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8.8: Acid Reflux

Updated: Jul 12

What is Acid Reflux

  • Definition: Acid reflux in dogs occurs when intestinal or gastric fluid rises from the stomach and enters the oesophagus, the tube leading to the mouth.

  • Sphincter Function: The sphincter, located at the connection between the oesophagus and stomach, normally remains closed to prevent acid flow. However, in acid reflux or GERD, the sphincter is open, allowing acid to flow into the oesophagus.

  • Consequences of Acid Flow: The caustic nature of acid can lead to inflammation, irritation, and damage to the oesophagus and its lining.

  • Prevalence in Brachycephalic Breeds: Acid reflux is more common in brachycephalic breeds, such as pugs and French bulldogs due to a shorter oesophagus, making them more susceptible to this condition.


Signs / Symptoms:

  • Oral Symptoms

  • Licking lips or licking the air

  • Bad breath originating from the stomach, not just dental issues

  • Grinding teeth or snapping jaw


  • Swallowing Difficulties

  • Empty swallowing

  • Painful swallowing (may include crying or whining; reluctance to eat)

  • Decreased or increased appetite


  • Gastrointestinal Distress

  • Vomiting bile

  • Retching, burping, or gagging

  • Eating dirt, grass, or inanimate objects

  • Oesophageal ulceration – throwing up blood (hematemesis) from irritation


  • Respiratory and Voice Changes

  • Coughing, laryngitis, wheezing

  • Change of voice

  • Aspiration pneumonia caused by inhaling acid due to weakened muscle contractions


  • Behavioural Signs

  • Restless, pacing, inability to get comfortable

  • Hunched-up back indicating discomfort and tightness

  • Reluctance to move, lethargy


  • General Health Impact

  • Weight loss

  • Lab results indicating changes in health


Common Causes of Acid Reflux:

  • Dietary Factors

  • Consumption of highly processed foods

  • Insufficient nutrients in the diet

  • Sensitivity to certain foods


  • Medical Treatments

  • Use of antibiotics impacting the microbiome

  • Reduced stomach acid production due to antacids and nutrient deficiencies


  • Gastrointestinal Issues

  • Imbalance in the microbiome (SIBO, yeast, bacterial overgrowth, parasites)

  • Inflammation of the digestive tract leading to weakened immunity and a leaky gut

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly if the the upper digestive tract is affected by the IBD


  • Mechanical and Structural Factors

  • Presence of foreign objects

  • Myasthenia gravis/megaoesophagus, an autoimmune disease affecting nerve function

  • Impaired nerve function affecting sphincters (both upper and lower)

  • Hiatal hernia

  • Trauma (swallowed or external object perforating the throat)


  • Metabolic and Weight-Related Causes

  • Being overweight or obese

  • Sluggish or inappropriate peristalsis (delayed stomach contractions and emptying)

  • Excessive stomach acid production (due to stress, hernia, spicy foods)

  • Chronic vomiting possibly linked to pancreatitis, kidney, and liver issues


  • Psychological and Environmental Factors

  • Stress inducing microbiome imbalance, increasing the likelihood of infection and inflammation

  • Anaesthesia slowing down bodily processes; advisable to wait for recovery before feeding


  • Age-Related and Developmental Factors

  • In younger dogs, oesophageal sphincters may not be fully developed; improvement typically occurs with age


⚠️ If you have a brachycephalic breed that has not yet been BOAS tested but is experiencing acid reflux symptoms, please consult with your vet to determine if BOAS treatment is required.


⚠️ If your dog is experiencing the symptoms of acid reflux they may benefit from a microbiome test such as those offered by Pet Biome


Other things that “may” help - please remember all dogs are individuals so trial and error may be needed to find what works for your individual dog:

  • Transition to raw if you haven’t yet. (You should avoid all ultra processed foods and treats, as well as foods that contain starches such as root vegetables)

  • Probiotics to restore and rebalance your dog’s microbiome. They’ll support the beneficial bacteria in his gut to fight harmful bacteria. Some good options are Adored Beasts Love Bugs or Four Leaf Rover Soil Based Protect or Dorwest Herbs Tree Barks. These can be given as per the individual product directions but should be one product only not all

  • Digestive enzymes to support the pancreas and assist the digestion of food. At present in the UK sourcing digestive enzymes as a supplement can be difficult so instead you could add small portions of pancreas (no set amount but start small as too much may lead to loose stools)

  • Feed smaller, more frequent meals. Such as the daily feeding amount spread over 5-6 meals

  • Feed a late night snack to avoid an empty stomach over night

  • To help improve digestion and gastrointestinal activity, due to its very high concentration and bioavailability of humic acid and minerals, use a good quality moor mud such as Aniforte

  • Keep a food diary to see if any common causes appear

  • Homemade Ginger tea or any supermarket of homemade chamomile tea can also be soothing. Simmer slices of ginger in water for 30 minutes, cool and give to your dog or spoon over his food. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week. 

  • Consider using lick mats, kongs & sodapups toys to slow down eating wherever possible


⚠️ As mentioned earlier in this guide, if your dog is a brachycephalic breed please consult a vet regarding potential BOAS.

⚠️ Always advocate for your dog by seeking vet support if required.




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