Key facts at a glance
- If the food and stomach acid get into the dog’s esophagus, it causes heartburn.
- Possible heartburn triggers include overly large portions of food and intolerances.
- Since heartburn in dogs can also be triggered by illnesses, a visit to the veterinarian is advisable if the corresponding symptoms occur.
- It is usually sufficient for treatment if affected dogs drink a lot and are given a more digestible food in small portions.
- If necessary, the veterinarian can also prescribe medication for affected dogs to relieve the symptoms.
How heartburn occurs in dogs
Normally, food enters the dog’s stomach from the mouth via the esophagus. Digestion begins there and a sphincter at the entrance to the stomach ensures that food cannot get back from the stomach into the esophagus.
However, if the sphincter muscle is weakened, which can be the case, for example, due to excess acidity in the stomach, it is no longer able to perform its function properly. This allows the mashed food, along with the stomach acid, to flow into the dog’s esophagus and cause heartburn.
Causes of heartburn in dogs
A weakening of the sphincter at the entrance to the stomach is not the only cause of heartburn in dogs. In addition, there are various other triggers that can contribute to the development of heartburn.
These include, for example, hormonal imbalances, excessive stress and inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis). In addition, an incorrect diet can sometimes upset dogs’ stomachs and cause digestive problems such as heartburn. This can be the case, for example, if incompatible ingredients are eaten, if the amount of food is too large, or if the quality of the food is poor overall.
Recognize heartburn in dogs
Since dogs are known not to be able to speak and the symptoms of heartburn are usually quite unspecific, it is sometimes difficult to notice the symptoms of the four-legged friend promptly. However, there are some signs owners can use to tell their dog may have heartburn.
Some of the symptoms that can indicate heartburn in dogs include:
- Regular vomiting
- coughing and choking
- difficulties swallowing
- Frequent belching
- Strong salivation and smacking
- Excessive eating of grass
Dogs with heartburn need a veterinarian
If your dog develops possible symptoms of heartburn, a prompt visit to the veterinarian is strongly recommended. Because it is quite possible that heartburn, which is harmless on its own, is caused by a serious illness.
The vet will probably first talk to you about the symptoms you have observed in your dog and give the four-legged friend a general examination. For a reliable diagnosis of the cause of the heartburn, the veterinarian may also perform an examination of your dog’s stomach and esophagus.
Water can relieve heartburn in dogs
If you want to relieve your dog’s heartburn, it is particularly important that your four-legged friend drinks enough. Because the more liquid he takes in, the more his stomach acid is diluted, which experience has shown can help to counteract heartburn.
Which dog food is suitable for heartburn?
Dogs with heartburn should be given a food that is as easily digestible as possible, ideally without grain and with a reduced fat content. On the other hand, bones and other hard-to-digest foods should be avoided.
In order to protect the dog’s digestion as much as possible, it also makes sense to divide the amount of food into four to five smaller portions. This relieves the stomach and helps to prevent heartburn in the dog.
Why dogs with heartburn eat more grass
Eating more grass is a typical sign of heartburn in dogs. Consuming weed helps regulate stomach acid levels, which can help relieve heartburn.
If you observe this behavior in your dog, it is not a problem in principle. However, care should be taken to ensure that grass eating is moderate and avoid areas where the lawn may be contaminated with pesticides and exhaust fumes.
Heartburn in dogs – our conclusion
As you can see, heartburn in dogs can usually be managed quite well with simple measures such as drinking enough fluids and adjusting the diet.
However, depending on the cause, medication may also be required. If this is the case, the veterinarian will inform you accordingly and, for example, prescribe an agent to neutralize the stomach acid or, if necessary, antibiotics for your four-legged friend.