What is Acid Reflux?
Can dogs get acid reflux? Yes, they can. Acid reflux can affect dogs as well as humans. It’s a condition that can occur when gastric or intestinal fluids move from the stomach into the esophagus.
An organ called the sphincter, which is positioned at the lower end of the esophagus, helps to control the flow of those fluids but if that doesn’t function properly or relaxes, it can lead to acid reflux.
An organ called the sphincter, which is positioned at the lower end of the esophagus, helps to control the flow of those fluids but if that doesn’t function properly or relaxes, it can lead to acid reflux.
Acid reflux is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD, or acid reflux, in dogs is a common disorder but is often mistaken as heartburn, and isn’t always easy to diagnose.
In dogs, just as with humans, it can lead to a painful and uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest, making it difficult to swallow food or even water.
In dogs, just as with humans, it can lead to a painful and uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest, making it difficult to swallow food or even water.
In some cases, acid reflux can cause more serious damage, too, including erosion of the tissues in the esophagus in addition to increasing the risk of esophageal ulcers.
Read our quick go-to guide to acid reflux in dogs to learn:
Read our quick go-to guide to acid reflux in dogs to learn:
- Symptoms of acid reflux in dogs include bad breath and burping
- There’s a wide range of causes, including obesity
- A change of diet often helps
- In rare circumstances, treatment can involve surgery
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Symptoms of Acid Reflux in Dogs
It can be difficult to observe acid reflux in dogs, as it’s an internal sensation not easily visualized by behavior. There are some clues though; typical symptoms of acid reflux in dogs include:
- Gurgling or burping sounds after eating
- Persistent bad breath
- Weak vomiting and retching or coughing accompanied by small amounts of vomit
- Whining while eating
- Eating a bit, demonstrating discomfort, then resuming eating.
- Wheezing
- Excessive salivation
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
If your dog exhibits these symptoms, you should schedule a visit to your veterinarian as soon as possible.
While acid reflux on its own may not be serious, the intrusion of acid can irritate the esophagus, leading to narrowing, thinning or even necrosis.
While acid reflux on its own may not be serious, the intrusion of acid can irritate the esophagus, leading to narrowing, thinning or even necrosis.
Additionally, passive regurgitation can cause vomit to enter the lungs, where it can cause severe damage.
Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, can require a trip to the vet to help your dog recover. Having a good pet insurance policy can cover the cost of treatment – compare plans from leading providers in seconds using our online tool.
Causes of Acid Reflux in Dogs
What causes acid reflux in dogs? There are a number of potential causes, and it can be a complicated issue.
A hiatal hernia is often the culprit in cases of acid reflux in dogs. This is a structural defect characterized by the top of the stomach protruding through the diaphragm where the esophagus alone is meant to go. This can weaken the ability of the esophagus to close and allow acid to invade the esophagus.
Obesity can also be a major culprit. The increased fat masses can constrict the gastroesophageal space and force acid up the esophagus. High blood calcium, detectable with a small blood sample, may also be contributing to excessive production of stomach acid.
But, those are just two examples of potential causes. Other common causes of acid reflux in dogs can include:
But, those are just two examples of potential causes. Other common causes of acid reflux in dogs can include:
- Excessive production of acid in the stomach
- Underproduction of acid in the stomach
- A foreign body or an object that’s been swallowed and affects the throat
- Reaction to anesthetic after surgery
- Hiatal hernia
- Eating inappropriate food (i.e. spicy human food)
- Obesity
- High blood calcium
- Food allergies
In addition, younger dogs may be at more potential risk of developing acid reflux because the sphincter hasn’t fully developed.
Certain breeds are also more susceptible. Brachycephalic breeds — those with flat faces — are particularly prone to suffering from acid reflux. Why? This is because dogs of this type have a shorter esophagus. Popular brachycephalic breeds include the Pug, Bulldog and Boxer.
Certain breeds are also more susceptible. Brachycephalic breeds — those with flat faces — are particularly prone to suffering from acid reflux. Why? This is because dogs of this type have a shorter esophagus. Popular brachycephalic breeds include the Pug, Bulldog and Boxer.
Taking certain medications, such as prednisone, also can also increase the risk of acid reflux.
Diagnosis of Acid Reflux in Dogs
If you notice your dog showing symptoms of acid reflux — including struggling to eat meals, and exhibiting pain or discomfort during and after eating — you should see the veterinarian right away. Remember, if left untreated, acid reflux can cause many additional complaints, including more serious long-term damage to your dog’s esophagus.
In order to diagnose the condition, the vet may want to listen to your dog’s chest after a feeding to identify whether acid reflux might be occurring. If acid reflux is suspected, an endoscopy may then follow.
Endoscopy involves sedating the dog and viewing the esophagus with a camera on a long, flexible scope. This allows any ulcers, inflammation or tumors to be visualized and identified.
When acid reflux has been diagnosed, your vet will look into why it’s happening — and then discuss how to treat acid reflux in your dog.
When acid reflux has been diagnosed, your vet will look into why it’s happening — and then discuss how to treat acid reflux in your dog.
Treatment of Acid Reflux in Dogs
Treating acid reflux in dogs can be approached in a couple of ways, depending on the underlying cause. But, quite often, simple diet changes are the most effective way to treat the condition, and this can be done at home.
If you’re wondering what to feed a dog with acid reflux, this usually entails breaking down meals into smaller, more frequent portions. You could feed your pet several small meals of easily-digestible food like plain boiled chicken, rice, and blanched broccoli.
Kibble can induce acid reflux in dogs if given dry, so making more of a ‘cereal’ type mix by adding a cup of water can help. If the condition persists, switching to more hydrated food like chicken and broccoli is often helpful. Medication may be prescribed with the intention of moving the food along its path.
Ask your vet for any suggestions of a natural antacid for dogs. Some foods — ripe bananas are one — are believed to have properties that can soothe discomfort from acid reflux and indigestion-type pain.
Ask your vet for any suggestions of a natural antacid for dogs. Some foods — ripe bananas are one — are believed to have properties that can soothe discomfort from acid reflux and indigestion-type pain.
If your vet suggests changing your dog’s regular food to help treat acid reflux, exploring options with our online partner Dog Food Advisor is a good place to start. Here, you’ll find lots of recommendations, including best low fat dog foods and best dog food for weight loss.
In more serious and rare cases, surgical intervention may be required to correct serious hernias or ulcers. This will depend on the nature of the underlying condition and the severity of the presentation — it may be possible to perform the surgery endoscopically, which is minimally invasive and usually holds a swift recovery. Any anomalous growths should be biopsied and tested for cancer.
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Recovery of Acid Reflux in Dogs
In many moderate cases, a dog will recover relatively quickly from acid reflux. You may see an improvement soon after implementing changes recommended by your vet — feeding your dog less food more frequently, managing weight in the case of obesity, and varying your pet’s diet with healthy alternatives often works effectively. You may consider making these changes permanent.
In general, acid reflux in dogs is a manageable, if occasionally uncomfortable condition, but you should continue to monitor your pup’s behavior if it flares up again.
In general, acid reflux in dogs is a manageable, if occasionally uncomfortable condition, but you should continue to monitor your pup’s behavior if it flares up again.
If there’s no improvement, your dog may need ongoing medication and treatment — don’t hesitate to speak again with your vet.
Acid Reflux Average Cost
From 42 quotes ranging from $300 - $2,500
Average Cost
$900
Top
Acid Reflux Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Pomeranian
Poh
9 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomitting
Vomitting Foam, Loss Of Apitite,
My Dog is 9 months old Culture Pomeranian. He is vomitting white and yellow foam in the morning since the past 3 days. I am not able to take him to the vet yet and trying to give light food like boiled rice. He has been having ticks lately and small red areas around the tick bites. could this be related ? please suggest cure
Aug. 8, 2018
0 Recommendations
If you’re seeing a characteristic bullseye tick bite you should visit your Veterinarian regardless to check Poh for tick borne diseases; the vomiting of white and yellow foam may be related, however I cannot legally prescribe any antibiotics or other prescription medications without examining Poh first and you should visit your Veterinarian for a check. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 8, 2018
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Poodle mix
Dragon
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Occasional Vomiting Runny Stool
Hello, I have a 2 year old, 11lbs. poodle mix. It seems like at least once a month he vomits yellow stomach acid 2-4 times and always between 3-4am. He also has runny stool. This lasts for about a week, then bowl movements return to normal. Through the changes he NEVER looses his activity level (very hyper), thirst and hunger. I have taken him to the vet and done blood work and everything shows normal. I am growing concern there is a bigger issue but hoping it might be something minor like IBS.
He eats about a 3/4 cup if not less of blue buffalo dry food mixed with plain grilled chicken, three times daily. When he has this symptoms I add rice. PLEASE HELP!
April 26, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Without knowing more about Dragon, I have a hard time commenting on what might be causing this problem, but some dogs do have very sensitive stomachs, and he may benefit from a 'sensitive stomach' dog food. There are many available at pet stores. If you do transition his food, do it gradually over about 3-4 days so he doesn't have a problem. If his vomiting persists, it would be best to follow up with your veterinarian, as he may have a parasite or other condition that needs treatment. I hope that all goes well for him.
April 26, 2018
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Pug Mix
Meecho
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sour Burps Eating Grass
For the last couple of months every time my dog eats she has sour burps afterwards. I switched dog food and it stopped for about 2 months but now she's starting to do it again. She eats grass every time she's outside but hardly ever throws up maybe once every couple months if that. And she breathes hard at night sometimes. Is this acid reflux?
March 20, 2018
0 Recommendations
It certainly sounds like Meecho has acid reflux given the sour breath eructation (burp), a good way to start manage this is to feed smaller portions of food more often so that the stomach isn’t empty for long; if Meecho is still having episodes you can try giving famotidine at 0.25mg/lb twice per day but you should also discuss other issues with your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
March 20, 2018
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Miniature long haired dachshund
Dewey
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Burpin Growling Stomach Vomiting
Burping,Growling Stomach,Vomiting
I have a mini dachshund and she is one year old. For the past couple of months, she has been burping and licking her lips every time she eats and drinks. So I have been giving her yogurt and can dog food hoping to help but it has not. I was looking to breed her in a couple months and was wondering if this can affect her puppies? Also, is there like a type of medicine I can give her to stop her burping?
March 8, 2018
0 Recommendations
If Dewey is having issues with acid reflux, it is important to try a basic dry dog food diet and feed small portions around four times per day so that the stomach is always working on something; over the counter products like famotidine (Pepcid AC) at 0.25mg/lb twice per day can help reduce acid levels but is not a long term solution. You should discuss with your Veterinarian about Dewey’s condition and your plan to breed with her to try to get the issue under control since a lactating mother needs dietary changes etc… and you don’t want to be dealing with acid reflux or another issues at the same time. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
March 8, 2018
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Cockapoo
Cooper
12 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Licking Blankets, Carpet
Hello - our cockapoo Cooper is a licker. He has recently begin to lick stuff like blankets, comforters and cloth furniture. He licked 3 holes in the comforter we had! He doesn't chew but licks so much that it's almost soaked. Now I caught him licking the carpet downstairs. Any idea what this would be? My sister says it may be acid reflux but he doesn't gag or throw up. He does have some bad breath but always had since we got him when he was 6.
Feb. 27, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. This licking behavior may be a sign of mouth pain or dental disease, or GI upset. It would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian, as they can look in his mouth, examine him, and determine why he might be doing this. I hope that all goes well for Cooper.
Feb. 27, 2018
Hi Cockapoo mum, see vet & ask about having Endoscope + Biopsies done, the Biopsies will give your vet some answers to what's wrong with Cooper, when I rescued my 4yr old Staffy he kept licking & licking his paws, blanets & bedding, the vet said when dogs lick heapscan be pain related licking sets of their endorphines, I did notice after licking he'd burp & feel better then stop his licking, we ended up doing an Endoscope & 2 biospsies & he had the Helicobacter-Pylori infection & IBD, he was put on the triple therapy meds Metronidazole, Amoxicillin & Losec for 3 weeks but he symptoms returned after stopping his 3 week course of medications then he was put on Losec an ant acid blocker permently & I found a grain free limited ingredient dry kibble that agreed with him & started feeding 5 smaller meals a day & 2 of his meals were cooked meals he is now doing heaps better as long as he doesnt eat foodds that dont agree with him, a low fat & low in fiber diet.
March 5, 2018
Susan B.
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Acid Reflux Average Cost
From 42 quotes ranging from $300 - $2,500
Average Cost
$900
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