Acid Reflux in Dogs

Published on 10/30/2024

Skip To

In humans, heartburn and that uncomfortable “gurpy” feeling (somewhere between a gag and a burp) are often signs of acid reflux. I learned this firsthand when my doctor diagnosed me with acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD). Unfortunately, this condition isn’t exclusive to humans. Acid reflux in dogs could be the source of your dog’s painful tummy troubles, too.

While acid reflux is often manageable — for both people and pups — it’s important to recognize how this condition affects your dog so you can ensure their comfort and well-being.

Let’s take a closer look at what causes acid reflux in dogs, the symptoms to watch for, and how to prevent or manage it.

What is Acid Reflux in Dogs?

Acid reflux occurs when gastric fluids (stomach acid) flow backward into the esophagus. The esophagus normally carries foods and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. In normal dog digestion, a valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) prevents the stomach acid in dogs from flowing in reverse. However, in dogs with acid reflux, this valve relaxes, allowing stomach acid to backflow into the esophagus, causing irritation, inflammation, and significant discomfort.

Just like in humans, some dogs are more likely to develop acid reflux than others. So I always alert my clients to the risk factors that can increase the chances of developing the condition.

Acid reflux is particularly common in puppies and younger dogs because their LES is not yet fully developed.

Brachycephalic dogs (breeds with flat faces and short noses) also face greater risk due to their shorter esophagus and tendency to develop hiatal hernias. These high-risk breeds include:

What Causes Reflux Disease in Dogs?

Understanding the causes of acid reflux in dogs can play an important role in preventing or managing the disease.

In some cases, you may be able to control or mitigate risk factors that could cause acid reflux. But even when you can’t (e.g., congenital causes or those that require surgical intervention), awareness may help you get your dog the care they need faster.

Common causes of acid reflux in dogs include:

Diet and eating habits: Dogs that eat large meals too quickly and regurgitate their food are more likely to develop acid reflux.
Foreign objects: If something gets stuck in the back of a dog’s throat or esophagus, the obstacle can prevent food from reaching the stomach. This may trigger regurgitation and acid reflux.
Medications: Some drugs, like antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications, can relax the LES. This makes it easier for gastric fluids to flow backward into the esophagus, causing acid reflux. Medications can also irritate the esophagus if your dog doesn’t drink enough water to wash down pills or tablets.
Hiatal hernia: This happens when part of a dog’s stomach (and sometimes esophagus) protrudes through the layer of muscle that separates the abdomen from the chest. This can cause regurgitation and increase the risk of acid reflux.
Chronic vomiting: Some dogs with chronic pancreatitis and liver or kidney disease experience ongoing vomiting, which can lead to chronic esophagitis.
Obesity: Carrying extra weight can put added pressure on the abdomen, increasing the risk of acid reflux.

The Symptoms of Acid Reflux in Dogs

Any dog can develop acid reflux regardless of their risk level. That’s why it’s so important for pet parents to learn about acid reflux symptoms in dogs.

The earlier you can recognize acid reflux or GERD in dogs symptoms, the sooner you can alert your veterinarian. And the more detail you can provide, the more likely your vet will be able to diagnose and treat your dog effectively.

Here are some dog reflux symptoms to watch out for:

Reduced appetite: Eating can be uncomfortable for dogs with acid reflux. So dogs with the condition may show less interest in food.
Weight loss: Dogs with extreme inappetence, especially over an extended time period, will most likely lose weight, as well.
Lip-licking and swallowing: Some dogs may demonstrate excessive lip-licking, empty swallowing, and even appear to lick the air. While we often see this in dogs experiencing nausea or dog indigestion, it can also indicate inflammation in the esophagus.
Painful posture: Watch for general signs of pain, though this may depend on how severe the acid reflux is. Behaviors could include pacing, trouble resting, excessive vocalization, or even “prayer position” stretching, which looks like a downward dog stretch in yoga.
Regurgitation: Another common finding in dogs with acid reflux is regurgitation after eating. Remember, regurgitation in dogs differs from vomiting. When dogs vomit, the food they’ve eaten has already reached their stomach and is forcefully brought back up. Canine regurgitation happens when food comes back up from the esophagus.
Coughing: Dogs with frequent bouts of acid reflux can develop throat irritation, causing a hoarse, dry, spastic cough.
Change in bark: This is one of the more specific signs of acid reflux in dogs. Throat and airway irritation can also affect canine vocal cords, resulting in a high-pitched, hoarse bark.

How to Diagnose Canine Acid Reflux

To diagnose acid reflux, your veterinarian will start by taking a thorough history. You can help by providing a detailed account of:

your dog’s symptoms
when the symptoms began
your dog’s diet (including any treats or table food)
any medications or supplements your dog is taking
any other behaviors that seem out of the ordinary

Your veterinarian will then conduct a physical exam, possibly followed by diagnostic tests. Bloodwork and a urinalysis can help rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as liver, kidney, or pancreas disease. Your vet may also conduct a fecal exam to rule out parasites.

The next important diagnostic test is endoscopy. Your veterinarian will insert a small tube with a camera into your dog’s mouth, esophagus, and stomach. This will allow them to inspect the back of the throat, the lining of the esophagus (for ulcers, strictures, or foreign objects), and the stomach lining.

This test requires anesthesia. In some cases, your vet will also recommend preventative meds to minimize acid reflux during the procedure.

Treatment for Dog Acid Reflux

Thankfully, most dogs that receive treatment for acid reflux improve significantly and quickly. In many cases, a combination of medication, dietary changes, and nutritional supplements can help reduce symptoms and prevent recurrence.

Medications for acid reflux in dogs

One of the most common starting points for dog reflux treatment is antacid medication. Your veterinarian may prescribe a dog-safe antacid, such as famotidine, cimetidine, or omeprazole. These work by helping reduce the amount of acid in a dog’s stomach. While acid reflux may still occur, it’s often less damaging to the esophagus and less painful to the dog.

A second group of medications used to treat acid reflux in dogs are those that increase the muscle tone of the LES. This reduces the likelihood that stomach acid will travel backward into the esophagus. For this, your vet may prescribe cisapride or metoclopramide.

Finally, the last medication prescribed is sucralfate (also available under the brand name Carafate). This medication can help protect the lining of the esophagus, reducing the likelihood of ulcers and inflammation.

Many of these medications are also available as over-the-counter solutions for humans with acid reflux. While these may also be effective for dogs, always consult your vet before giving your dog any human medications to ensure the correct dose and frequency.

Dietary changes

Besides medication, diet modification is an essential component of acid reflux therapy. Vets often recommend a low-fat prescription diet to help reduce the production of stomach acid. This can also help with dogs and burping.

Your vet may also suggest changing the quantity and frequency of feedings. Feeding your dog smaller meals more often can help prevent the regurgitation that often happens when dogs eat large meals too quickly.

Probiotics and nutritional supplements

Probiotics are live microorganisms that help fight the harmful bacteria that cause inflammation and disease. Your vet may recommend adding a probiotic supplement to your dog’s daily regimen to help restore and balance your dog’s microbiome (the healthy gut bacteria that aid digestion.)

Many nutritional supplements and remedies claim to help reduce the impact of acid reflux in dogs. For example, slippery elm, licorice root, and ginger may help soothe the stomach lining. Ripe bananas may act as a natural antacid for dogs. And digestive enzymes can help support the pancreas in making digestion easier and more efficient.

If you are interested in how to treat acid reflux in dogs naturally, be sure to discuss options with your vet. It’s important to ensure they are safe for your dog and do not interfere with the treatment plan.

Surgery

If an endoscopy reveals the presence of a hiatal hernia, your veterinarian will discuss surgical correction of this congenital defect.

Whatever combination of treatment options your vet recommends, it’s important to start treating acid reflux in dogs right away. Effective treatment can help your dog avoid long-term complications like esophagitis, esophageal strictures, and even tumors of the esophagus from chronic inflammation.

How to Prevent Acid Reflux in Dogs

Prevention is always the best medicine, and nutrition can play a big role in helping prevent acid reflux in dogs. Feeding your dog a low-fat, low-protein diet, and avoiding high-fat treats is key. And even if your dog does develop acid reflux, you can prevent it from worsening by taking a proactive approach. Small, frequent meals and a balanced diet tailored to your dog’s needs can reduce acid reflux episodes and promote better digestion.