Acid reflux in dogs is one of those issues that's often misunderstood by pet owners. Just like in humans, acid reflux occurs when digestive fluids from the stomach flow back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and irritation.

But, managing acid reflux requires more than just symptom relief—it’s important to identify and address the underlying causes.

By taking a holistic approach that includes natural options, you can help your dog find lasting relief from this frustrating condition. Let's take a look at what acid reflux in dogs is, what causes it, and what you can do about it.

What Is Acid Reflux In Dogs?

Acid reflux happens when gastric or intestinal fluids move backward from the stomach into the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach.

Normally, a valve called the esophageal sphincter stays closed to keep these fluids in the stomach, but when this valve weakens or malfunctions, acid can rise into the esophagus, causing discomfort and irritation.

Common signs of acid reflux in dogs include lip licking, vomiting bile, bad breath, and restlessness.

Unlike vomiting, where food is forcefully ejected, acid reflux causes stomach fluids to rise into the esophagus, which may lead to gagging, burping, or retching. Some dogs may even swallow repeatedly or grind their teeth due to the irritation caused by the acid.

Causes Of Acid Reflux In Dogs

Processed diets, especially those high in carbohydrates and artificial ingredients, can disrupt your dog’s gut health and contribute to short term acid reflux.

Imbalances in the gut microbiome, often caused by antibiotics or poor nutrition, can lead to issues like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and yeast infections, which are closely linked to acid reflux.

Nutrient deficiencies, particularly in zinc and digestive enzymes, can also make it harder for your dog’s digestive system to function properly, increasing the likelihood of reflux.

In addition to diet, several other contributing factors can trigger acid reflux in dogs.

• Obesity puts extra pressure on the stomach, which can cause acid to flow into the esophagus.
• Stress, whether from anxiety or physical conditions, slows down digestion and can lead to reflux.

• Anesthesia, which temporarily relaxes the digestive muscles, can also make anesthetized dogs more prone to acid reflux after surgery.

• Other conditions such as esophageal sphincter issues, hiatal hernia, and abnormal levels of stomach acid (either too much or too little) are also potential causes of acid reflux in dogs.

Diagnosing Acid Reflux In Dogs

When diagnosing acid reflux in dogs, it's essential to take a comprehensive approach, which is why a holistic vet can be particularly helpful.

A holistic examination goes beyond just identifying symptoms—your vet may conduct tests to assess the health of your dog’s microbiome, ensuring there’s a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut. They may also examine nerve function and range of motion, looking for any physical misalignments that could be affecting your dog’s digestive system and contributing to reflux.

This thorough evaluation helps pinpoint the root cause of acid reflux, whether it's related to diet, stress, or structural issues in your dog’s body.

Misalignments in your dog’s body, such as tension in the neck, spine, or diaphragm, can interfere with nerve signals that regulate digestion.

For example, if the vagus nerve—responsible for controlling the digestive tract—is restricted, it can disrupt normal digestive function and lead to acid reflux. Conditions like hiatal hernias, where part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm, can also allow acid to escape into the esophagus.

Conventional Treatments For Acid Reflux

Conventional treatment for acid reflux in dogs often includes medications like acid neutralizers (e.g., antacids) or prokinetic drugs that help speed up stomach emptying.

While these medications can provide short-term relief, they don’t address the underlying cause of the problem. Worse yet, they may come with side effects.

Acid neutralizers, for example, reduce the stomach’s ability to properly break down food and absorb nutrients, which could lead to additional health issues over time.

One of the biggest concerns with long-term use of acid reflux medications is the potential for nutrient malabsorption. By reducing stomach acid, these medications can prevent your dog’s body from absorbing essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B12, potentially leading to problems like bone fractures, anemia, and digestive imbalances.

In humans, long-term use of some acid-reducing medications has even been linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer, highlighting the importance of seeking natural, holistic alternatives for managing your dog’s acid reflux.

Natural Remedies For Acid Reflux In Dogs

Feeding your dog a healthy diet of high-moisture, whole-food meals can go a long way in managing acid reflux. Processed foods and common allergens, like grains and artificial additives, can irritate your dog’s digestive system, so it’s important to eliminate them from their diet. Opt for fresh, lightly cooked meats and steamed vegetables that are easy to digest.

Feeding smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can also help prevent overloading your dog’s stomach and reduce the likelihood of reflux. Avoid feeding late at night to prevent an empty stomach from producing excess acid during rest periods.

Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is essential for digestion and can be a game-changer when it comes to managing acid reflux. Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria to the gut, which supports overall digestive health and helps balance out harmful bacteria that may contribute to reflux.

Digestive enzymes can also help your dog break down food more effectively, ensuring better nutrient absorption and reducing the strain on the digestive system. Both probiotics and enzymes can be introduced into your dog’s diet through supplements or specific foods, like kefir and fermented vegetables.

Certain herbs have natural soothing properties that can help manage your dog’s acid reflux by reducing inflammation and irritation in the esophagus. Herbs like ginger, slippery elm, and marshmallow root are known for their calming effects on the digestive tract. Ginger can help reduce nausea, while slippery elm and marshmallow root coat the lining of the stomach and esophagus, providing relief from the discomfort of acid reflux. You can incorporate these herbs into your dog’s diet by making teas, adding powdered forms to food, or using them in supplements designed for digestive health.

Managing Stress To Improve Gut Health

Stress has a direct impact on your dog’s digestive health and can significantly contribute to or worsen acid reflux. When your dog is stressed, her body produces hormones that can slow down digestion and disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, leading to digestive discomfort.

Regular exercise is a great way to manage stress, as it promotes the release of endorphins and encourages proper movement of internal organs, which aids digestion.

Beyond physical activity, spending quality time with your dog in a calm environment can help reduce anxiety and improve their overall well-being, ultimately reducing acid reflux triggers.

Herbs like ashwagandha can also help manage stress in both dogs and their owners. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, which means it helps the body adapt to stress and supports a balanced immune system. Incorporating stress-reducing herbs into your dog’s routine can not only calm her anxiety but also support gut health by lowering cortisol levels, which can contribute to digestive imbalances.

Role Of Acid In Healthy Digestion

Maintaining healthy levels of hydrochloric acid (HCL) in your dog’s stomach is crucial for proper digestion. HCL breaks down dietary proteins, helps absorb essential nutrients like calcium and magnesium, and eliminates harmful bacteria or viruses that may enter the digestive tract.

When stomach acid levels are balanced, digestion runs smoothly, reducing the chances of reflux and other digestive issues. If your dog’s acid levels are too high or too low, it can disrupt this balance, leading to poor digestion and discomfort.

Both low and high levels of stomach acid can create digestive problems in dogs. Low HCL can result in small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), fungal overgrowth, and even increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut), which contributes to food sensitivities and poor nutrient absorption. On the other hand, high stomach acid can cause ulcers, inflammation of the esophagus, and worsen acid reflux.

Ensuring your dog’s acid levels are balanced is key to preventing these issues and promoting optimal digestive health overall.

FAQ

How to treat acid reflux in dogs? Treating canine acid reflux involves feeding smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding processed foods, and incorporating digestive supplements like probiotics and enzymes to support gut health. Natural remedies, such as soothing herbs like ginger and slippery elm, can help ease esophageal irritation and manage the discomfort caused by reflux disease.

What are the symptoms of gastric reflux in dogs? Common clinical signs of gastroesophageal reflux disease in dogs include lip licking, vomiting bile, and chronic vomiting. Dogs may also display signs of discomfort, such as reluctance to eat, bad breath, and restlessness due to irritation of the esophageal lining.

What foods cause acid reflux in dogs? Processed foods, those containing allergens like grains, and high-fat meals can contribute to gastric acid secretion, increasing the likelihood of your dog developing acid reflux. Feeding your dog spicy or fatty foods can also irritate the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to gastric reflux.

What to feed a dog with acid reflux home remedies? For a dog experiencing acid reflux, it's best to provide easily digestible, high-moisture foods, such as lightly cooked meats and steamed vegetables. Avoid known allergens, and incorporate natural remedies like probiotics, enzymes, and herbs to soothe the dog's esophagus and reduce gastric acid buildup.