Can Dogs Have Acid Reflux?

If you’ve ever experienced acid reflux yourself, you know the discomfort of that burning sensation in your chest accompanied by pain, frequent burping, or nausea. Our poor pups can also suffer from acid reflux and experience these same signs. It can be challenging to identify reflux in dogs because these signs tend to be vague and may not be present all the time.

Read on to learn about common signs of reflux and what to do about it. 

Navigating life
with a new pet? Head to littleKin!

littleKin™ is Kinship’s home just for puppy and kitten parents. Bop over to check out expert advice, new pet tools, and special deals—all curated for your newest family member.

Get Free Advice

Does my dog have acid reflux?

Sometimes, it’s hard to put your finger on exactly what’s going on, but if you are getting a sense that your dog is uncomfortable and seems to have some kind of digestive issue, reflux should be a consideration. The signs of acid reflux in dogs can be non-specific, meaning that there is not one obvious sign that points to reflux, but rather a collection of signs that may or may not be present.

Depending on the underlying cause for the reflux, there may be other more obvious signs of digestive upset as well. It can be helpful to keep a log of the signs you notice along with other patterns, including the time of day you notice them, meal times, when they pee and poop, and if they have any other signs like vomiting, coughing, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. Your vet can review this log with you to help make connections between the patterns and look for underlying causes of your dog’s signs. 

Related article

How to Treat Acid Reflux in Dogs

Nobody likes it; how can you make it go away for your pup?

Symptoms of acid reflux in dogs

There are many possible signs of acid reflux in dogs. This is partly because different dogs express pain differently, and they may react to the reflux differently. Also, depending on the underlying cause for their reflux, their signs will vary. This includes:

• Lip-licking: This is a common sign of nausea in dogs. Some dogs also lick their lips when they feel nervous. 

• Drooling: Drooling is another sign of nausea and pain within the digestive tract. 

• Teeth-grinding: This is often considered a sign of pain, especially pain within the digestive tract

• Vomiting bile: Dogs that vomit foam or small amounts of yellowish fluid may be doing so because of irritation from acid production in an empty stomach.

• Regurgitating: Regurgitation is different from vomiting but may take some time to be able to recognize the difference. Regurgitation is a passive act, meaning that dogs appear to spit up food or fluid without the active abdominal contractions we see with vomiting. It can be silent, and some dogs will regurgitate and then immediately swallow whatever came up so there may not be any evidence left behind. Regurgitation comes from the esophagus, not the stomach.

• Decreased appetite: Dogs with reflux often feel nauseous in addition to having pain in their digestive tract. This can affect their appetite, making them finicky, or resulting in skipping meals completely.

• Coughing: The acidic fluid from reflux can sometimes irritate the throat, triggering a cough. 

• Restlessness and signs of discomfort: Dogs with reflux are often in pain and it may be difficult for them to sleep soundly. They may be more restless, especially when lying down, or show other signs of discomfort like pacing or whining.

• Stretching out their neck or hard-swallowing: This can be a sign that their throat is irritated and it hurts to swallow. 

What causes acid reflux in dogs?

The basic mechanism of reflux is that acidic fluid from the stomach is able to leak backwards into the esophagus. This can happen for a number of different reasons. Some causes are acute, meaning a short-term problem that resolves quickly, while others may be chronic, meaning they will require long-term management. Some of the common causes of reflux in dogs are: 

• Slow digestion: Anything that causes food or fluid to sit in the stomach longer than normal can be a risk factor for that fluid refluxing back into the esophagus. Conditions that cause inflammation within the stomach can slow the emptying of the stomach, setting up the conditions for reflux. This includes infections, parasites, or dietary indiscretions like eating garbage or spoiled food. 

• Medications: Certain medications may cause reflux as a side effect. This can be due to inflammation within the esophagus or stomach, as well as effects on the normal motility and emptying of the stomach. It is a common side effect of anesthesia and surgical procedures, too. 

• Chronic vomiting: Dogs with underlying medical conditions that cause chronic vomiting often have ongoing inflammation within their stomach and esophagus, which can make reflux more likely. 

• Brachycephalic dog breeds: Breeds with flat faces have a combination of congenital changes that also affect the shape of their esophagus, making it easier for fluid to reflux from the stomach up through the esophagus. This is known as a hiatal hernia. These breeds also  frequently have food allergies and other digestive problems which may cause ongoing inflammation or vomiting in their digestive tract.  

• Food allergies: This is an example of a chronic condition that leads to inflammation within the digestive tract. This chronic inflammation can be a precursor to reflux.

• Overproduction of stomach acids: Some dogs tend to overproduce stomach acids, and this can be more problematic when they only eat once per day. These dogs may also show signs of bilious vomiting syndrome and vomit foam or bile, especially when they have not eaten in many hours. This chronic inflammation from vomiting or excessive amounts of acidic fluid in the stomach can also lead to reflux.

• Other underlying digestive problems: There are many other medical conditions that can affect the esophagus and/or stomach, leading to reflux. This may include megaesophagus, stomach or esophageal cancer, certain parasites, congenital problems with the esophagus or stomach, trauma to the esophagus caused by sharp bones or other foreign material, or other neurologic conditions. 

What can I give my dog for acid reflux?

If you suspect acid reflux, it is important to see your vet for a thorough exam and diagnostic tests to look for the underlying cause. While you can try to make certain changes at home to reduce your dog’s reflux, many dogs will need prescription medications in order to get relief from their discomfort. Common treatments for reflux are: 

• Diet and lifestyle changes: Start by making sure to feed your dog small, frequent meals instead of one large meal per day. Stick with one formulation of dog food and temporarily eliminate treats and table scraps. Incorporate regular exercise into their daily routine and work with your vet to address other health issues like obesity or joint disease that may reduce their mobility. Dogs with underlying food allergies may need a prescription hypoallergenic diet in order to avoid their allergens.

• Antacids: Over-the-counter antacids are not recommended for dogs with reflux. Many do not work at all for dogs, and others can be unhealthy or toxic to dogs. Your vet may prescribe specific medications that help to reduce stomach acid or improve motility of the digestive tract depending on your dog's signs.

• Treatment of underlying conditions: Whenever possible, targeting the underlying cause of the reflux is crucial to curing the reflux and bringing your dog permanent relief. Be sure to consult your vet if you suspect reflux and to mention any other signs or changes you have noticed with your dog. 

Related article

Your Dog Is Grinding Their Teeth: What This Means and What to Do

It probably indicates that something is awry.

When to seek expert help

It is always a good idea to consult a vet any time your dog has changes in their behavior or health. This is especially true with reflux because the signs can be so vague and you may just have a feeling that something is wrong without being able to pinpoint exactly what it is. Seek veterinary care right away if your dog is experiencing other concerning signs like a decreased appetite, weight loss, vomiting, coughing, drooling, or lethargy. 

Bottom line

• Dogs can and do suffer from acid reflux, just like people.

• It can be difficult to identify reflux in dogs because the signs will vary from one dog to the next and they may come and go.

• Be sure to consult a vet to get the most effective treatment for reflux and determine the underlying cause of your dog’s reflux.

References

• Han, Jihee, et al. “Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in 2 Young Dogs.” Journal of Veterinary Clinics, vol. 38, no. 5, 31 October 2021, pp. 231-234.

• Marks, Stanley. “Oesophageal Disorders In Dogs - More Common Than You Think!” University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, 

• Muenster, M, et al. “Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in 20 dogs (2012 to 2014).” Journal of Small Animal Practice, vol. 58, no. 5, May 2017, pp. 276-283. 

• Savvas, Ioannis, et al. “Factors Affecting Intraoperative Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux in Dogs and Cats.” Animals, vol. 12, no. 3, 20 January 2022, pp. 247.