Can Dogs Suffer From Acid Reflux?
Do you ever find yourself reaching for the antacids after a particularly rich or zesty meal, as that familiar burn creeps up in your chest? It’s a sensation many of us know all too well. But what I told you that your dog can experience a similar discomfort?
It might surprise you to learn that acid reflux isn’t just a human struggle. It’s a genuine concern for our pups, too!
If you’ve ever wondered if your dog could be suffering in silence, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, I will break down the basics of canine acid reflux, helping you understand why it happens, how to recognize the warning signs, and most importantly, what you can do to bring your pup some much-needed relief.
Understanding the Canine Digestive System
To truly understand acid reflux in dogs, we have to start by familiarizing ourselves with their digestive system. Think of the esophagus as a busy one-way passage, carrying food from the mouth down to their stomach.
Now, at the end of this passage, right where it meets the stomach, there’s a small muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This LES acts like a gatekeeper, opening up to allow food to pass into the stomach and closing tightly to prevent anything from backing up.
Once the food makes its way into the stomach, it enters a highly acidic environment. This strong acid plays an essential role in breaking down food particles, preparing them for the following stages of digestion. When everything is working as it should, the LES carefully contains that acid where it belongs – in the stomach.
How Does Acid Reflux Happen in Dogs?
So, if there are systems in place to keep this acid contained, how does this backflow of stomach acid happen? Several key mechanisms could contribute to acid reflux. This includes:
- LES Dysfunction: When the LES doesn’t close properly or is weakened, it allows the acidic stomach contents to flow backward into the esophagus, causing irritation.
- Increased Abdominal Pressure: Excessive pressure on the stomach can force its contents upward, even past a healthy LES. This can be caused by obesity or a very full stomach.
- Delayed Gastric Emptying: When food stays in the stomach longer than usual, the risk of stomach acid backing up into the esophagus increases.
- Hiatal Hernia: A less common issue where a portion of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm (the muscles separating the chest and abdomen). This can weaken the LES and make acid reflux more likely.
Beyond these mechanisms, there are several everyday factors that can increase the risk of your dog experiencing acid reflux. The more of these factors that come into play, the greater the risk will be.
Dietary Issues
Foods high in fat can delay the stomach from emptying, giving acid more time to potentially back up. Surprisingly, even seemingly harmless treats that are spicy or acidic can irritate the esophagus or stomach lining. This includes “treats” your dog may snag without permission, like human food stolen off the table or goodies they discover in the garbage can.
Sudden changes in your dog’s diet can also upset their digestive system and lead to temporary reflux. Furthermore, food sensitivities or allergies can cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially contributing to the problem.
Don’t forget those overly enthusiastic eaters (my dog being among them). Dogs who gulp down their food too quickly often swallow a lot of air, which can increase pressure in their stomach.
Obesity
Another significant risk factor (of acid reflux and several other medical complications) is obesity. The excess weight puts additional pressure on the abdomen, which makes it more likely that the LES will fail.
Medications
Certain medications can also have the side effect of relaxing the LES, increasing the chance of acid backflow.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Regardless of the cause, chronic vomiting can irritate the esophagus and predispose a dog to reflux. Gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach lining, can disrupt your dog’s normal digestive function.
In some cases, a condition called megaesophagus occurs, where the esophagus is enlarged and loses the ability to move food into the stomach. This can lead to regurgitation, which can be mistaken for or contribute to acid reflux. This is a medical condition that will require lifelong management.
Finally, some breeds, particularly brachycephalic breeds (those with short faces like Bulldogs and Pugs), may be more prone to reflux due to altered airway pressure, which can affect their digestive system.
Late-Night Eating
This is a commonly discussed problem among humans, but could also contribute to your dog’s problems. Eating late at night, especially a large meal right before bedtime, can increase the risk of acid reflux as your dog lies down soon after eating. This body position makes it easier for stomach contents to flow backward.
Spotting the Signs of Acid Reflux
It’s important to remember that the signs of acid reflux in dogs can vary quite a bit from one pup to another, both in how intense they are and how often they occur. By being a careful observer of your dog’s behavior and taking note of any changes or “odd” behaviors, you are far more likely to catch these clues:
- Regurgitation: Have you ever seen your dog just “release” a bit of undigested food without the effort often associated with actual vomiting, like heaving or tummy action? That’s usually regurgitation, a key sign of potential reflux.
- Vomiting: Of course, sometimes they might actually vomit, complete with heaving and retching. While vomiting can have lots of causes, it can also be linked to acid reflux or related tummy problems.
- Excessive Drooling: Dogs drool, some breeds more than others. However, you should keep an eye out for extra slobber. If your dog is suddenly producing way more drool than usual, it could be their body’s way of trying to soothe an irritated esophagus from the stomach acid.
- Lip Licking and Swallowing: This can be a more subtle clue that many dog parents will miss. If you notice your dog constantly licking their lips or swallowing more than usual, it may indicate some discomfort or that they are feeling nauseous.
- Coughing or Gagging After Eating: Does your dog cough or gag a bit right after eating or when trying to settle down for a nap? That could be the reflux acting up and triggering those reactions.
- Picky Eating or Loss of Appetite: If your dog, who usually gobbles down everything, starts turning their nose up at food, it could be because their stomach is feeling off, possibly due to reflux.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: In more persistent cases, if the reflux makes them eat less or frequently bring their food back up, you may notice them losing weight.
- Restlessness or Discomfort: Does your dog seem agitated after eating? Do they pace or whine after their meals? They could be feeling that uncomfortable burn.
- Bad Breath: That not-so-pleasant breath could actually be a sign of acidic stomach contents making their way back up where they shouldn’t be.
- Burping or Flatulence: An increase in burping or passing gas can sometimes be linked to more air in the digestive system, which can be associated with acid reflux.
As a loving and responsible dog parent, you are the best person to notice subtle changes in your dog’s behavior. Keeping a mental or even written note of when these signs occur, what your dog was doing before the behavior, and any patterns you observe (like after certain foods or at specific times of day) can be incredibly helpful information to share with your veterinarian.
How to Help Your Pup Feel Better
If your best friend is experiencing occasional, mild acid reflux, there are several safe and helpful things you can try at home to relieve their discomfort. However, always remember that these tips are for mild cases and shouldn’t replace a vet’s expertise, especially if the symptoms are happening often or seem severe.
Here are a few daily changes you may want to consider:
Feed Smaller, More Frequent Meals
Instead of one or two large meals, try feeding your dog smaller portions spread throughout the day. This reduces the amount of food sitting in their stomach at once, making backflow less likely.
Elevate Food and Water Bowls
Consider raising your dog’s food and water bowls. You can do this by purchasing a dedicated raised feeder or simply placing your dog’s food on a small box or step stool. This simple change uses gravity to help food travel smoothly down the esophagus and stay put in the stomach, where it belongs.
Steer Clear of Trigger Foods
Like us, certain foods can upset your dog’s tummy or trigger acid reflux. Try to identify and eliminate high-fat foods, spicy foods, oily foods, and allergens. Some experts also recommend trying to avoid preservatives and colorings, where possible.
Choosing Easily Digestible, High-Quality Food
It may be time to step back and reconsider your dog’s diet. Consider opting for a high-quality dog food that’s easy on the stomach. Some dog parents find relief with bland diets or foods specifically formulated for sensitive stomachs.
Slow Down Speed Eaters
Do you have a dog who inhales their food at every meal? Try using puzzle feeders or slow-feeder bowls. This encourages them to eat more slowly, reducing the amount of air they gulp down, which can contribute to reflux.
Avoid Late-Night Feasts
Try to avoid feeding your dog large meals right before bedtime. Instead, feed them earlier in the evening and give them ample time to digest before they lie down to help prevent nighttime reflux.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is important for so many reasons, and it can also help with acid reflux. Excess weight puts extra pressure on the abdomen, making reflux more likely. If your dog is carrying a few extra pounds, this may be your sign to prioritize creating a weight loss plan with your vet.
Gentle Post-Meal Exercise
Encourage gentle activity after meals, like a leisurely walk, to help your dog digest before bedtime. However, you should avoid vigorous play or running right after they eat, as this can sometimes trigger reflux.
Keep Things Calm and Stress-Free
A calm and peaceful environment could do wonders for your dog’s overall well-being, including their digestion. Experts say that reducing stress can help prevent gastrointestinal problems, helping your pup feel better overall.
A Word of Caution on Over-the-Counter (OTC) Remedies
You may be tempted to give your dog human antacids. However, please remember that you should NEVER give your dog any over-the-counter medications without explicit instructions and the correct dosage from your veterinarian. Self-treating can be very dangerous. Sometimes it can even mask underlying issues, leading to bigger medical problems.
Even if a medication is safe for your dog, their dosages are very different from human dosages and need to be carefully calculated by a vet. Always reach out to your veterinarian before giving them any medication.
When to Contact Your Veterinarian
While home care can provide relief for occasional, mild acid reflux, there are some situations where veterinary attention is absolutely necessary. If your dog’s symptoms are frequent, severe, or don’t improve with home care, it’s time to schedule a visit with your veterinarian.
Be sure to seek veterinary advice if you observe any of the following symptoms:
- Persistent vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
- Blood in their vomit or stool
Trust your instincts – if you’re concerned about your dog’s well-being, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and reach out to your pet.
Ensure Your Pup Has a Happy, Healthy Tummy
While it might be concerning to think of your dog experiencing the discomfort of acid reflux, understanding the causes, recognizing the signs, and knowing what steps you can take can make a real difference in their quality of life.
By making small adjustments to their diet and lifestyle and knowing when to seek veterinary care, you can help your best friend enjoy a happier, healthier tummy and continue to thrive by your side for years to come!
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Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 3 cats – Pippen, Jinx, and Theia. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.
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