Licking lips or licking the air. Empty swallowing. Decreased or increased appetite. Vomiting bile.
When it comes to our canine companions, we want to make sure they are healthy and happy. One common condition that dogs can experience is reflux. Reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux, is a condition that occurs when the stomach contents are pushed back up into the esophagus. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of reflux in dogs so that you can seek out appropriate treatment. In this blog post, we will explore the signs and symptoms of reflux in dogs, as well as potential causes and treatments. We will also discuss the importance of seeking out veterinary care if you think your dog may be suffering from reflux. By arming yourself with the right information, you can help ensure that your dog is healthy and happy.
What Is Canine Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux in dogs is very similar to that in people. It occurs when gastric or intestinal fluids pass from the stomach into the esophagus. These liquids have the potential to irritate, inflame, and even harm the esophageal lining.
Normally, the sphincter, a muscle opening at the base of the esophagus, would prevent these liquids from entering the esophagus. In a healthy dog, the sphincter prevents these stomach fluids from rising. Acid reflux, on the other hand, causes the sphincter muscle to relax and let intestinal fluids enter the esophagus, which can have a number of unpleasant side effects and discomfort.
When the liquids reach the dog’s esophagus, they typically vomit the contents of their stomach. Due to their significantly shorter esophaguses than other dog breeds, brachycephalic breeds exhibit this even more frequently.
Acid reflux in dogs is also known as gastroesophageal reflux and can be a sign of a greater gastrointestinal tract issue. Many times acid reflux is a one-off reaction to something, but it’s prudent to check with your veterinarian to make sure there is not a larger problem present. Severe acid reflux or recurring vomiting from other causes can damage your dog’s throat lining, which is why calling your veterinarian is important to prevent or minimize long term damage to their esophagus.
What is GERD?
In the chronic condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach acid leaks into the esophagus, which is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Normally, a valve known as the lower esophageal sphincter stops this stomach acid flow in reverse. However, in dogs who have GERD, stomach acid enters the esophagus through this sphincter.
Once in the esophagus, stomach acid is highly irritating. Esophagitis, also known as esophageal irritation, is brought on by stomach acid and affects the esophagus in dogs.
What is acid reflux in dogs?
In many ways, dogs’ gastrointestinal tracts are similar to people’s. Food that dogs eat passes through their esophagus and into their stomach. The stomach’s contents are extremely acidic, which aids in food digestion. The stomach and intestines’ linings are made specifically to handle that acidic fluid. The esophageal lining, however, is not.
A sphincter is located at the base of the esophagus, directly where it connects to the stomach. When in good condition, this tiny muscle opens to let food enter the stomach. Then it stays shut to stop stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus.
In some dogs, the esophageal sphincter doesn’t work properly. This can lead to acid reflux. Stomach acid irritates the lining of the esophagus when it passes through the sphincter.
FAQ
What does reflux in dogs look like?
The typical symptoms of mild gastroesophageal reflux include excessive salivation (drooling), regurgitation, vomiting, burping, and bad breath. It’s common to see dogs with gastric reflux licking the air repeatedly in an effort to ingest rising gastric fluids.
What helps a dog with acid reflux?
A prescription low-fat diet works best for dogs with GERD most of the time. This helps reduce the production of stomach acid. Small, frequent meals can also assist in minimizing reflux into the esophagus. Finally, despite all of these precautions, reflux is probably still going to happen to some extent.
Has my dog got acid reflux?
Additional indicators of canine acid reflux include: bile vomiting Grinding their teeth or snapping their jaw. Having difficulty swallowing (crying or whining) and regurgitating food
What food gives dogs acid reflux?
It is principally brought on by feeding your dog inappropriate, hot, or fatty foods. Obesity or even a hiatal hernia can cause acid reflux in more severe cases.