Reflux in dogs

What is reflux, and how do we manage this in dogs

Many dogs experience reflux, also known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It can be just as uncomfortable for them, as it is for us.

Reflux is where there is a flow of stomach acid which moves out of the stomach, which washes up through the oesophagus.

The oesophagus is the tube which connects the mouth to the stomach. As this should only be exposed to food, saliva and water, it does not have the same protective coating as the stomach to protect from the strong stomach acid. When occurring frequently, they may experience pain and tissue inflammation which results in damage to the sensitive tissues lining the oesophagus.

GERD can occur occasionally after a high level of stress, or can be related to consistent levels of high anxiety. Food allergies, stomach abnormalities or dogs that have a tendency to gulp food too quickly.

It can be a once off occurrence, or can occur on a consistent and regular basis.

The longer this continues, and the more frequent this is happening, the more pain, inflammation and tissue damage will be occurring.

Licking the air or an increase in yawning or chewing can be a symptom of reflux in dogs.

What are the common symptoms of reflux in dogs

• Licking- this can be licking the air, or licking bedding, walls or furniture.

• Swallowing or snapping at the air

• Change in appetite. Some dogs will be off their food, others may have an increase in appetite to help soothe the pain.

• Burping or dry retching

• Teeth grinding

• Chewing and eating non-food items.

• Coughing or constant throat clearing

• Change to their bark

Symptoms can be diverse, and the severity of symptoms do not represent the severity of the GERD. However this can progress to significant tissue damage. If left unmanaged, symptoms may continue to worsen, and change in nature. very severe symptoms can start to occur, such as throwing up blood, weight loss and general malaise.

Causes of GERD

As with most health concerns, there can be dogs that experience a large range of causative factors, and will never experience reflux, and other dogs that will have none of the possible causes yet they will still develop this condition.

Some breeds are a little more prone to developing reflux, such as the brachycephalic breeds which have a shorter oesophagus and shorter palate.

Diet

Highly processed foods, especially in the form of dry food can be more problematic for these dogs. Dry food is dehydrated, and compact which will rehydrate and expand within the stomach. This puts an increased amount of pressure on the sphincter, which is a small circular muscle at the entrance of the stomach, leading to the oesophagus. When there is excessive pressure on this sphincter, there can be a weakening and failure of this muscle as it gets tired and overworked.

This can allow the stomach acid to move up through the sphincter and into the oesophagus. Any constant increase in pressure can lead to the weakening of the sphincter. It is a muscle and can be weakened like any other muscle.

Large amounts of bone, or the new addition of bone in a dog that is not used to this in their diet. This can be more difficult to digest, and can slow the passage of food from the stomach, increasing the time food in the stomach is putting pressure on the Sphincter.

A sudden change in diet that can also lead to poor mobility through the stomach Or hypermobility through the digestive tract, which can increase reflux.

Changes in diet or food allergies can be a cause of reflux in some dogs

Inflammation of the digestive tract

Food gradually moves through the digestive system in part because of muscular contractions called peristalsis.

When there is inflammation within any part of the digestive tract, there can be a change to the movement of digesta, through changing the rate of the peristalsis.

This can be an increase of movement, or a slowing or dysfunction of the peristaltic movement through the intestines. Anyone that has experienced cramping or griping pain can relate to the irregular motions. This can all change the pressures in the stomach, and increase the escape of acid into the oesophagus.

Chronic pancreatitis is also a cause of continual inflammation within the digestive tract. There can also be an increase in the amount of vomiting, or retching which will increase the pressure load on the sphincter. Allowing this to be weakened between bouts of vomiting.

What can we do about it?

To offer immediate relief we want to soothe and calm the inflammation, whilst also preventing the acids from making contact with the sensitive tissues.

Slippery elm can be a very useful herb to help soothe, calm and heal the tissue throughout the digestive system. This herb is a mucilage herb, which can create a soothing lining to help create a physical barrier.

Promote healing

By protecting the cells lining the oesophagus with the slippery elm, we can allow time to heal and regenerate this tissue. We can also look at other herbs which can improve healing.

Gotu kola, licorice, marshmallow aloe vera and minerals like zinc, glutamine and vitamin C.

Improve the strength of the lower sphincter

This will come with reducing the pressure load.

feeding in smaller more regular meals.

Addressing any recurrent vomiting.

Addressing any underlying pancreatitis or inflammation in the bowel.

Do not allow them to have hunger pukes, and reducing kibble and feeding a more hydrated food.

Some more anxious dog, and highly active dogs can be prone to reflux

Reduce stress

Stress and anxiety will trigger the sympathetic nervous system. This is the fight or flight and survive nervous system. We want to look at supporting the process of allowing the nervous system to move into the parasympathetic, or "rest and Digest" nervous system, especially during meal times.

Allowing time between highly stressful events and eating, or feeding prior to strenuous exercise.

Allow time for the food to move from the stomach to the small intestine before engaging in high intensity activity.

Not feeding large meals when they are feeling very anxious and overwhelmed. Having quiet time prior to feeding, and also after meal times.

Improve digestion

Improving digestion is always going to help.

Probiotics

supporting a healthy microbiome can help to reduce inflammation and regulate transit time.

Digestive enzyme

Not all dogs require digestive enzyme supplementation, especially when they are eating a raw diet, however others on a commercial diet will benefit from supplemental digestive enzymes. Enzymes will help to improve the chemical breakdown of foods.

If you are looking for more detailed digestive support, or would like some more personalised support, please reach out to book in for a consultation.