinese food. As for poor digesters or food gulpers, try increasing the number of daily feedings, with smaller portions at each. However, your best bet is to simply try another diet. Dalley says Beano or Gas-X are not dangerous, as long as you don't feed Fido the whole package. However, Dalley is skeptical that any over-the-counter product suited for people will lessen canine flatulence. Instead, try a product created for dogs, Breath-ese Gas Relief Tablets (by St. JON Pet Care Products), available at pet stores.
- Cotton gauze pads
- Sterile non-stick pads
- Cotton gauze wrap (1.5” width and/or 3” width)
- Vet wrap (2” width and/or 4” width) [can also be used for a muzzle]
- Ace bandage (self adhering)
- First aid tape
- Regular Band-Aids
- Cotton rounds or balls
- Cotton swabs
- Needle & thread
- Razor blade
- Small blunt end scissors
- Tweezers or homeostatic forceps
- Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin or generic)
- EMT gel
- Ophthalmic anti-biotic ointment
- Small bottle of rubbing alcohol
- Bottle of hydrogen peroxide (for cleaning wounds and to induce vomiting)
- Iodine wash
- Eye wash
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Benadryl capsules (for allergic reactions; generic works well – 25 mg)
- Pepto Bismol tablets (for digestive trouble)
- Buffered aspirin ( never give you dogs Tylenol or ibuprofen – they are toxic!)
- Imodium tablets (for diarrhea -- generic works well)
- Anti-gas tablets (for digestive problems – Gas-X works well)
- Activated charcoal (for absorption of ingested toxic substances)
- "New skin" or “Mole Skin” (to quickly repair splits in pads)
- Small jar of Vaseline or KY jelly
- Rectal thermometer
- Tongue depressors
- Rubber gloves
- A small supply of any prescription medicine your dog takes regularly
- Small flashlight
- Instant ice compress
- Small plastic bottles (with a tight seal) about ½ full of rubbing alcohol and labeled as “ticks”. (Put any ticks pulled off yourself or your dog into this bottle. The alcohol will kill the tick and you have the critter preserved in case identification is required at a later time.)
