Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition that affects dogs similarly to how it affects humans. It occurs when stomach acid or contents flow back up into the esophagus, the tube connecting the stomach to the mouth. This backflow can cause irritation, inflammation, and damage to the esophageal lining. While it can occur in any dog, it is more prevalent in brachycephalic breeds like Pugs due to their shorter esophagus.
It’s important to distinguish acid reflux from vomiting. Vomiting involves abdominal contractions and retching, forcefully expelling food. Acid reflux, however, happens unexpectedly. When stomach fluids reach the esophagus, they cause the dog to bring up the contents of their stomach without warning.
Key Symptoms of Acid Reflux in Dogs
Observing your dog for specific behaviors can help identify acid reflux. Signs of discomfort include:
- Excessive lip licking or air licking
- Frequent swallowing without food
- Changes in appetite (decreased or increased)
- Vomiting bile
- Retching, burping, or gagging sounds
- Eating non-food items like dirt or grass
- Unpleasant breath originating from the stomach, not just dental issues
- Teeth grinding or jaw snapping
- Painful swallowing, potentially leading to whining or reluctance to eat
- Coughing, laryngitis, wheezing, or aspiration pneumonia due to inhaling acid
- Changes in vocalization
- Restlessness, pacing, or an inability to get comfortable
- A hunched posture indicating discomfort or tightness
- Lethargy or reluctance to move
- Unexplained weight loss
- In severe cases, vomiting blood (hematemesis) due to esophageal ulceration
- Abnormal laboratory results
Common Causes of Acid Reflux in Dogs
The reasons behind acid reflux in dogs are numerous and can be complex. Some of the most common culprits include:
- Dietary Factors: Highly processed foods, nutrient deficiencies, and food sensitivities can contribute.
- Microbiome Imbalance: Issues like SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), yeast overgrowth, parasitic infections, and general microbiome imbalance disrupt digestive health.
- Digestive Tract Inflammation: Conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), especially affecting the upper digestive tract, and “leaky gut” (increased intestinal permeability) play a significant role.
- Physical Conditions: Foreign bodies, myasthenia gravis/megaesophagus (an autoimmune disease affecting esophageal sphincter function), impaired nerve flow to sphincters, being overweight, slow or inappropriate peristalsis (delayed stomach emptying), and hiatal hernias can all lead to reflux.
- Stomach Acid Imbalance: Both overproduction (due to stress, hernias, or spicy foods) and underproduction (from antacids or nutrient deficiencies) of stomach acid can cause the sphincter to malfunction.
- Underlying Health Issues: Chronic vomiting stemming from pancreatitis, kidney, or liver problems can be a cause.
- Stress: Emotional stress can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to infections and inflammation, and can also slow down or accelerate digestion.
- Medications and Treatments: Antibiotics can destroy beneficial gut bacteria, and anesthesia slows down bodily processes, requiring careful feeding after recovery.
- Developmental Factors: In younger dogs, esophageal sphincters may not be fully developed, usually improving with age.
- Trauma: Swallowing foreign objects or external trauma to the throat can also be a cause.
- Tumors: In some cases, tumors can be the underlying issue.
Diagnosing Acid Reflux in Dogs
Given the wide range of potential causes, a thorough veterinary examination is crucial. Dr. Odette Suter, DVM, recommends a holistic approach to pinpoint the root cause. A physical and neurological exam may include:
- Checking for pain along the esophagus
- Range of motion testing
- Neurologic and chiropractic examinations
- Visceral manipulation to assess organ movement
- Cranio-sacral exams to check for vagus nerve restrictions
Physical misalignments or restrictions, such as tight fascia, scarring, arthritis, or even improper posture from untrimmed nails, can impede nerve function and digestion. Adjustments and therapies can sometimes resolve these issues.
Diagnostic tools may include:
- Natural Antacid Trial: This can help determine if there is an overproduction or underproduction of stomach acid.
- Microbiome Testing: To analyze the gut’s bacterial flora.
- Parasite Screening: To rule out parasitic infections.
- Biopsy, Endoscopy, Ultrasound, X-rays, or Fluoroscopy: For severe or complex cases.
Medications and Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux
While conventional medications exist, such as prokinetic drugs to improve stomach emptying, they often don’t address the root cause and can have serious side effects like increased fracture risk due to calcium malabsorption, potential autoimmune issues, reduced nutrient absorption, and even stomach cancer with long-term use of certain drugs like omeprazole.
Safer, natural approaches focus on supporting the dog’s overall health and aiding healing. Key nutrients and remedies include:
- Zinc: Essential for hydrochloric acid (HCl) production.
- Digestive Enzymes: To support pancreatic function and food digestion. You can find quality digestive enzymes like this one.
- Probiotics: To restore and rebalance the gut microbiome, supporting beneficial bacteria. Explore a range of probiotics for dogs here.
- Ashwagandha: To help manage stress for both the dog and owner.
- Fecal Transplants: In some cases, this can be a therapeutic option.
Dietary Recommendations for Dogs with Acid Reflux
- Avoid Processed Foods: Steer clear of dry, processed foods containing grains, starches, chemical preservatives, and low nutritional value ingredients.
- Focus on Whole Foods: Opt for high-moisture meals made from whole foods. Gently cooking meats and lightly steaming vegetables can improve digestibility.
- Smaller, Frequent Meals: Feed smaller meals more often, or opt for lower-fat, lower-protein options to reduce stomach acid release.
- Late-Night Snack: A small meal before bed can prevent an empty stomach overnight.
- Elimination Diet: If food sensitivities are suspected, gradually introduce single food sources to identify triggers.
Natural Antacids and Soothing Agents
Several herbs act as natural antacids and can soothe the esophageal and stomach lining:
- Ginger
- Slippery Elm
- Licorice
- Marshmallow Root
Supplements like pure organic aloe vera juice can also coat and protect the stomach. Ripe bananas offer natural antacid properties and can provide pain relief. Ginger tea or chamomile tea can be calming; simmer ginger slices in water, cool, and serve over food.
Lifestyle and Exercise
Regular exercise is crucial. It helps reduce stress, releases endorphins, and promotes internal organ and digestive system movement.
The Role of Digestion and Anatomy in Acid Reflux
Proper digestion in dogs is a complex interplay of muscle tone, organ function, the nervous system, and the microbiome. Conditions affecting one area can have a ripple effect on others.
- Diaphragm and Sphincter Function: The diaphragm plays a role in closing the esophageal sphincter. A hiatal hernia, which involves a larger opening at the sphincter, can lead to the backup of food and acid.
- Central Nervous System: The gut is richly innervated, with more nerves in the digestive tract than in the spine. Input from the nervous system significantly impacts organ function and digestion.
- Vagus Nerve: This critical nerve integrates various organs. Injury or disconnects, as well as age-related nerve flow impairments, can derail digestion.
- Fascia: This connective tissue surrounds muscles and organs. Tightness from scar tissue (e.g., after spay/neuter surgery, gastropexy) or arthritis can restrict movement and affect digestion.
- Microbiome: An imbalance in gut microbes can directly affect the function of the esophageal sphincter. The microbiome influences brain chemistry, behavior, digestion, and immune modulation. An imbalance can increase inflammation and impair digestion. Leaky gut syndrome also leads to inflammation and delayed digestion.
The Importance of Stomach Acid (HCl)
Appropriate levels of hydrochloric acid (HCl) are vital for:
- Breaking down dietary proteins.
- Aiding nutrient absorption.
- Eliminating bacteria and viruses.
- Preventing pathogen overgrowth in the upper GI tract.
Hypochlorhydria (low HCl) can lead to SIBO, fungal overgrowth, increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut), and food sensitivities.
Hyperchlorhydria (high HCl) can cause ulcers in the stomach and esophagus and esophageal inflammation.
Tackling acid reflux in dogs requires a holistic perspective, considering all aspects of your dog’s health to find the most effective path to recovery.
References:
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Side effects of metoclopramide for dogs. Canna-pet. 2017 Nov 28.
Metoclopramide: risk of neurological adverse effects.Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. 2014 Dec 11.
Barbuzano J. Understanding how the intestine replaces and repairs itself. HSCI Communications. 2017 Jul 14.
Alirezaei M, et al. Short-term fasting induces profound neuronal autophagy. Autophagy. 2010 Aug 16;6(6):702–710.
