Does My Dog Have Reflux? 10 Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Is your furry friend acting a bit off lately? Maybe they’re losing their appetite or making weird gulping sounds? Well, your pup might be dealing with something us humans are all too familiar with – acid reflux! That’s right, our four-legged companions can suffer from this uncomfortable condition too.

As a pet parent, it’s super important to recognize the signs of reflux in dogs early. The sooner you catch it the quicker your doggo can get back to their happy, tail-wagging self!

What Exactly Is Reflux in Dogs?

So what’s this reflux thing all about? Well, in dogs, it’s officially called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Basically, it happens when stomach acid flows backward into your dog’s esophagus (that’s the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach).

Normally, there’s this muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter that acts like a one-way door. It should keep stomach contents where they belong – in the stomach! But when this muscle relaxes when it shouldn’t, those acidic stomach juices can flow up and irritate your dog’s esophagus. Ouch!

The acid damages the protective lining of the esophagus causing inflammation (called esophagitis). This can range from mild irritation to serious damage if left untreated.

10 Warning Signs Your Dog Might Have Reflux

Okay, so how do you know if your pooch is suffering from reflux? Here are the telltale signs to watch for:

1. Regurgitation – This isn’t the same as vomiting! With regurgitation, your dog simply opens their mouth and food comes out without the heaving you see with vomiting. It often happens shortly after eating.

2. Excessive lip licking or air licking – If you notice your dog constantly licking their lips or seeming to “lick the air,” it might be their way of trying to soothe their irritated throat.

3. Decreased appetite – Wouldn’t you avoid eating if it hurt every time? Dogs with reflux often eat less because swallowing is painful.

4. Signs of pain or discomfort – Your dog might whine, pace, or seem restless, especially after meals.

5. Weird coughing – A persistent cough could be a sign that stomach acid is irritating your dog’s throat.

6. Change in the sound of your dog’s bark – Acid irritation can affect how your dog’s voice sounds.

7. Weight loss – If reflux is causing your dog to eat less, they might start losing weight.

8. Grinding teeth or snapping jaw – Some dogs will do this in response to esophageal discomfort.

9. Vomiting bile – That yellow-ish fluid could be a sign of reflux, especially on an empty stomach.

10. Nighttime restlessness – Reflux often gets worse when lying down (just like in humans!).

Remember that not all dogs will show all these symptoms. Some might just have one or two signs, while others might display several.

What Causes Reflux in Dogs?

There’s several things that might be causing your poor pup’s reflux issues:

• Anesthesia – If your dog recently had surgery, the anesthesia could have relaxed that important sphincter muscle.

• Food allergies – Some dogs are sensitive to certain ingredients like gluten, soy, or dairy.

• Chronic vomiting – This can damage the esophagus over time, making reflux more likely.

• Flat-faced breeds – Pugs, English bulldogs, and other brachycephalic dogs have shorter esophaguses, making them more prone to reflux.

• Hiatal hernias – These congenital or trauma-related conditions can increase reflux risk.

• Stomach acid issues – Either too much or too little stomach acid can cause problems.

• Dietary factors – Spicy foods, fatty foods, and certain ingredients can trigger reflux.

Should I Take My Dog to the Vet?

The short answer? YES! If you’re seeing signs of reflux in your dog, it’s definitely time for a vet visit. Here’s why:

First, reflux symptoms can look similar to other health problems, so you need a proper diagnosis. Your vet might want to do some tests like:

• An endoscopy (camera down the esophagus)
• Blood work
• X-rays
• Urinalysis

Second, untreated reflux can lead to more serious problems like esophagitis (painful inflammation of the esophagus) or even malnutrition if your dog stops eating enough.

Plus, reflux might be a sign of an underlying health issue that needs addressing. Better safe than sorry, right?

How Is Dog Reflux Treated?

Good news! Most dogs with reflux respond well to treatment. Your vet might recommend a combination of approaches:

Medications

• Antacids – Medications like famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), or omeprazole (Prilosec) can reduce stomach acid.

• Sphincter strengtheners – Drugs like cisapride or metoclopramide help strengthen that important sphincter muscle to prevent reflux.

• Protective medications – Sucralfate creates a coating that protects the irritated esophagus while it heals.

• Antibiotics – If inflammation is severe or your dog has developed aspiration pneumonia.

Dietary Changes

This is SUPER important for managing your dog’s reflux! Your vet might recommend:

• Switching to a low-fat diet – Fat stimulates acid production, so less fat means less acid.

• Smaller, more frequent meals – This prevents the stomach from getting too full and putting pressure on that sphincter.

• Avoiding late-night feeding – That sphincter relaxes during sleep, so no food right before bedtime!

• Eliminating trigger foods – Common culprits include:

  • Spicy foods
  • Oily or fatty foods
  • Common allergens (gluten, soy, dairy)
  • Foods with artificial preservatives, colorings, or additives

• Adding soothing foods like:

  • Peeled, baked sweet potato
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Rice
  • Lean proteins like fish, chicken, or turkey
  • Bone broth
  • Banana

Some pet parents have seen success with softer foods that are easier to digest. Fresh, human-grade dog food can be gentler on sensitive tummies than hard kibble.

Our Experience With Dog Reflux

We had a German Shepherd who struggled with reflux for months before we figured out what was going on. Poor Max would regurgitate his food and seemed so uncomfortable after meals. He’d pace around at night and started losing weight.

After a vet visit and diagnosis, we switched him to a low-fat diet with smaller, more frequent meals, and the difference was amazing! We also started giving him his last meal much earlier in the evening.

One more trick that helped – we elevated his food bowl slightly so he didn’t have to bend down as much to eat, which seemed to help reduce the reflux.

Can I Prevent Reflux in My Dog?

While you can’t prevent every case of reflux, there are things you can do to lower the risk:

• Maintain a healthy weight for your dog (obesity can worsen reflux)
• Feed a high-quality diet without fillers and artificial ingredients
• Avoid giving table scraps, especially fatty or spicy foods
• Keep your dog on a consistent feeding schedule
• If your dog needs anesthesia, follow all pre-surgery fasting instructions carefully

Home Remedies for Dog Reflux

Always check with your vet before trying home remedies, but some pet parents have found these helpful:

• Honey – A teaspoon of honey can help soothe an irritated throat (Note: this doesn’t treat the reflux itself, just helps with the sore throat)

• Ginger – Some dogs benefit from small amounts of ginger to settle the stomach

• Probiotics – These can help improve overall digestive health

• Elevating food bowls – This can help some dogs by improving posture during eating

Remember tho, these should complement proper veterinary care, not replace it!

When Is Reflux an Emergency?

While reflux is usually manageable, there are times when you should seek immediate veterinary care:

• Your dog is repeatedly vomiting and unable to keep food down
• They’re showing signs of severe pain
• You notice blood in vomit or regurgitated material
• Your dog is having difficulty breathing
• There’s sudden and significant weight loss
• Your dog is extremely lethargic

Final Thoughts

Reflux in dogs is more common than many pet parents realize, and it can cause real discomfort for our furry friends. The good news is that with proper diagnosis and treatment, most dogs recover well and can go back to their happy, healthy lives.

If you’re seeing signs that make you wonder “does my dog have reflux?”, trust your instincts and get them checked out. Our pets can’t tell us when something’s wrong, so it’s up to us to be their advocates!

Have your dog experienced reflux? What symptoms did they show? Let us know in the comments below!

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Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. If you suspect your dog has reflux or any other medical condition, please consult with your veterinarian.

Dog acid reflux symptoms include lip smacking, gagging, burping, regurgitation of food, vomiting (especially bile), decreased appetite, weight loss, drooling, and restlessness. Other signs of discomfort or pain may be a hunched back, whining while eating, and a change in bark or voice. If you observe these signs, especially in combination or persistence, you should consult a veterinarian to rule out other conditions and get a proper diagnosis.

Foods that cause acid reflux in dogs include spicy, fatty, fried, and acidic foods because they slow digestion or irritate the stomach lining, while highly processed foods and allergens like gluten, soy, and dairy can also trigger reflux in some dogs. Additionally, feeding large meals or feeding too quickly can lead to reflux by putting pressure on the stomach and overwhelming the digestive system.