Is your dog regurgitating food, vomiting, and/or losing weight? You may not think it is possible, but dogs can experience acid reflux just like humans can. Acid reflux in dogs can happen to any dog and any breed.
This post will look at what acid reflux in dogs is, what causes it, the signs and symptoms to look for, how your dog is diagnosed, and treatment options available if your dog has acid reflux.
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Disclaimer: This post is meant to be informative and should not be taken as medical advice. Talk to your veterinarian regarding any health concerns you may have for your dog.
What Is Acid Reflux in Dogs?
Acid reflux in dogs is a condition where stomach acid and other stomach contents flow back into the esophagus. This can cause irritation and can damage the esophageal lining. When this happens, it is known as esophagitis.
What Causes Acid Reflux In Dogs?
Acid reflux happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to function correctly. The LES acts as a barrier to prevent stomach contents from moving backward. When it doesn’t close properly or relaxes at an inappropriate time, gastric contents can flow back into the esophagus. This can be due to:
- Congenital Abnormalities. While acid reflux can occur in any breed of dog, those with short snouts (brachycephalic dogs) are more likely to develop it.
- Hiatal Hernia. This is when part of a dog’s stomach comes up through the diaphragm and into the chest.
- Obesity.
- Anesthesia-Related relaxation of the sphincter during surgery.
- Diet.
- Stress.
- Age. Young dogs are more likely to develop acid reflux due to the esophageal sphincters not being properly formed yet.
What Are The Signs and Symptoms Of Acid Reflux In Dogs?
Acid reflux in dogs can have a variety of signs and symptoms, depending on how severe it is. Signs and symptoms can include:
- Regurgitation: This is often mistaken for vomiting and involves stomach contents coming up into the mouth, but it is passive and can occur without nausea.
- Discomfort: Especially when your dog swallows.
- Pain: Your dog may whine or howl, especially after eating.
- Loss of Appetite: Due to associated pain while swallowing.
- Excessive Salivation: This can be a response to the sensation of acid in the esophagus.
- Chronic Vomiting. This is not passive and often involves retching,
- Weight Loss. Due to loss of appetite or not eating due to pain.
- Lip Licking.
- Coughing.
- Change In The Sound Of Bark. This is due to acid irritating the area.
- Whining.
- Pacing.
- Difficulty Swallowing.
How Is Acid Reflux In Dogs Diagnosed?
To diagnose acid reflux, your veterinarian may perform a series of tests on your dog. These can include:
- Physical Exam. Your veterinarian may be able to pinpoint where your dog’s pain is coming from.
- Endoscopy: A direct look at the esophagus and stomach using a camera through a flexible tube. This allows your veterinarian to look at the lining of the esophagus to see if there is any irritation.
- Esophagram: An X-ray of the esophagus conducted after swallowing a contrast material that highlights any abnormalities and to visualize any obstructions.
- pH Monitoring: Measurement of the acidity level inside the esophagus can confirm reflux.
- Blood Work. This can detect if something is not functioning the way it should be and to rule out any other conditions.
How Is Acid Reflux In Dogs Treated?
If your dog is diagnosed with acid reflux, there are several ways your veterinarian may opt to treat it including medications and dietary changes.
Medications
Several medications can assist in controlling acid reflux and protect the esophagus. Your veterinarian may prescribe:
- Antacids: to neutralize stomach acid (e.g., famotidine, ranitidine).
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole to reduce acid production.
- Prokinetics: Strengthens the lower esophageal sphincter and aids in stomach emptying.
- Protectants like Sulcrafate to coat the esophagus to decrease any further damage.
Consistent follow-up and adjustments to treatment may be necessary to keep your dog’s acid reflux under control.
Dietary Changes
Dietary changes can help reduce reflux in your dog. Examples of what changes you can make include:
- Low Fat Prescription Diet. A diet high in fat content is more likely to cause acid reflux.
- Small Frequent Meals. This helps to reduce pressure on the esophagus.
What Do I Feed My Dog With Acid Reflux?
Your dog’s diet is important in managing acid reflux. Feed your dog easily digestible, low-fat foods to minimize stomach acid production. Smaller, more frequent meals can also help reduce pressure on the esophagus. Avoid high-fat foods and consider incorporating the following into your dog’s diet:
- Cooked Lean Meats: chicken or turkey without the skin.
- Complex Carbohydrates: rice or oatmeal to help bind stomach acid.
- Vegetables: pumpkin or sweet potato, which are not only low in fat but can also aid digestion.
What Can I Do To Help Prevent Reflux?
To prevent acid reflux in your dog, you can adopt several dietary and lifestyle changes that may help reduce the likelihood of your dog experiencing this uncomfortable condition.
Dietary Adjustments:
- Feed Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Decrease the size of each meal and increase the number of meals throughout the day. This helps prevent overfilling the stomach and reduces pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
- Select Low-Fat Foods: Choose dog foods and treats that are low in fat. High-fat diets can trigger acid reflux by relaxing the LES and slowing stomach emptying.
- Choose Easily Digestible Foods: Offer your pet foods that are easy to digest to alleviate the burden on their digestive system.
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Ensure your dog stays within a healthy weight range to reduce abdominal pressure that could affect the stomach and LES.
- Elevate Feeding Stations: Placing food and water bowls at a raised level can help food move more smoothly to the stomach and reduce the risk of regurgitation.
Improve Feeding Practices:
- Avoid Vigorous Activity After Meals: Limit physical activity after meals to give your dog’s body time to digest food properly.
- Ensuring Rest: A calm and restful environment can aid digestion and reduce nighttime restlessness, a symptom often associated with acid reflux.
These strategies can help support your dog’s digestive health and minimize the factors that contribute to acid reflux. However, if you notice persistent symptoms, check with your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
When Should I Consult With My Veterinarian?
When deciding on whether your dog may be suffering from acid reflux, monitoring their symptoms carefully can guide your decision to seek veterinary assistance. Here’s what to look out for:
Persistent Symptoms
If your dog shows consistent signs of discomfort such as frequent vomiting or coughing, it is important to consult your veterinarian.
- Vomiting: Occasional vomiting might not be unusual, but when it becomes frequent or severe, it’s a cause for concern.
- Discomfort After Eating: Notice if your dog appears unsettled or in pain following meals.
Behavioral Changes
Dogs may exhibit behavioral changes that signal discomfort from acid reflux, such as:
- Reduced Appetite: A notably decreased interest in food could indicate esophageal irritation.
- Restlessness: Unusual restlessness after eating may be due to the discomfort of acid reflux.
Physical Indicators
Look for these signs that could point to acid reflux.
- Drooling: Excessive salivation can be a response to the sensation of acid in the esophagus.
- Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath can arise from stomach acid’s effects on your dog’s oral health.
Worsening or New Symptoms
Any escalation in the frequency or intensity of symptoms warrants immediate attention, including:
- Difficulty Swallowing: If your dog seems to have trouble swallowing, it’s important to seek veterinary care.
- Weight Loss: If your dog experiences weight loss that can’t be explained, have them checked by your veterinarian.
If any of these symptoms persist, don’t hesitate to get your dog examined by a veterinarian. Early intervention is key to managing acid reflux and preventing potential complications.
Acid reflux in dogs is a condition that can occur in any dog and breed. You dog may experience a variety of symptoms, and having them checked by a veterinarian is key to getting the proper diagnosis and treatment. Acid reflux is a condition that can be treated and your dog can be more comfortable eating their meals with lifestyle changes and medication.
For more information about acid reflux in dogs, check out this article from PetMD.
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