Understanding the Gut

Acid Reflux in Dogs: What Can Cause It?

Reflux happens when stomach contents move back towards the oesophagus. Dogs may show signs such as lip licking, repeated swallowing, regurgitation or discomfort, but these signs can have several causes and should not be self-diagnosed.

Introduction

Dogs can experience reflux, where stomach contents move back towards the oesophagus.

When this happens repeatedly, the oesophagus can become irritated.

Owners may notice signs such as repeated swallowing, lip licking, regurgitation, gulping or apparent discomfort around meals.

However, these signs are not specific to reflux.

They can also occur with nausea, oesophageal disease, gastric disease and other gastrointestinal problems.

That means suspected reflux should be discussed with a vet rather than diagnosed from behaviour alone.

Understanding the issue

What is happening?

The oesophagus carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

At the junction between the oesophagus and stomach, muscular structures help limit the backward movement of stomach contents.

If this barrier does not function effectively, acidic stomach contents can move back into the oesophagus.

The oesophageal lining is not designed to tolerate repeated exposure to gastric acid, so reflux can cause irritation and inflammation.

Reflux can occur for several reasons and may be associated with anaesthesia, delayed gastric emptying, oesophageal disorders or other gastrointestinal problems.

Because the underlying cause can vary, veterinary assessment is important when signs are persistent or recurrent.

Common factors

What can influence it?

Several factors can be associated with reflux or reflux-like signs.

Anaesthesia

Some dogs can experience reflux during or after general anaesthesia.

Delayed stomach emptying

If food remains in the stomach longer than usual, this may increase the chance of material moving backwards.

Oesophageal problems

Conditions affecting oesophageal movement or structure can cause regurgitation and may resemble reflux.

Hiatal hernia

In some dogs, part of the stomach can move through the diaphragm, affecting the normal gastro-oesophageal junction.

Diet and meal size

Large meals or certain feeding patterns may influence gastric filling and reflux in some dogs, although diet alone is not always the cause.

Nausea

Lip licking, swallowing and gulping can occur with nausea as well as reflux.

These signs therefore need to be interpreted in the context of the whole dog.

What you may notice

What can you observe?

If you are concerned about possible reflux, it can help to notice the pattern.

Regurgitation or vomiting

These are different. Regurgitation is usually passive, while vomiting involves active abdominal effort.

Lip licking and repeated swallowing

These may occur with nausea or oesophageal irritation.

Timing around meals

Notice whether signs happen before eating, shortly after meals or overnight.

Changes in appetite

Some dogs may become reluctant to eat if swallowing is uncomfortable.

Coughing or gagging

These can sometimes occur if material irritates the throat or airway.

Body weight

Ongoing difficulty eating or repeated regurgitation can affect body condition.

Recent anaesthesia

Tell your vet if the signs began after a procedure requiring general anaesthesia.

A clear description of what you observe can help your veterinary team distinguish between reflux, regurgitation and vomiting.

Everyday considerations

If your dog has been diagnosed with reflux or oesophagitis, follow your vet's feeding and medication instructions carefully.

In some cases, smaller and more frequent meals may be recommended.

Your vet may also advise temporary dietary changes depending on the underlying cause.

Do not give human antacids or acid-suppressing medication without veterinary advice.

The correct treatment depends on the cause, and some medications can interact with other treatments or may be inappropriate for a particular dog.

If signs are recurring, keeping a simple record of meal timing, regurgitation, vomiting and appetite can be useful.

When to speak to your vet

Speak to your vet if your dog has repeated regurgitation, persistent gulping or swallowing, difficulty eating or signs of discomfort around meals.

Veterinary assessment is particularly important if you notice:

repeated regurgitation
vomiting
refusal to eat
difficulty swallowing
coughing after eating or drinking
unexplained weight loss
marked lethargy
blood in vomit or regurgitated material
recurring signs after anaesthesia
signs that continue or worsen over time

Repeated regurgitation can also increase the risk of material entering the lungs, so persistent episodes should not be ignored.

References

Further reading:

Washabau RJ. Diseases of the Esophagus. In: Canine and Feline Gastroenterology. Elsevier.

Marks SL. Disorders of the Esophagus in Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual.

Hall EJ, Simpson JW, Williams DA. BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Gastroenterology. British Small Animal Veterinary Association.

Twedt DC. Gastroesophageal reflux and esophagitis in dogs. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice.

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