What is Acid Reflux in Dogs?
Acid Reflux in pet dogs is an illness that needs to be closely monitored and dealt with in order to give your furry buddy as many healthful years as possible.
Acid reflux in dogs is quite similar to acid reflux in humans. It can be an uncomfortable and painful experience. It occurs when intestinal fluids arises from the stomach and flows into the esophagus. These fluids can cause irritation, inflammation, and potentially damage your dog's esophageal lining.
Here’s all you have to know about acid reflux in dogs – how to prevent your pupfrom acid reflux, the early signs or of acid reflux that you should look for, and what to do if you see symptoms of acid reflux in dogs.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux in Dogs
Acid Reflux can cause obvious changes in your dog’s wellbeing and behaviour. Knowing the symptoms of Acid Reflux in dogs is the first step in protecting your dog’s health. If any of these signs apply to your pet, bring your pet to your veterinarian for a checkup:
- Regurgitation of Food
- Pain while Swallowing
- Lack of Apetite
- Weight Loss
- Restlessness at Night
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is designed to help inform you regarding acid reflux. It is not meant to replace the veterinary diagnosis or treatment for acid reflux. If you have any concerns or questions about your dog’s health or possible symptoms, be sure to contact and consult with your veterinarian right away.
The Main Causes of Acid Reflux in Dogs
To understand and treat acid reflux in dogs, we need to know the underlying causes of acid reflux in dogs. This can help you prevent acid reflux occurring in the first place or again.
There are a variety of causes for dog acid reflux, which is why an expert assessment of your dog's condition from a professional vet is always essential.
Here are some potential causes of dog acid reflux:
- Anesthesia
- Allergic irritation
- Chronic vomiting
- Overproduction or underproduction of stomach acids
- Hiatal hernias
Diagnosing Acid Reflux in Dogs
Nobody knows your canine better than you do and hence it is important that your dog be examined thoroughly by a vet annually.
Usually, your pet will undergo an esophagoscopy to diagnose dog acid reflux. This procedure involves a camera being placed down your dog's esophagus to check for bleeding or any changes in the lining of their esophagus. Additionally, blood work and a urinalysis may be required to assess their health and seek any underlying problems that can cause acid reflux.
For pets at risk of getting acid reflux, more frequent visits to the vet clinic may be advised.
Preventing Acid Reflux in Dogs
It is awful when your canine gets sick, and seeing them hurt can be absolutely upsetting. With caution and a bit of extra care, a pet owner can ensure that dog stays protected from illnesses like acid reflux.
To not to look weak or vulnerable to predators, the innate survival impulses make canines hide health problems. This indicates extensive physical examinations by a qualified vet are important to keep your animals healthy. Usually, blood and urine tests performed by your vet are required to get the complete understanding of your family pet’s health. These preventive checks actions will detect any health issue earlier making treatment more effective and less costly and, more importantly, will help your canine live a longer, healthier life.
A well balanced diet is the best way to prevent dog acid reflux. Foods that are oily or spicy or contain allergens or preservatives should be avoided along with excessive table scraps and unhealthy human food.
Having a well-balanced diet along with a consistent, feeding schedule with smaller, more frequent meals over one big late-night feed is also important for avoiding acid reflux problems.
Treatment for Acid Reflux in Dogs
The treatment of your dog's acid reflux will depend on the cause of their acid reflux. If there is a hernia, disease, tumor, or foreign body affecting your dog, this should be treated first to reduce your dog's acid reflux.
In mild cases, a dog won't need hospitalization and can be sent home with instruction on how to alter their diet and provide medication to treat their acid reflux. Some veterinarians may take it a step further and recommend a new diet, taking away aggravating foods and replacing them with soothing foods that are more ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Talk to your vet to understand more about how to treat acid reflux in dogs.